Hundreds of plaintiffs throughout the United States may be filing claims against Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of the controversial drug Pradaxa. In these cases, injured patients allege that Pradaxa was the cause for potentially life-threatening side effects including cerebral hemorrhaging and gastrointestinal bleeding.
According to court documents, over 100 lawsuits have been filed, and lawyers experienced in these claims anticipate that more injured patients will come forward in an effort to seek compensation from the manufacturer for their injuries.
Have you or someone you know experienced serious complications such as internal bleeding and you feel that your condition is directly related to this medication? You may consider filing an Alabama Pradaxa lawsuit with the help of an attorney to receive compensation for your condition.
Pradaxa Overview
Its manufacturer maintains that the medication was designed to help reduce the likelihood of strokes in patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Pradaxa was first introduced to the public market in 2010 as a treatment to prevent blood clots from traveling to the brain, heart and lungs as well as to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in those requiring surgeries to replace damaged knees or hips.
Despite reports that the drug is, in fact, safe and that patients are suffering from little to no complications, concerns have also come to light in which critics allege that the medication increases patients’ risks of suffering from internal bleeding. However, although several clinical trials and a mounting number of adverse event reports suggest this to be true, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not stated that the drug is any more dangerous than warfarin.
Health Risks of Pradaxa
Lawsuits filed by plaintiffs allege that the medication can increase a patient’s risk of severe internal bleeding since the medication prevents the patient’s body from forming clots, a necessary reaction to stop bleeding. Still, other medications similar to Pradaxa have known to cause internal bleeding, but alleged victims claim that Pradaxa is even more dangerous because its manufacturer has not released an antidote to reverse the anticlotting effects of the medication.
Those who have noticed the following symptoms or signs of internal bleeding should consult a physician. You may be eligible to work with an attorney and file an Alabama Pradaxa lawsuit to seek compensation for your condition, medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering:
- Pink or dark urine
- Prolonged bleeding from gums or cuts
- Easy or unusual bleeding
- Blood or coffee ground-colored vomit
- Frequent or persistent nosebleeds
- Fainting or dizziness
- Severe headaches
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual flow
- Tarry, black or bloody stools
- Persistent or unusual tiredness or weakness
However, while many have successfully taken the medication with no adverse complications, the FDA has reportedly received 542 claims in which patients died while taking the drug. Internal bleeding is one of the main concerns of patients and families of victims, but the medication may also cause patients to suffer from gastrointestinal ulcers, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal discomfort or pain, nausea and GERD. If you or a loved one have experienced one or more of these side effects, seek legal counsel to learn more about filing an Alabama Pradaxa lawsuit to receive compensation for your injuries.
A judge has scheduled five bellwether trials to begin in August, September and November 2014. Two more trials will be held the following year in January and February 2015 to determine the potential outcome of all similar lawsuits pertaining to the medication.
Want More Information about Filing an Alabama Pradaxa Lawsuit?
If you have been injured while taking Pradaxa and you feel that your condition is a result of the medication, contact an experienced attorney to determine if you are eligible to file an Alabama Pradaxa lawsuit. At Attorney Group for Alabama, we will answer your questions and concerns and connect you with an experienced attorney who will handle your Alabama Pradaxa lawsuit throughout the legal process.
