On March 7, 2012, Fox News reported the death of an elderly man who suffered a massive brain hemorrhage after a “routine” fall. According to the Journal of Neurosurgery, the potential bleeding complications from prescription drug Pradaxa are largely irreversible.
Pradaxa (dabigatran) was the first drug in its class to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2010. Pradaxa was manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim and indicated for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation.
The 83 year old man was monitored by three doctors at the University of Utah. Each described the patients worsening condition and ultimate death. Initially, the patient was fully alert and oriented, responding to all verbal commands. The neurological exam indicated no significant concern as well.
The initial CT scan of the head revealed small, superficial hemorrhages in the brain, which progressed within two hours to extensive brain hemorrhaging. All efforts were made to stop the hemorrhage but proved ineffective. According to the report, the man fell into a deep coma, and died shortly afterward. The report stated that “in the event of traumatic hemorrhage in patients receiving dabigatran … there are currently no effective reversal agents” to neutralize the drug.
Balance problems and falls are common in the elderly patient, and cases of brain hemorrhage (even from minor trauma) are likely to increase as patients are prescribed Pradaxa according to researchers.
The report stated that patients taking high doses of Pradaxa had a similar rate of brain hemorrhage as those taking Warfarin, however, the lack of reversal agent in the event of life threatening hemorrhage remains the drugs downfall.
The law firm of Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C. is currently investigating Pradaxa related internal bleeding and hemorrhaging including cerebral and gastrointestinal bleeding. If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from Pradaxa, call Rudy Migliore at 631-543-3663. Visit: MiglioreLaw.com .
See the original report from fox news at: www.foxnews.com/health/2012/03/07/death-magnifies-pradaxa-hemorrhage-concerns/
1 comment:
Pradaxa® (dabigatran) is prescribed as an anticoagulant for reducing the risk of stroke in patients with a common type of heart rhythm problem called "AF," or non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Potential Pradaxa® side effects — as is the case with all anticoagulants — include symptoms of bleeding such as coughing up blood, frequent nosebleeds, and urine or feces that appear bloody. Warnings about such complications are present of Pradaxa®'s packaging.
Source: pradaxa internal bleeding
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