Pradaxa Caused Severe Internal Bleeding, Lawsuit Says

By Sarah Mirando | August 1, 2012

Category: Pharmaceuticals

By Matt O’Donnell

A new Pradaxa lawsuit filed July 11, 2012 alleges the blood thinning medication Pradaxa caused the Plaintiff to suffer severe gastrointestinal bleeding — an undisclosed side effect of Pradaxa. It’s the latest in a string of Pradaxa bleeding lawsuits filed against drug maker Boehringer Ingelheim for failing to warn patients and their doctors about the risk of excessive and uncontrollable bleeding that can occur from taking the drug.

Plaintiff Lucille Nolan alleges in the Pradaxa lawsuit that she was prescribed the anticoagulant to help prevent complications associated with her atrial fibrillation, which can cause blood clotting and puts the patient at risk for stroke. Pradaxa was first introduced to the U.S. market in 2010, and has already become one of Boehringer Ingelheim’s best-selling drugs, with sales expected to reach about $603 million this year. Pradaxa was supposed to replace warfarin (Coumadin), which requires regular blood monitoring and a strict diet, and was marketed as a “just as safe” alternative without burdensome restrictions. However, numerous Pradaxa bleeding lawsuits have been filed by patients — like Nolan — who suffered severe internal bleeding from the drug that could not be stopped. At least 260 Pradaxa bleeding deaths were reported between 2008 and 2011, according to a November 2011 report from Boehringer.

Nolan’s Pradaxa attorney alleges in the Pradaxa lawsuit that she suffered severe and life-altering injuries, as well as severe mental pain and suffering from her Pradaxa bleeding injuries. Plaintiffs like Nolan are claiming Boehringer is guilty of product design defects and inadequate product warnings, and are seeking a Pradaxa settlement to help them cover their medical expenses.

The problem, Pradaxa lawyers say, is that while both warfarin and Pradaxa are linked to excessive bleeding, Pradaxa doesn’t have a reversal agent and Boehringer failed to adequately warn the public of this. If bleeding from warfarin (or Coumadin) occurs, it can be reversed with a single dose of vitamin K. Pradaxa bleeding, however, has no cure, which can lead to life-threatening complications and even death. Boehringer Ingelheim recently announced it is working on a Pradaxa bleeding cure, but this doesn’t help patients who have already suffered Pradaxa bleeding injuries or who died from their injuries, Pradaxa lawyers say.

Pradaxa Bleeding Symptoms/Side Effects

Pradaxa was linked to more deaths in 2011 than any other legal drug, which is why it’s imperative that Pradaxa users know the signs and symptoms of a Pradaxa hemorrhage or internal bleeding. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away:

* bruising without cause

* frequent nose bleeds

* bleeding from the gums

* discolored urine

* red or black stools

* coughing up blood

* vomiting blood

If you or a loved one suffered internal bleeding or hemorrhage while taking Pradaxa, you should contact a Pradaxa Internal Bleeding law firm immediately to see if you have a claim for compensation. A Pradaxa attorney can discuss your case to see if a Pradaxa internal bleeding lawsuit, wrongful death lawsuit, or Pradaxa class action lawsuit is a good option for you.

Visit the Pradaxa Internal Bleeding Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page for more information about your rights. Pradaxa attorneys are actively investigating all claims regarding Pradaxa injuries, as well as bleeding injuries caused by other anticoagulant medications, including warfarin (Coumadin). These Pradaxa lawyers don’t get paid unless you do.

Updated August 1st, 2012

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