Pradaxa (dabigatran) is an anti-clotting drug, commonly referred to as a “blood thinner”, which is often prescribed as an alternative to older anti-clotting drugs such as warfarin. It seemed like a great drug at first, because it is much easier to prescribe and use than the older drugs, but it turns out that it is also much more dangerous. If you have been injured by Pradaxa, or lost a loved one to this deadly drug, please talk to one of the experienced Pradaxa claies attorneys listed in this website right away.
Pradaxa Bleeding
Pradaxa can cause excessive bleeding from any type of injury, even a minor injury. A minor bump on the head can be fatal to a Pradaxa user due to uncontrollable bleeding in the brain.
Pradaxa can also cause spontaneous bleeding including:
- Internal bleeding
- Bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
Why Pradaxa is More Dangerous than Older Blood Thinners
All anticlotting drugs can cause spontaneous bleeding and other dangerous bleeding events. Older anti-clotting drugs, such as warfarin, are vitamin K antagonists, and there are several reversal agents which can stop their anti-clotting effect so that the bleeding can be controlled in a reasonable amount of time.
There is no reversal agent for Pradaxa. The protocol for treating Pradaxa bleeding involves kidney dialysis which takes two to three hours to remove about 60% of the drug. Obviously, many patients will bleed out before this treatment can begin to take effect. Many doctors do not even know that they should try dialysis.
Signs of Internal Bleeding
Signs of internal bleeding include:
- Excessive bruising, bruises which get worse instead of improve, and bruising which occurs for no reason
- Vomit which looks like coffee grounds
- Pink vomit
- Coughing up blood
- Blood in urine or stool
- Nosebleeds
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Swelling
If you or someone you love has been injured by Pradaxa, please review our database to find an experience Pradaxa injury attorney to handle your case.