Pradaxa is a novel blood-thining drug prescribed by doctors to prevent blood clots in people with a certain heart condition.

However, after just two years after its release, patients began to die or suffer serious Pradaxa side effects such as hemorrhaging and uncontrollable internal bleeding after taking this medication.

Is Pradaxa Dangerous?

Pradaxa is an anticoagulant, manufacturer by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. that works by blocking the clotting protein thrombin. Pradaxa is used to prevent blood clots from forming because of a certain irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation).

Hundreds of thousands of people have atrial fibrillation, and are in danger for an increased risk of stroke, and take Pradaxa to reduce this risk.

However, many Pradaxa users claims that had been told of the risks of the novel blood-thinning drug over its comparatively ancient counterpart, warfarin, they would not have taken Pradaxa.

What You Should Know About Pradaxa Side Effects

Anticoagulants like Pradaxa, sometimes referred to as blood thinners, are drugs that help prevent blood clots. They are given to people who are at a high risk of developing blood clots in order to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke caused by a blood clot.

Unfortunately, one of the risks associated with blood thinners like Pradaxa is the risk of uncontrollable internal bleeding.

Serious Pradaxa side effects that require immediate medical attentions include:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Cerebral hemorrhaging
• Excessive menstrual bleeding
• Excessive nose bleeds
• Unexplained bruising, GI discomfort, blood in stool and/or urine

Pradaxa and the FDA

The FDA approved Pradaxa in 2010 to prevent stroke and systemic blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation, as well as for the treatment and prevention of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It has been prescribed to over 850,000 patients in the United States.

However, Pradaxa has been linked to more than 1,000 deaths, according to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, which tracks drug safety.

In 2011, Pradaxa was one of the most frequently mentioned drugs in the FDA’s adverse event report database. In 2014 the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication regarding Pradaxa. It stated that the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding was higher with Pradaxa as compared to warfarin.

Pradaxa Lawsuits

Boehringer Ingelheim agreed to pay $650 million in 2014 to settle thousands of lawsuits involving its blood thinner Pradaxa.

These Pradaxa lawsuits claim that the company failed to properly warn patients and their families that Pradaxa could cause serious and sometimes fatal bleeding events, and that these bleeding events could not be easily reversed.

Now, the drug maker is facing a new round of lawsuits alleging that users suffered severe and often fatal bleeding problems after using the controversial anticoagulant.

While approval of a Pradaxa bleeding reversal agent came in 2015, it was much too late for many patients who suffered or died as a result of Pradaxa side effects.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by serious internal bleeding while taking Pradaxa, you may be entitled to compensation.

Note:  Do not stop taking Pradaxa without first speaking to your doctor.