Studies Show Pradaxa May Increase Heart Attack Risk

Jacky Gale | July 25th, 2013

Pradaxa (dabigatran) is a blood thinner intended to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, a heart condition. However, recent studies indicate that the use of Pradaxa could significantly increase the risk of a heart attack. In fact, many patients have alleged serious side effects from the drug. Many of these patients have filed lawsuits against manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim.

However, these plaintiffs may be waiting years before they see resolution to their claims. In the meantime, legal loans can help. Unlike traditional bank loans, Pradaxa lawsuit funding is non-recourse, which means it does not need to be repaid if the plaintiff loses the case.

Two studies link heart attacks to Pradaxa

One study evaluating the risk of heart attack with Pradaxa use was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. This observational research was based on information given to the FDA by Boehringer Ingelheim and information from the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulant Therapy. This study found that although Pradaxa was effective in reducing the risk of a stroke, it elevated the risk of a heart attack by 48 percent.

The second study, which was presented at the 2013 Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostatis, was a review of randomized controlled trials. Belgium researchers examined 23,839 patients who had used Pradaxa and found that 292 of them suffered a heart attack. The researchers noted that higher dosages of Pradaxa were linked to greater risk for heart attack. They concluded that using Pradaxa leads to a 70 percent increased risk of a heart attack.

The risk of a heart attack isn’t the only life-threatening medical issue associated with the blood thinning medication. Many plaintiffs are seeking damages for injuries from uncontrolled internal bleeding, for which there is no antidote (unlike Pradaxa’s predecessor, warfarin). Pradaxa has been linked to more than 500 deaths caused by internal bleeding, which have prompted a rush of wrongful death lawsuits filed by surviving family members.

Seeking Pradaxa lawsuit funding

These studies may substantiate claims made by plaintiffs who allege adverse side effects from the use of Pradaxa. Although plaintiffs may have solid cases, it can still take months or even years for litigation to resolve, particularly as consolidated Pradaxa litigation is still the early stages. In the meantime, plaintiffs may struggle to pay their medical bills, pharmaceutical expenses, and rehabilitative care needs. Patients are often out of work on a long-term basis because of their medical problems. It’s often challenging to pay the rent or mortgage, buy groceries, and take care of other expenses while awaiting compensation from a pending lawsuit.

Pradaxa lawsuit funding is a viable solution for many in the interim. Legal loans are risk-free because the funds only need to be repaid if the plaintiff wins the case or obtains monetary compensation through a settlement.

To learn more about the benefits of lawsuit funding, you can call LawStreet Capital toll-free at 1.866.FUND.662. LawStreet Capital offers pre settlement cash advances with quick approval and a free application. If approved, you could receive your funds within 24 hours.