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Pradaxa Linked to Potentially Fatal Internal Bleeding

What is Pradaxa?

Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) is a blood thinning medication that is used to help prevent potential strokes and serious blood clots in patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is a condition where the heart beats irregularly which can increase the risk of serious and potentially fatal strokes and blood clots. Since its FDA approval in October of 2010, Pradaxa has become one of the most popular options for doctors treating patients with AFib.

 

Dangers of Pradaxa

In recent months Pradaxa has come under fire from consumer advocates as more and more patients began to report suffering from serious internal bleeding and hemorrhaging after taking the medication.

Symptoms of internal bleeding related to Pradaxa include:

  • unusual bruising or bleeding
  • pink or brown urine
  • red or black, tarry stools
  • coughing up blood
  • vomiting material that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
  • bleeding from the gums
  • frequent nosebleeds
  • heavy menstrual bleeding
  • bleeding from a cut that lasts longer than normal
  • joint pain or swelling
  • headache dizziness
  • weakness
  • hives
  • rash
  • itching
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

If you experience any of these while taking Pradaxa you should contact your physician immediately as they could be signs of dangerous and potentially fatal internal bleeding or hemorrhaging.

Internal Bleeding and Hemorrhaging Deaths

In September of 2011 Pradaxa become the target of a New Zealand investigation into the deaths of as many as 5 patients who died as result of internal bleeding. Another 36 patients taking Pradaxa reportedly also suffered from internal bleeding during the same time frame. The New Zealand media reported that some of the families of those who died claimed that the problems began shortly after switching from warfarin to Pradaxa.

Just weeks earlier Japanese officials asked the makers of Pradaxa to notify healthcare providers about fatal internal bleeding in some patients taking the medication. Japanese regulators claim that as many as 81 elderly patients suffered bouts of internal bleeding / hemorrhaging, including 5 deaths, between March and August of 2011.

Pradaxa lawsuits

The experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Reich & Binstock are currently offering free consultations to anyone who has taken Pradaxa and has suffered from internal bleeding or hemorrhaging.

Our experienced team of legal professionals and Pradaxa lawyers has been helping injury victims for over 25 years and the skills necessary to navigate even the most complex pharmaceutical litigation. We believe that through hard work and dedication to our clients we can assure our clients that justice will be served.

If you or a loved one has suffered internal bleeding or hemorrhaging as a result of taking Pradaxa we can help. Please contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our Pradaxa attorneys.