Update on Pradaxa Warnings

Approved only since October of 2010, Pradaxa, a drug designed to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeats), has received growing concerns from heart doctors and the FDA alike. While the FDA is still evaluating reports of serious bleeding events in Pradaxa patients, a study released in the New England Journal of Medicine warns that Pradaxa may cause severe bleeding and can put the lives of patients taking the drug at risk.

Pradaxa Manufacturer Admits Deaths Linked to the Drug

Boehringer Ingelheim, the manufacturer of Pradaxa, has acknowledged the drug has been associated with more than 260 deaths since its approval in 2010. Doctors are concerned that patients do not understand the risks of taking Pradaxa especially with other types of drugs. Common painkillers and other drugs could alter Pradaxa blood levels. This means, if not handled properly, Pradaxa can be linked to unnecessary deaths.

Pradaxa Side Effects

Possible severe side effects include:

• Hemorrhaging
• Internal bleeding, and
• Death

Other less serious side effects include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Pink or brown urine
• Lethargy
• Bruising
• Bleeding gums
• Nosebleeds
• Coughing up blood

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