Pradaxa (dabigatran) is a newer generation anticoagulant  manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.

Pradaxa and its closely related counterparts, Eliquis and Xarelto, were created as alternatives to Coumadin (warfarin).

For a long time, warfarin was the most widely used anticoagulant. While it performs well, it is not the most convenient drug to administer because patients have to follow dietary restrictions and require frequent monitoring.

Pradaxa is used to reduce the risk of stroke in individuals suffering from atrial fibrillation. Last year, it also received FDA approval to treat deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT is a condition that occurs when a blood clot is in a deep vein in the body, typically in the legs. PE is a blood clot that travels to the lungs. Often, a pulmonary embolism is a result of a DVT.

Pradaxa was the first of the three newer generation anticoagulants to hit the market and was FDA approved in 2010. It didn’t take long to become the top prescribed anticoagulant on the market.

Pradaxa Side Effects

Pradaxa was the shining star of anticoagulant medications for a while until patients and physicians began noticing severe side effects, mainly internal bleeding that can’t easily be stopped.

While warfarin patients also experienced bleeding complications, doctors were able to stop the bleeding using vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma as reversal agents.

But there is no Pradaxa antidote. Patients must wait until the drug clears their system to have the bleeding stop on its own.

The bleeding of most concern, internal Pradaxa bleeding, can be difficult to identify. Patients on the medication should be aware of the signs of Pradaxa internal bleeding, which include:

• Dizziness or fainting
• Easy or unusual bruising
• Severe headache
• Unusual pain, swelling or discomfort anywhere in the body
• Frequent or persistent nosebleeds
• Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Excessive bleeding from gums or cuts
• Dark urine or urine with a pink tint
• Black, bloody or tarry stools
• Coughing up blood
• Vomiting tainted with blood or with the appearance of coffee grounds

Internal bleeding can lead to permanent damage and may be fatal in extreme circumstances, so it is important that patients be aware of the signs and get emergency care.

Pradaxa Lawsuit Information

Thousands of Boehringer Ingelheim lawsuit cases against Pradaxa have been filed. Due to the high volume of lawsuits, a multidistrict litigation was created to assist in streamlining the case proceedings to be heard by one judge.

Last May, Boehringer Ingelheim paid plaintiffs $650 million to settle 4,000 lawsuits active at the time. Boehringer Ingelheim denied any wrongdoing.

If you or a loved one has suffered severe bleeding as a result of Pradaxa use, you may be entitled to receive legal compensation. An experienced Pradaxa attorney will evaluate your case for free and will explain your legal options.