The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation is now considering consolidating Pradaxa defective drug lawsuits—a step that could make it faster and easier for those who have been adversely affected by the dangerous blood thinner to collect damages.
What is Pradaxa?
Pradaxa is a relatively new anticoagulant prescription drug that is often given to patients suffering from non-valvular atrial fibrillation in order to prevent stroke or to patients who have recently gone through a hip or knee surgery.
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the thrombin inhibitor in 2010. In the last 12 months, the drug’s manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim collected over $1 billion in annual sales of the drug around the world. However, this blockbuster blood thinner has been at the center of a serious controversy.
The serious and sometimes deadly side effects of Pradaxa
Just over a year after the FDA approved the blood thinner for use by doctors, it released a statement that it would be investigating a large number of reports of serious adverse health risks associated with the drug. The same year, Boehringer Ingelheim admitted that it had received 260 reports of fatal uncontrollable bleeding events since 2008.
As investigations continued, authorities have found that up to 16 percent of patients taking Pradaxa have experienced internal bleeding issues, including extremely serious instances of kidney bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and brain hemorrhaging. In some cases, once bleeding began in an organ or the abdominal cavity, doctors could not stop the bleeding because of the presence of the drug in the body system—and an effective reversal agent does not exist.
The possible consolidation of Pradaxa lawsuits
An upcoming federal court decision could consolidate all existing and future Pradaxa product liability cases into a single suit, most likely making it easier for the victims of the defective drug and their families to access the courts and get the compensation that they deserve. The motion comes because of the sheer number of lawsuits that have been filed by patients who have been seriously injured by the adverse side effects of the drug. Those who back the consolidation believe that it will help victims process evidence and expedite the overall legal process.
Do you need a Pradaxa defective drug attorney in Kentucky?
At Gray & White Law, we are well equipped to answer your questions regarding defective drugs, your experience using Pradaxa, and your options for possible legal action. Talking to a Kentucky Pradaxa lawyer can help you better understand the strength of your own case and what course of action is right for you and your family. We offer free, private consultations to Pradaxa victims. Call us today at 1-888-450-4456 to schedule your appointment.
