This month, the Journal of Neurosurgery reported that side effects from Pradaxa could be fatal and irreversible. Medical researchers focused on a case in which an elderly man taking Pradaxa sustained a seemingly minor fall at home, and died as a result of intracranial bleeding that rapidly expanded and could not be stopped by doctors.
In Florida, many seniors have likely been prescribed Pradaxa, and should be aware of the dangerous side effects associated with the drug.
What is Pradaxa?
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Pradaxa (or dabigatran, its generic name) is a blood thinner prescribed to help prevent strokes or serious blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the heart beats irregularly, increasing the chance of blood clots forming in the body and possibly causing strokes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Pradaxa for stroke prevention in 2010, but has always warned that Pradaxa may cause bleeding that can be serious, and sometimes lead to death. This is because there is no effective reversal agent for Pradaxa in the event of catastrophic hemorrhage. If you are taking Pradaxa, the FDA advises that you should call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Unexpected bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time
- Bleeding that is severe or you cannot control
- Pink or brown urine
- Red or black stools
- Bruises that happen without a known cause or get larger
- Coughing up blood or blood clots
- Vomiting blood, or your vomit looks like “coffee grounds”
- Unexpected pain, swelling, or joint pain
- Headaches, or feeling dizzy or weak
Even without any signs of a problem, Pradaxa may result in serious adverse effects for patients. As the Journal of Neurosurgery researchers concluded in their report, “Imbalance and falls are common in [the elderly] population, and intracranial hemorrhage resulting from even minor trauma may occur with increasing frequency as use of this drug becomes more widespread.”
Seek Advice & Representation from an Experienced Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
If you believe that you or a loved one has been harmed from taking Pradaxa or another prescription drug, please contact the personal injury attorneys at Fetterman & Associates – The Law Team. With offices in West Palm Beach and Port St. Lucie, we are conveniently located to serve the communities of southeast Florida.
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