Despite the fact that Pradaxa has formed the basis of hundreds of lawsuits, it still remains on the shelves and poses a risk to patients.
In recent years, the number of lawsuits against Boehringer, the manufacturer of Pradaxa, have been increasing at a steady pace. The lawsuits allege that Pradaxa causes internal bleeding, which is a serious injury that could result in wrongful death. When Pradaxa does cause internal bleeding, patients or their surviving loved ones can file a claim against Boehringer to secure damages. A Boca Raton product liability lawyer in Florida can help your family recover the full amount of compensation you deserve.
What is Pradaxa?
Pradaxa, also known as dabigatran, is a blood thinning drug that is prescribed to patients suffering from atrial fibrillation, or an abnormal heart rhythm. Patients that have this condition are at a greater risk of strokes due to blood clots that develop around the heart. Pradaxa is intended to reduce the risk of these negative cardiac events.
Upon releasing Pradaxa, Boehringer claimed their drug was better than Warfarin, the drug traditionally prescribed as a blood thinner. Patients on Warfarin must make dietary changes and require regular monitoring to ensure they are not experiencing adverse side effects. Pradaxa does not have those strict requirements and the company focused on that fact when promoting their product. Unfortunately, they failed to warn consumers of the risks their medication posed.
The Problems Associated with Pradaxa
While Boehringer may tout the benefits of Pradaxa over Warfarin, they are not as forthcoming about the problems associated with their drug. Like other blood thinners, Pradaxa has the potential to cause serious internal bleeding. That is a problem in itself, but to compound it, there also is no antidote for the condition.
When a patient suffers from internal bleeding after taking another blood thinner, such as Warfarin, a doctor can administer drugs that will stop the bleeding. With Pradaxa, there is no such solution. After a person using Pradaxa is in a car accident or has surgery performed, they may start bleeding and it may not stop. Pradaxa has also been known to cause other issues, as well, including:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Regular nosebleeds
- Urine that is brown or pink in color
- Stool that has the consistency of tar
- Heavy menstrual bleeding in women
- Coughing or vomiting up blood
- Bruises that grow in size and do not become smaller
These are all very serious symptoms that indicate internal bleeding. If you or a loved one has experienced any of these, it is essential that you seek medical attention immediately.
Our Florida Mass Tort Lawyers Can Help You Secure the Damages You Need
If you or a loved one has become further injured or has passed away after taking Pradaxa, do not hesitate to call our product liability lawyers in Boca Raton. At Ged Lawyers, LLP, we know how to hold drug manufacturers accountable for paying the damages you deserve, and we want to put our experience to work for you. Call us today at (561) 995-1966 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.
