Pradaxa is an anti-coagulant that doctors have prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in certain patients. Unfortunately, it carries an incredibly high risk for potentially deadly side effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had more than 500 complaints of death and serious injury due to internal bleeding associated with Pradaxa in the first three months of 2011. It’s typically used as a substitute for Coumadin, which has a reversal agent. The most dangerous side effects associated with Pradaxa are internal bleeding and hemorrhaging.
Pradaxa in the News A lawsuit has recently been filed against the makers of Pradaxa on behalf of the daughters of a woman who reportedly died after taking Pradaxa. Janine V. McHugh and Jennifer D. Merlino filed a lawsuit against Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals and various subsidiaries. Their mother was said to have developed a gastrointestinal hemorrhage four months after she began taking Pradaxa for non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The Pennsylvania Record reports that the lawsuit argues that Boehringer Ingelheim knew or should have known that the original labeling of the drug did not adequately warn the plaintiff of the risks associated with Pradaxa. The lawsuit goes on to argue that the defendants knew or should have known that certain patients were at an increased risk for developing life-threatening “bleeds” as a result of taking Pradaxa.
Dangerous Pradaxa Side Effects • Hemorrhaging
• Internal bleeding • Prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums • Persistent or frequent nosebleeds • Coughing up blood • Bloody vomit • Abdominal pain • Unusual pain, swelling, discomfort or bruising Why is Pradaxa so Dangerous?
Pradaxa is incredibly dangerous to patients, because there is no reversal agent available. Once internal bleeding begins, it is nearly impossible for doctors to help their patients. If you have lost a loved one to internal bleeding and hemorrhaging associated with Pradaxa, contact an experienced Boston drug injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Victims of Pradaxa Unfortunately, the side effects associated with Pradaxa can quickly become fatal. If patients even begin to think they’re facing dangerous Pradaxa side effects, they need to seek medical assistance immediately. Sadly, when internal bleeding associated with Pradaxa begins, it is difficult to stop. In cases where victims bleed to death, their families are often facing extensive medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages and a loss of love and companionship. Surviving victims of Pradaxa side effects may be facing ongoing medical expenses and complications.
The Implications of Pradaxa Side Effects There has been some speculation that the German pharmaceutical manufacturing company, Boehringer Ingelheim, knew about the potentially deadly side effects associated with Pradaxa before putting it on the market. A Massachusetts drug injury lawyer may need to recover research data and drug records internationally for Pradaxa injury cases. An experienced drug injury lawyer needs to stay on top of investigative developments and new information that comes to light. Due to the extremely dangerous and severe side effects associated with Pradaxa, victims and their families are encouraged to contact an experienced Boston drug injury attorney as soon as possible.
Contact an experienced MA drug injury lawyer, if you or a loved one has suffered from the dangerous side effects associated with Pradaxa use. The skilled legal team at Altman & Altman LLP is standing by to evaluate your case for free. Make an appointment today at 617-492-3000.
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