For nearly six decades, doctors used warfarin (Coumadin) as an oral blood thinning medication for patients in need.

The drug required frequent monitoring and a special diet, and while it worked very well, it was sometimes cumbersome to manage.

In 2010, Pradaxa took center stage as a new generation oral anticoagulant that was promoted as an easier to use alternative to warfarin, but just as effective.

Pradaxa sales quickly climbed as more and more physicians began prescribing the medication. Boehringer Ingelheim reported blockbuster sales revenue the first couple years after its release.

Severe Pradaxa Side Effects

Along with reports of huge sales came concerning reports of adverse effects from Pradaxa use. The Institute of Safe Medication practices reported that Pradaxa took the top spot for deaths and injuries of any drug reported after the more than 800 drugs were reviewed.

In 2011, 3,781 adverse events were reported to the FDA and 542 deaths were also reported.

The severe Pradaxa side effects stem from the primary action of the drug itself. As an anticoagulant, the blood thinning medication stops the body’s normal process of forming clots.

Most of the time, this inhibition of clotting does no harm to the patient. However, when there is a need for the blood to clot and stop a bleed, the body is unable to do so while on Pradaxa.

The same clotting issue happened with warfarin. However, in a quick response to reverse the anticoagulant’s effects, doctors could administer fresh frozen plasma and intravenous vitamin K as an antidote to reinstate clotting.

Pradaxa, until about eight months ago, had no reversal agent.

When the body needs to stop a bleed, a clot is formed to do so. When the body can’t form a clot, a person can suffer from severe, sustained internal bleeding that may cause permanent damage and even death.

Pradaxa Side Effects: Cerebral Hemorrhage

One common site of internal bleeding is in the brain. Cerebral hemorrhage is caused when an artery in the brain bursts and the blood seeps into surrounding tissues, killing brain cells.

Symptoms of cerebral hemorrhage include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lethargy or confusion
• Loss of vision (usually temporary)
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Speech difficulty
• Seizures or loss of consciousness

Pradaxa Side Effects: Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gastorintestinal bleeding is the other common type of bleeding associated with Pradaxa use. Gastrointestinal bleeding may go unnoticed for a longer period of time since some symptoms that appear such as those at the top of this may not be obviously linked to the medication.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding include:

• Stomach pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fast heartbeat
• Pale skin and gums
• Clammy skin
• Dry mouth and increased thirst
• Less urine output
• Extreme fatigue, weakness or lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Vomiting blood (shades of red or black) or vomit that resembles coffee grounds
• Bloody or black bowel movements

Any kind of internal bleeding is a medical emergency and medical attention must be sought immediately.

Filing a Pradaxa Side Effects Lawsuit

More than 4,000 lawsuits were filed against Boehringer Ingelheim by 2014. To resolve claims in this massive litigation, the drug manufacturer paid $650 million to settle all current lawsuits at the time. However, the company admitted no wrongdoing.

Pradaxa lawsuits are still being filed by patients who suffered severe gastrointestinal bleeding or cerebral hemorrhage. By filing such lawsuits, consumers are hoping to send a message to pharmaceutical companies that they owe it to patients to provide safe products and to be transparent in their marketing.

If you would like to check your eligibility to file a Pradaxa lawsuit, an attorney can review your case for free and can help you understand your legal options.

A Pradaxa class action lawsuit may be filed when many people have experienced the same, or a very similar injury. This could be for financial damages, medical expenses, time away from work due to injury or even time away from work while caring for an injured or sick loved one.

Sometimes a class action lawsuit may not be the best strategy for someone injured by Pradaxa. In that case, an attorney representing you personally may be the best course of action. If you are represented individually because you or a loved one has been injured by Pradaxa you may have a much better chance of being compensated for your injuries, medical treatment and pain and suffering due to Pradaxa side effects.

Pradaxa attorneys are also available to families who lost a loved one allegedly due to a Pradaxa side effect. If your loved one died while taking Pradaxa you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Boehringer Ingelheim.