Pradaxa Lawsuits Cite Severe, Undisclosed Side Effects

Since its approval by the FDA, Pradaxa has been subjected to scrutiny over its safety. Although an investigation by the FDA found no evidence to suggest that Pradaxa posed a higher bleeding risk than its precursor warfarin, there is still concern that the drug may actually pose significant risk to patients. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed by patients and their families seeking to hold the drug maker liable for failing to warn of its potentially fatal side effects.

Pradaxa Side Effects

Patients who use Pradaxa have complained of several serious side effects, including:

• Uncontrollable intestinal bleeding
• Brain hemorrhage
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Internal bleeding
• Kidney bleeding
• Heart attack
• Death

Pradaxa Users Susceptible to Viral Infections

A recent study from the University of North Carolina suggests that patients who use Pradaxa may experience an increased risk of viral infections, including influenza and myocarditis. Myocarditis is a viral infection of the heart that can cause sudden death in children and young adults.

Pradaxa works by blocking the activity of an enzyme that contributes to the formation of blood clots. The researchers involved in the study discovered that blocking this enzyme has an adverse effect on the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to viral infections.

The researchers plan to repeat this study with warfarin to determine if the drug also increases the risk of viral infections.

Number of Pradaxa Lawsuits on the Rise

Many patients have complained that Pradaxa increases the risk of uncontrollable bleeding. In 2011, the FDA received nearly 4,000 complaints from people who suffered adverse health consequences after using Pradaxa. According to FDA officials, there were 550 reported Pradaxa-related deaths in 2011. However, the FDA has insisted that the drug is safe when used as directed and poses no more of a health risk than warfarin.

There is a significant difference between Pradaxa bleeding risks and those posed by warfarin, however. Warfarin has an antidote that can help to stop bleeding, while there is no known antidote to stop Pradaxa bleeding. There are currently more than 250 Pradaxa lawsuits currently pending by victims of Pradaxa bleeding injuries. They have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.

If you have suffered from serious Pradaxa side effects, you are not alone. Thousands of people have complained about the health risks posed by Pradaxa. There are currently hundreds of Pradaxa injury lawsuits pending in federal court. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for their medical costs and the emotional distress they have suffered after taking Pradaxa. To learn more about your legal options, visit the Pradaxa Internal Bleeding Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page. A Pradaxa injury lawyer will review your information, free of charge. If you qualify to join a Pradaxa lawsuit, you could receive significant compensation for your injuries.