A new experimental drug has been proven to reverse the effects of the drug Pradaxa (dabigatran). The drug, called idarucizumab, is said to work within minutes of being given to patients. Pradaxa is a newer anticoagulant that has been marketed as an easier alternative to traditional blood thinners. Unfortunately, it was not created alongside an antidote that could undo the potentially deadly side effects that Pradaxa can produce, particularly uncontrollable bleeding. The new antidote has been shown to bind to Pradaxa, neutralizing its activity and immediately restoring normal blood clotting.
The study was published by the New England Journal of Medicine and was led by Charles Pollack, a chair of emergency medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital. It is currently ongoing and is being conducted at various hospitals in 38 countries. However, researchers warn that the antidote is imperfect: it is designed to treat patients who cannot wait one to two days for Pradaxa to clear out of their bodies. Idarucizumab has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and given that the study is still in progress, it may be some time before an antidote to newer anticoagulants is available.
Legal Commentary
Pradaxa attorneys within our firm are studying, examining and investigating current Pradaxa claims on behalf of people and their families who may have been injured by the drug. Some of the side effects include hemorrhaging, internal bleeding, stroke and or death. If you or a loved one has experienced any side effects while taking Pradaxa, contact our Pradaxa lawyers to discuss the facts of your potential case. We are available by phone for a free consultation at 1.866.705.7584 or by email at mn@fnlawfirm.com.