Pradaxa Has Risks—Should You Take It?
Millions of Americans with an abnormal heart rhythm use the drug Pradaxa (dabigatran) daily to help prevent stroke and blood clotting. Since its approval in 2010, Pradaxa has been linked with numerous problems, including serious and potentially fatal bleeding. Pradaxa is not recommended for patients with mechanical heart valves or who are undergoing active bleeding.
Additionally, the Mayo Clinic provides warnings about the use of Pradaxa in other groups, including:
- Children. According to the Mayo Clinic, there have been no “appropriate” studies conducted on Pradaxa’s effects on children. This means the safety and efficacy of the drug has not been established for this group.
- Elderly patients. There are no studies demonstrating any geriatric-specific problems that would “limit the usefulness” of Pradaxa in older patients. However, this population is more likely to have age-related strokes, bleeding, or kidney problems.
- Pregnant women. Currently, Mayo says there are “no adequate” studies in this category. It’s unknown if Pradaxa will harm a fetus—or if there are potential risks in nursing an infant while taking the drug.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also keeps an updated medication guide on its Web site that it urges patients to read before they start taking Pradaxa. Patients should reread for updates each time they refill their prescription. However, the FDA cautions that this Pradaxa medication guide should not replace a physician consultation about your medical condition or treatment.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Pradaxa, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Pradaxa lawyer at Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation. Sokolove Law is an experienced Pradaxa law firm, with Pradaxa attorneys ready to help get you the compensation you deserve.
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