The Pradaxa lawsuit has inspired the lawsuits against Xarelto’s manufacturer for similar injuries sustained. Both drugs were designed, developed, and marketed as better alternatives to Coumedin. The main benefit was eliminating the requirement of constant blood tests which was both time-consuming and annoying for patients. Since both drugs were created, internal bleeding and even death have occurred among users.
Lawsuits by both users of the drugs and their families have been rampant. Thousands of people have already sought monetary relief and peace of mind through suing the manufacturers of Xarelto and Pradaxa. The initial Xarelto trials, known as the bellwether trials, will begin in the Spring of 2017. Those trials will set the tone for the rest of the cases. Both the developer of Xarelto and the plaintiffs against that manufacturer will likely pay close attention to the Pradaxa cases that have preceded the Xarelto cases.
Taking Pradaxa has caused this and much worse for many people. The dangers of a drug meant to help people are costly. If you or a loved one have taken Pradaxa and suffered, please contact Fears Nachawati Law Firm by calling 1-866-705-7584 or by email at mn@fnlawfirm.com.
Facts Regarding Pradaxa and Multidistrict Litigation Lawsuits
Pradaxa
Pradaxa is one of the newest blood thinners on the market. The anticoagulant drug is prescribed to patients who have experienced atrial fibulation, are at risk of developing severe blood clots, and to reduce the risk of strokes, pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Here is a timeline of Pradaxa’s approval for various issues patients suffer from:
- Starting in September of 2010, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) began approving Pradaxa use. At first it was prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation to reduce its affects. Atrial fibrillation is a heart issue where both of the upper heart chambers have irregular beats which can cause abnormally high amounts of blood to pool in those upper heart chambers. As the blood pools together it creates blood clots which can move through a person body into their brain and halt blood flow which causes someone to have a stroke. The FDA stated that Pradaxa would help stop strokes from occurring with people who had atrial fibrrillation.
- A couple years later, in April of 2014, the FDA approved Pradaxa to help patients with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Deep vein thrombosis is similar to atrial fibrillation in that a blood clot forms. Unlike atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot is formed in a deep vein in the body which can stop blood flow in the lungs. Pulmonary embolism is the process of the blood clot stopping that blood flow.
- In November of 2015, Pradaxa was approved by the FDA to be used by patients of hip replacement surgeries for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Prior to Pradaxa being on the market, Coumadin was the chief go-to for blood thinners. Coumadin had very, very few serious problems. While the drug did what it was supposed to do, patients were agitated of the constant checkups, blood testing, and diet requirements that went along with Coumadin. Pradaxa is popular because it does not require patients to undergo blood tests to determine the dose and it does not require patients to go in for a routine check-up with their physician.
Recently, the health hazards related to Pradaxa are alarming; the drug can be fatal by causing abdominal bleeding, hemorrhaging and bleeding in the brain. Most blood thinners on the market have a cure to stop internal bleeding. Until October of 2015, Pradaxa did not. The FDA approved Praxbind through its accelerated approval program. This new drug will allow those who are currently taking Pradaxa to have peace of mind in case any issues occur with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism. Understandably, this does not ease the pain and heartache of those who have suffered or had a loved one suffer through the issues of Pradaxa prior to Praxbind.
Please contact Fears Nachawati Law Firm by calling 1-866-705-7584 or by email at mn@fnlawfirm.com. We have experienced attorneys who can help you with the economic struggles that can result from the harm caused by a defective drug.
Multidistrict Litigation
Like other lawsuits involving dangerous prescriptions or medical devices, the Pradaxa lawsuits are filed in what is known as multidistrict litigation (MDL). MDL is used to bring together lawsuits, in various districts across the country, which are seeking answers to the same questions into the same court. This is done by a group of judges in order to promote convenience to the plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses, and attorneys. It also ensures equality for all similar cases in that every case is judged by the exact same standards.
The judges involved in MDL include seven United States circuit and district judges hand selected by the Chief Justice of the United States. Only one judge is allowed per circuit. For any action to pass, a simple majority of judges – four – must all agree. This group of seven judges must also create a set of rules they will follow while working with the MDL cases. These rules must be consistent with Acts of Congress and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Legal Commentary
Many patients, their families, and their attorneys argue that the manufacturer of Pradaxa, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, withheld information and did not properly warn the public about the risks of this dangerous drug. Fears Nachawati’s Pradaxa attorneys are studying, examining and investigating Pradaxa claims on behalf of people and their families who may have been injured by the drug. Although no Pradaxa amount can compensate for the loss of a loved one, a successful claim against the responsible parties will enable the victim’s family to cover any medical or final expenses, so that they may focus on the grieving process during this trying time. If you or a loved one 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.