Pradaxa internal bleeding symptoms can depend upon where the bleeding originated and how much blood has been lost.

The FDA approved Pradaxa (dabigatran) in 2010, and it was one of the first NOACs (new oral anticoagulants) to hit the U.S. market. Prior to an influx of NOACs, the only blood thinner available was Coumadin (warfarin), which has been used relatively safely for nearly 60 years.

Makers of the new NOACs were quick to point out how the new blood thinners were purportedly superior to warfarin, which requires regular blood monitoring to ensure proper medication levels are maintained. Warfarin also requires some dietary restrictions that Pradaxa users don’t have to follow. However, some patients claim unexpected Pradaxa internal bleeding symptoms. 

An important distinction between warfarin and Pradaxa is that warfarin’s blood thinning effects can be counteracted by a dose of vitamin K. All emergency rooms around the country know about this antidote in the event a patient taking warfarin is a victim of an injury accident or needs emergency surgery.

Pradaxa maker Boehringer Ingelheim finally introduced Praxbind, a Pradaxa antidote, in 2015, but that was not until it was too late for thousands of patients who had suffered serious injury or death due to out of control Pradaxa bleeding episodes.

Prior to Praxbind’s introduction, the only way to stop Pradaxa’s blood thinning effects was by flushing the medication out of the blood through dialysis treatments, a process that can take hours. Sometimes the patient also needed several blood transfusions in the process of eliminating the drug from the patient’s system. The time-consuming and taxing processes combined with whatever medical issue initially prompted the patient to go to the hospital often added up to life-threatening situations that some patients didn’t survive.

Pradaxa Internal Bleeding Symptoms

Pradaxa works by blocking thrombin, a clotting protein in the blood. Minor side effects can include bruising, minor bleeding, indigestion, and heartburn.

More serious side effects can include internal bleeding, which may be initially noticed by causing localized inflammation and pain. Extensive internal bleeding can cause the patient to go into shock.

Inside a month of Pradaxa’s 2010 entrance on the market, 260 patients died of internal bleeding. In 2011, reports indicate an additional 540 patients bled to death after taking Pradaxa.

Depending on how long the patient has been bleeding and where the bleeding originated, Pradaxa internal bleeding symptoms can include a headache, stiff neck, or confusion.

Some patients experience stroke symptoms such as vision loss, weakness and slurred speech among their Pradaxa internal bleeding symptoms. A Pradaxa patient who feels lightheaded, has shortness of breath, or low blood pressure could be suffering from internal bleeding.

Those suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding might see blood in the stool, blood in the urine or experience rectal bleeding among their Pradaxa internal bleeding symptoms. In addition to the possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding, Pradaxa complications can include kidney bleeding, heart attack, stroke, brain hemorrhage and even, death.

If you or someone you love suffered Pradaxa internal bleeding symptoms, you could benefit from speaking with an attorney regarding your potential for compensation through legal representation.