Pradaxa (dabigatran) is an anticoagulant made by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals that inhibits platelets in blood from clotting.

It is a newer generation drug that is used as an alternative to warfarin. Some doctors prefer to use Pradaxa because it does not have the dietary restrictions that warfarin does and it does not require frequent monitoring like patients on warfarin need.

Pradaxa is used to prevent blood clots and to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with a heart disorder called atrial fibrillation. It also has been linked to severe side effects.

Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly, as many as 200-300 times per minute. These beats in quick succession are not strong enough to push the blood outside of the heart, and the blood that remains will eventually begin to clot.

These blood clots can travel to the brain and block the flow of blood, causing a stroke. People suffering from atrial fibrillation are four to six times more likely to suffer a stroke than those without the condition.

Common Pradaxa Side Effects

As with any medication, side effects are common, and doctors will weigh the risks and benefits of prescribing Pradaxa before dispensing the medication. Commonly reported side effects of Pradaxa include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Belching
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heart burn
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Pain or burning in the throat
• Vomiting

Life-Threatening Complications of Pradaxa

Pradaxa greatly reduces the risk of stroke by inhibiting clotting, but it also makes the body unable to stop bleeding once there is an injury. Most of the injuries associated with Pradaxa use are internal, so the bleeding that happens is not always obvious.

Those who are suffering from internal bleeding may notice these signs and symptoms:

• Unusual bruising
• Pink or brown urine
• Red or black tarry stool
• Vomiting a substance that looks like coffee grounds
• Bleeding gums or frequent nose bleeds
• Weakness and swelling of the extremities

Unlike warfarin, Pradaxa does not have an antidote, so when a patient starts bleeding from Pradaxa use, there is no way to stop it. With warfarin, administration of vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma can stop bleeding.

Without a Pradaxa antidote, bleeding can continue for as long as the drug is in a patient’s system, which may be as much as 24 hours. Sometimes, depending on the patient’s condition, this may lead to irreversible damage or death.

Pradaxa Bleeding Lawsuit Information

Many patients and their loved ones who suffered severe bleeding injury from Pradaxa use felt that the manufacturer did not adequately warn consumers and physicians of the risk of taking the drug.

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed and there has been a Boehringer Ingelheim lawsuit consolidation with multidistrict litigation (MDL). All lawsuits in the MDL are heard at one court under one judge to speed up the process and encourage consistency of rulings.

If you or a loved one has suffered severe internal bleeding or other serious side effects from Pradaxa, you may be entitled to legal compensation. A Pradaxa attorney can advise you on your legal options in a free, confidential consultation.