Pradaxa ® (dabigatran etexilate) is a blood thinner used for the prevention of strokes. It is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. It has been prescribed to patients with abnormal heart rhythms also called atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a medical condition where the heart beats irregularly, increasing the chance of a clot forming in the body, which leads to a stroke.
Boehringer Ingelheim confirms that 260 people worldwide have suffered fatal bleeds while taking Pradaxa. The FDA has issued a safety announcement that it is evaluating the reports patients bleeding to death taking Pradaxa.
Our Pradaxa claims lawyers recommend that you contact your doctor immediately if you have taken Pradaxa and are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Unusual bleeding from the gums.
- Nose bleeding that happens often.
- Menstrual or vaginal bleeding that is heavier than normal
- Bleeding that is severe or you cannot control.
- Pink or brown urine.
- Red or black stools.
- Bruises that happen without a known cause or that get larger.
- Coughing up blood or blood clots.
- Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Bleeding can be serious and even fatal and it is well-recognized complication of all anticoagulant therapies. In clinical trials comparing Pradaxa and warfarin, major bleeding events occurred at about the same rate. The FDA is now evaluating the post-marketing reports of serious bleeding in patients who are taking Pradaxa. Fatal events have been reported, and the FDA is analyzing the events to determine whether the reports of bleeding in patients taking Pradaxa are occurring more commonly than would be expected.
