Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals is currently facing an increasing number of lawsuits alleging that its anticoagulant, Pradaxa, causes life-threatening and serious side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding and cerebral hemorrhaging, among other complications. Court documents indicate that over 100 lawsuits are pending across the country, and attorneys following the claims expect that the number will continue to increase over the next several months as potential plaintiffs move forward to file for financial compensation.
If you or someone you love have experienced internal bleeding, cerebral hemorrhaging or other serious condition while taking the medication, you may be entitled to file an Arkansas Pradaxa lawsuit for damages including pain and suffering, loss of income or earning capacity and medical expenses.
What is Pradaxa?
Pradaxa was allegedly intended to reduce the risk of strokes in those living with atrial fibrillation. First introduced in 2010 as a medication, which would prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs, heart and brain, the medication was also designed to prevent deep vein thrombosis in patients needing knee or hip replacement procedures.
Despite many plaintiffs using the medication with little or no complications, criticism of the medication has become more apparent recently as clinical trials and adverse event reports suggest a potential link between the drug and internal bleeding. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that the medication is just as safe as other blood thinners on the market.
Concerns Arise over Pradaxa’s Safety
Plaintiffs across the country are filing lawsuits against the manufacturer, alleging that the drug increased their risk of suffering from internal bleeding. While the medication was intended to help prevent clotting, the formation of blood clots is still necessary under certain circumstances. While other anticoagulants also pose similar risks, Pradaxa was not released with an antidote. If a patient is suffering from bleeding, there is almost always little or nothing that can be done to reverse the effects of the medication.
If you have noticed the following symptoms that could indicate bleeding, consult your healthcare provider and seek legal counsel. You may be entitled to file an Arkansas Pradaxa lawsuit to receive compensation.
- Black, tarry or bloody stools
- Unusual or easy bleeding
- Dark- or pink-colored urine
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Headaches
- Persistent tiredness
- Unusual weakness
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums
- Prolonged or heavy menstrual flow
- Prolonged, frequent or persistent nosebleedsDark-colored or blood-filled vomit
While many have reported little to no complications while taking the medication, the FDA has acknowledged receipt of over 540 claims that the medication allegedly contributed to patients’ deaths. While many lawsuits name internal bleeding as a focal point and main side effect, the Pradaxa may also cause heartburn, vomiting, nausea, gastrointestinal ulcers, GERD and abdominal pain or discomfort. If you have been diagnosed with a serious medical complication or suffered from one of these side effects, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation when you file an Arkansas Pradaxa lawsuit.
The following are scheduled dates for bellwether trials which will attempt to predict the potential outcome of future Pradaxa lawsuits:
- August 2014
- September 2014
- November 2014
- January 2015
- February 2015
How to File an Arkansas Pradaxa Lawsuit
If you have been taking Pradaxa and you suffered from internal bleeding or another condition that you feel is directly related to the medication, you may be eligible to file an Arkansas Pradaxa lawsuit. At Attorney Group for Arkansas, we can help you to determine if you have a valid claim and answer questions or concerns you may have about filing your Arkansas Pradaxa lawsuit. We will connect you with experienced attorneys who will handle your claim and assist you throughout the legal process. Contact Attorney Group for Arkansas today for your free consultation.
