Jacksonville Pradaxa® Side Effects Lawyer
Pradaxa Side Effects
It’s never easy to hear the news that you have a heart condition – and it’s even harder to face if you know your condition may be life-threatening. While modern medicine offers more ways than ever to treat heart conditions, many of these treatments come with their own risks. For instance, medications like Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) may trigger side effects with serious or even deadly results.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to investigate reports of serious Pradaxa-related side effects and the damage they cause. If you’ve already suffered an injury due to Pradaxa side effects, however, you may wonder what recourse is available for you. The Jacksonville injury attorneys at Farah & Farah may be able to help.
Side Effects
According to the drug manufacturer’s website, Pradaxa poses a number of side effects. Some are serious, while others are manageable and non-life-threatening.
Bleeding
Abnormal or uncontrolled bleeding is one of the largest risks Pradaxa poses. Pradaxa is an anticoagulant, or a medication that decreases the chance of blood clots forming in the body. While this decreased chance lowers the risk of blood clots that can cause a stroke or pulmonary embolism, it also lowers the body’s ability to stop bleeding once it starts. Patients who take Pradaxa may bruise easily, have difficulty stopping bleeding in case of injury, or may suffer serious or even deadly bleeding during surgery if Pradaxa is not stopped before the procedure.
People who take Pradaxa are more likely to suffer bleeding problems if they are over 75, have a kidney or gastrointestinal problem, or are taking other medications that affect bleeding and clotting, like aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). Careful monitoring is key to ensure bleeding doesn’t cause a life-threatening or permanently disabling condition.
Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction to Pradaxa or any of its ingredients can also cause serious injury or death. Allergic reactions can impair or stop breathing, which can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include chest pain or tightness; swelling in the face or tongue; wheezing or difficulty breathing; dizziness or faintness; or skin reactions like hives, a rash, or itching.
Common Side Effects
Pradaxa’s drug information sheets also list stomach pain as a common side effect. Even this “common” side effect must be taken seriously by medical professionals; however, stomach pain may also indicate gastrointestinal bleeding – a condition that can easily be made worse by Pradaxa and may lead to life-threatening complications.
Jacksonville Pradaxa Side Effects Attorneys Dedicated to Consumer Protection
The FDA’s investigation of Pradaxa is ongoing, and to-date, the medication has remained on the market while investigations are carried out. If you’ve been injured as a result of taking Pradaxa, however, you don’t have to wait for the FDA to finish its investigation to seek compensation for your Pradaxa injuries. At Farah & Farah, our Jacksonville Pradaxa side effects attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of our clients. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact our office today by calling 877-245-6707.
