Pradaxa Issues: Bleeding in the Brain

April 17, 2012

An elderly man in Utah recently suffered a massive brain hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) after what seemed to be a routine fall. What made this situation unique was that the man was taking the prescription anti-clotting drug Pradaxa. The man eventually died as a result of the hemorrhage and many believe that Pradaxa is to blame. In comparison with older blood-thinner medications, like warfarin, Pradaxa is a direct thrombin inhibitor which works directly on the bloods ability to clot. As a result, there is no way to reverse its effects when serious bleeding, like a cerebral hemorrhage occurs. In the case of the Utah man, all efforts to stop the bleeding in the brain were ineffective. Doctors tried both intravenous fluids as well as recombinant factor VIIa (a protein treatment).

Pradaxa and Bleeding in the Brain

Pradaxa is currently prescribed in the United States to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with Atrial Fibrillation from causes other than a heart valve problem. All anti-clotting drugs carry an increased risk of bleeding, which means that even minor trauma can result in a serious bleeding incident like bleeding in the brain. Other common terms for bleeding in the brain include: cerebral hemorrhaging, intracranial hemorrhaging, and intra cerebral hemorrhaging. Other factors that increase the risks of bleeding in the brain include elevated blood pressure, aneurysm, and liver diseases.

Pradaxa Bleeding in the Brain Symptoms

The following symptoms suggest that Pradaxa bleeding in the brain is taking place: nausea, severe headaches that come on suddenly, vision changes, difficulty with speech, loss of balance/coordination, and loss of consciousness. Any symptoms of a brain hemorrhage are particularly urgent in patients who are taking Pradaxa. This is because Pradaxa increases all risks associated with bleeding, and when a patient is taking Pradaxa treating the bleeding is much more difficult. Although there are ways to rapidly reverse the effects of other anti-clotting drugs, this is not the case for Pradaxa.

Experienced Pradaxa Bleeding in the Brain? File a Lawsuit

Although some patients who suffer from bleeding in the brain fully recover, others may experience loss of brain function, stroke, and even death. If you or a loved one experienced cerebral hemorrhaging while taking Pradaxa, you may be entitled to substantial monetary compensation. Call the Willis Law Firm in order to discuss your potential claim and have it evaluated free of charge or further obligation. Although primarily based in Houston, our firm is currently reviewing Pradaxa cases nationwide.