PRADAXA
WHAT IS IT?
Pradaxa is the first of a new type of blood-thinning medications prescribed to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism and stroke in patients with abnormal heartbeats. Seeking to replace the widely popular and well-documented blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven, or Marfarin), Pradaxa hit the market in October 2010, the first anticoagulant to gain FDA approval in over 50 years. Only a Pradaxa lawsuit lawyer knows how to make the appropriate claim in the complicated multi-district litigation process.
It appeared that the initial clinical trials of Pradaxa were both successful and promising. However, those same trials have since been questioned when it was discovered that the drug’s producer, Boehringer Ingelheim, did not reveal all the information it knew about the drug. Since it hit the market, Pradaxa has caused severe and deadly complications that greatly exceeded the effects in its clinical trials.
HOW IT WORKS
Pradaxa is used with patients that have abnormal heartbeats in order to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke. It inhibits the production of thrombin, an enzyme in the blood used in the clotting process. It was supposed to be an improvement to the traditional warfarin blood thinners in that it required less physician monitoring, uniform doses, and fewer diet restrictions.
The major difference between Pradaxa and traditional Coumadin is that there is no antidote to reverse the effects of Pradaxa should an emergency arise. If taking Coumadin, Vitamin K can be administered to reverse its effects.
NUMEROUS REPORTS OF COMPLICATIONS INVOLVING PRADAXA
The FDA issued a safety announcement a year after its approval amid reports of serious bleeding complications. The FDA stated it would be working with Beohringer Ingelheim to evaluate the claims and complications.
While marketed as an improvement to Coumadin and other traditional blood-thinners, Pradaxa was linked to over 500 deaths across the country in 2011 alone. Pradaxa also was involved in the most overall complications of any blood-thinner, with over 3,700 incidents.
CONTACT Doyle Dennis Avery LLP FOR YOUR PRADAXA-RELATED CLAIM
If you or someone you know has experienced serious bleeding and other related complications while taking Pradaxa, immediately contact your physician. For legal representation for your Pradaxa claim, contact an experienced Pradaxa lawsuit lawyer attorney at Doyle Dennis Avery LLP for an evaluation of your Pradaxa claim.