Studies and evidence have shown that Pradaxa (dabigatran) carries a significant risk of internal bleeding. Although created to be a safer anticoagulant than warfarin, the lack of an antidote has allegedly caused many individuals to suffer from extreme Pradaxa internal bleeding side effects, including death.

About Pradaxa

Pradaxa was approved in 2010 as an anticoagulant treatment (a blood thinner). The drug, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, belongs to a class of drugs called Factor Xa inhibitors, which include other popular drugs like Xarelto and Eliquis.

The drug was designed to be an alternative to warfarin. Warfarin required consistent monitoring after use as well as a diet change for patients using this traditional anticoagulant. Pradaxa was presented as an easier-to-use blood thinner that did not require monitoring like warfarin. While warfarin could cause internal bleeding, Vitamin K can be used as an antidote, easily preventing serious damage from occurring. The lack of a Pradaxa antidote, however, has caused hundreds to be seriously injured or even killed by Pradaxa internal bleeding.

The FDA received over 300 reports of Pradaxa side effects within the first three months the drug was on the market. (These reports were only concerning Pradaxa internal bleeding and not other potential Pradaxa side effects.) Just over 250 people allegedly died from the drug in the first year, most likely due to the lack of a Pradaxa antidote.

In 2011, the FDA issued a warning about Pradaxa side effects, which according to the FDA warning may include: internal bleeding, kidney bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart attack, stroke, brain hemorrhage, or death.

Other Factor Xa Inhibitor drugs are currently under investigation for similar internal bleeding side effects. Despite the danger, Pradaxa was the first of several drugs to be made without warnings of dangerous internal bleeding without antidote.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals is allegedly working on a Pradaxa antidote and hopes to release one on the pharmaceutical market soon. 

Pradaxa Internal Bleeding Lawsuits

Many Pradaxa internal bleeding lawsuits have claimed that there is no way to stop Pradaxa internal bleeding once it has begun until the drug has left the patient’s system.  Pradaxa internal bleeding lawsuits have also alleged that the drug maker was aware of the dangerous side effects but failed to warn their users. Instead, they were able to profit from the Pradaxa sales, which were made under the assumption that the drug was safe to use.

Pradaxa internal bleeding lawsuits may help a victim to receive compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced due to unknown Pradaxa side effects. Plaintiffs may also be compensated for their medical bills, loss of wages, and other damages.

If a family member died from Pradaxa internal bleeding and the lack of Pradaxa antidote, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed by surviving family members.

A Pradaxa class action lawsuit investigation is currently underway for plaintiffs who share similar injuries caused by the anticoagulant treatment.