Pradaxa Bleeding Side Effects Highlighted By Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month
By Andrea Gressman
In recognition of Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month, many have started issuing warnings that the well-known blood-thinning agent designed to prevent strokes and blood-clots in atrial fibrillation patients, Pradaxa, may actually be at the root of severe, uncontrollable internal bleeding side effects.
Pradaxa is at the center of a plethora of Pradaxa internal bleeding lawsuits, as patients are claiming they were not adequately warned of the dangers associated with the drug. It was approved to lower risks associated with stroke and blood-clots for non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients. However, with no antidote to reverse its anti-clotting effects, patients are at greater risk for potentially fatal consequences resulting from Pradaxa internal bleeding.
Hemorrhaging is a common side effect of blood thinners. However, where the older blood thinner, warfarin, does contain such antidotes, Pradaxa does not. A June 14th Huffington Post article cited that Pradaxa users have no effective way to stop severe bleeds. It is even suggested that minor, otherwise non-life threatening events, such as a ground-level fall, may have fatal consequences.
A March issue of the Journal of Neurosurgery drew attention to this concern after a publication of a case report concerning a male Pradaxa user who died of excessive brain hemorrhaging after suffering a minor head trauma.
FDA’s Safety Announcement for Pradaxa Side Effects
The FDA released a safety announcement in December 2011 stating intended evaluations of Pradaxa bleeding and Pradaxa hemorrhaging reports. The agency said it would be investigating whether reports of excessive Pradaxa bleeding were occurring more often than their expectations. However, they believed the benefits of the drug were worth the side effects associated with it.
New Pradaxa lawsuits filed after the FDA safety announcement stated the popular blood-thinner medication was too risky and dangerous than its equally effective counterpart, which is also prescribed to patients experiencing abnormalities in their heartbeats.
People who suffer from atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of stroke, as it is a condition of irregular heart rhythm involving the upper heart chamber. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and even using aspirin to prevent blood clotting can reduce the risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation patients at a greater risk for blood clots may consider more potent blood thinners such as warfarin or Pradaxa.
Atrial Fibrillation Month – Warning Patients about Pradaxa Side Effects
Over 2.5 million Americans suffer from atrial fibrillation; therefore, Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month was designated by the Senate in 2009 to bring to light the dangers and to administer support for those suffering from this condition.
Pradaxa was praised as an innovator in the advent of more user-friendly blood thinners, as patients no longer had to follow a strict set of dietary restrictions, nor did they have to undergo regular blood testing as they were required to with warfarin.
There are a number of patients who switched from warfarin to Pradaxa; however, shortly after the switch, they suffered from severe internal bleeding side effects.
Pradaxa personal injury lawyers are awaiting testimonials from individuals who suffered severe bleeding while on Pradaxa, as well as friends and family representing them. Pradaxa patients who suffered from gastrointestinal bleeding, cerebral hemorrhaging or other types of internal bleeding may be eligible for compensation damages to help cover medical bills and other losses. Visit the Pradaxa Internal Bleeding Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page today.
Updated September 26th, 2012
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