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Lawsuits Against The Drug Manufacturer Boehringer On The Rise

In the last two months, lawsuits against the Pradaxa drug manufacturer Boehringer, a German company, have increased 30%. In these lawsuits, attorneys are alleging that this drug has caused internal bleeding injuries or death. According to this New York Times article, Pradaxa has been linked to more than 500 deaths. One doctor mentioned in the article claimed that the drug had contributed to eight deaths in his hospital alone. The doctor explained that, at least in one patient, the doctor tried “the whole kitchen sink” of potential remedies and simply could not stop his patient from bleeding to death. Many who oppose the drug are claiming that the clinical trials were not sufficiently rigorous, which allowed the manufacturer of Pradaxa released the drug without an antidote to stop bleeding when needed.

What Is Pradaxa?

Pradaxa, also called dabigatran, is an oral anticoagulant (blood thinning) drug that is usually prescribed to those suffering from atrial fibrillation. Patients suffering from atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of experiencing strokes due to blood clots that can form near the heart, causing strokes. So doctors prescribe blood thinning drugs, such as Pradaxa, to reduce the risk of strokes.

Pradaxa Supposedly Better Than Warfarin

The drug Pradaxa, which has only been on the market for about two years but has led to over a billion in profits for the drug manufacturer, is similar to the older drug Warfarin. However, unlike Warfarin, the effects of Pradaxa cannot be reversed. The FDA approved Pradaxa in 201o as an alternative to Warfarin. The manufacturer marketed the drug with the claim that Pradaxa was better than Warfarin because patients did not need medical monitoring while taking Pradaxa.

The Potential Problem With Pradaxa

The drug manufacturer, Boehringer, has disclosed that several hundred patients have already died while taking Pradaxa. The problem with Pradaxa is that there is no known antidote to the effects. In other words, nothing can reverse the effect of the drug Pradaxa. So, if someone taking Pradaxa starts bleeding, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, bleeding during or after surgeries, or bleeding during or after a car accident, the medical profession does not have any antidotes to the drug.

More About Boehringer, The Company That Manufactures Pradaxa

Last year (2012), according to this article, the company had to pay more than 95 million to state and federal governments for unlawfully promoting some of its drugs for unapproved uses and dosages. They also settled allegations that they paid kickbacks to physicians and other health care providers.

Call Me If You Have Experienced Side Effects From Pradaxa

Please contact me if, after taking the drug Pradaxa, you or someone you love has experienced death, internal bleeding, venous thrombosis events (VTE), pulmonary embolism, unusual bruising or bleeding, cerebral hemorrhaging, frequent nose bleeds, bleeding that is severe or uncontrollable, pink or brown urine, vomiting blood or blood specks, unusual bleeding of the gums, red or black stools, heavier than normal menstrual bleeding, unusual bruises without a known cause, or causing up blood or blood clots.

Talk To Your Doctor About Medical Issues

I do not intend, by this website or otherwise, to stop you from taking medication without your doctor’s approval. Please consult your doctor regarding any and all matters related to your health or proper medications for your condition. Stopping medications without medical supervision can be very dangerous, particularly if done abruptly. Patients should talk to their doctors about whether the benefits versus risks of Pradaxa make the drug a good choice for them. And, if they want to stop taking Pradaxa, the safest way to do so.