Perils of Pradaxa

Pradaxa, also known by its generic name Dabigatran, is a blood thinner used to prevent strokes in people who suffer from atrial fibrillation and other stroke risk factors. People with stroke risk factors such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, older age, diabetes, and prior stroke may have been prescribed Pradaxa. Pradaxa also works to prevent the formation of blood clots in the veins and is prescribed to adults who have had an operation to replace a hip or knee.

Internal or excessive bleeding is the most common side effect of Pradaxa and is seen in more than ten percent of people who take the drug. The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is especially high in patients over 75 years old. Pradaxa is more likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding than other similar drugs even in patients who are not over 75. Pradaxa is also shown to increase the risk of heart attack and can cause ulcers. Most importantly, the safety of Pradaxa in the longer term (beyond two years) is uncertain. Furthermore, scientific testing has not concluded whether or not the drug still works after two years. This means that if you have been taking Pradaxa for more than two years, you may be exposing yourself to dangerous side effects for a drug that no longer even works.

Pradaxa is made by pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. The company has made over one billion dollars in sales from Pradaxa alone. If you, or a loved one, have experienced negative side effects after taking Pradaxa, call the experienced attorneys with Arguello Law Firm, at 1-888-CLAIM-68, to discuss your options and preserve your rights, or email us at ArguelloHope&Associates@SimplyJustice.com.