Florida Pradaxa Lawsuits
Medications are supposed to aid in the recovery from illness, but these drugs sometimes have side effects that cause injury or death. Pradaxa is a medication that has been linked to dangerous, uncontrolled bleeding events. A number of Florida Pradaxa lawsuits have been filed to address these problems of medical complications that have resulted from the use of this medication.
What Is Pradaxa?
Pradaxa is the brand name of a medication whose pharmaceutical name is dabigatran etexilate mesylate. This drug is used as an anticoagulant for patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent blood clots and strokes. A number of problems with Pradaxa were reported that led to a review of its safety. The link between Pradaxa and severe bleeding events caused a number of deaths across the country. Florida Pradaxa lawsuits increased in number because of the aging population in the state.
Symptoms of Pradaxa Side Effects
Any event that involves sudden, uncontrolled bleeding can be a dangerous side effect of this medication. If you experience unusual bleeding, contact your doctor immediately. If you cough up or vomit fluid that looks like coffee grounds, seek medical attention at once. Pink or brown urine or stools that look tarry should signal an immediate call to your doctor. Unexpected pain, unusual swelling or sudden joint pain can be a sign of a Pradaxa reaction. If you experience headaches or a feeling of weakness, call your doctor. Many of these symptoms have been listed in Florida Pradaxa lawsuits that are now in litigation.
Who Is Affected?
Certain conditions can increase your risk of problems with the medication. People over the age of 75 may be affected adversely. Patients with stomach ulcers should not take the medication. Those with kidney problems or who take medications such as ketoconazole or dronedarone should not take Pradaxa. Patients should not take Pradaxa with other blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or other blood-thinners. People who have been prescribed Pradaxa are advised not to stop taking without telling their physicians. Stopping the medication can lead to bleeding events and possible death that would qualify them for inclusion in Florida Pradaxa lawsuits. Patients may be advised to stop taking Pradaxa in order to have certain medical or dental procedures. This should only be done in consultation with your doctor. You should not take this medication if you are allergic to it. You should not take Pradaxa if you currently have a condition with abnormal bleeding. You should not take the medication if you have had a heart valve replaced or plan to have one replaced in the future. If you have encountered these problems, you may be qualified for inclusion in the Florida Pradaxa lawsuits.
Florida Pradaxa Lawsuits
Over 100 lawsuits have been filed on behalf of patients who have been injured by this medication. Florida Pradaxa lawsuits were included in this figure. In October of 2012, a hearing was held to set up a management plan for handling these lawsuits. Bellwether trials are expected to determine how many of these lawsuits, as well as future lawsuits, can be expected to be resolved. The first bellwether lawsuit is for August of 2014, with others being held in September, November and in January and February of the following year. Florida Pradaxa lawsuits are among these because of the number of older people who are commonly treated for associated medical conditions.
What To Do If You Have Been Injured
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or death due to the use of Pradaxa, you may be entitled to damages. Contact our affiliated lawyers at Attorney Group for Florida to discuss your case and be informed of your rights under the law. We can advise you on the progress of Florida Pradaxa lawsuits currently underway.
