Pradaxa (dabigatran) is an anticoagulant, or a medication to prevent the clotting of blood, classified as a thrombin inhibitor. A thrombin inhibitor works by blocking the body’s natural reaction to clot blood. Pradaxa is a well-known anticoagulant like the drug, Xarelto; however, it is not a blood thinner. Additionally, Pradaxa, like the drug warfarin, is used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with a common type of abnormal hearth problem referred to as non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF).
Pradaxa is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim and was first approved by the FDA in 2010. However, shortly after approval the FDA began receiving complaints and reports of serious bleeding by those who had used the medication. In 2014, Pradaxa was also FDA approved for use to treat deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.
However, the use of Pradaxa may cause serious medical complications as most medications designed to prevent blood clotting increase the risk of bleeding.
Side effects of taking Pradaxa include:
- Unusual/easy bruising
- Easy/continuous bleeding
- Pink or brown urine
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Frequent nose bleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Coughing up blood
- Swelling or joint pain
The most serious complications associated with the use of Pradaxa include different types of internal bleeding such as gastrointestinal bleeding, brain bleeding, and severe rectal bleeding. Patients using Pradaxa have also reported suffering from gastrointestinal problems and heart attacks.
At McDivitt Law Firm, we feel that you deserve information that may be relevant to your rights as a consumer. We want to alert you to a potential claim regarding this medication that you or someone you know may have been prescribed.
We may be able to help you if:
- You have experienced uncontrollable bleeding or other serious side effects.
If you have been affected by the health risks listed above or someone you know has died in association with treatment by Pradaxa, please contact us for a confidential case evaluation.