As of August 15, 2013, the number of lawsuits filed over the bleeding risks associated with the use of Dabigatran (Pradaxa) reached 1,343 that are currently pending in MDL No. 2385. This MDL is currently underway in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois.

Pradaxa is currently manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. The pill is an anticoagulant medication that is used to treat heart complications like atrial fibrillation (AF). The drug is used to help prevent strokes in AF patients. This MDL began when in June, a woman filed a lawsuit in Missouri Eastern District Court that claimed that her husband’s excessive internal bleeding was caused by the use of Pradaxa. He died from the complications in February 2013.

The bleeding risks linked to Pradaxa use have been reported in various studies. The results of the studies came as a blow to the manufacturers because the drug was originally intended to replace the commonly-used Warfarin. Pradaxa was also said to be safer because the drug did not have to be used as often as Warfarin and required less monitoring during use. However, the uncontrollable bleeding risks linked to the pills proved that Pradaxa was far more dangerous than Warfarin because it cannot be undone. With Warfarin use, vitamin k is known to help stop the bleeding linked to the pills’ use, but it doesn’t work with Pradaxa. These risks have caused thousands of users to file lawsuits against the manufacturers for failing to properly warn the public and healthcare professionals of the dangers linked to the drug’s use.

AF is a common heart condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is characterized with patients experiencing irregular heartbeats and flutters. AF is treated with anticoagulant medications like Multaq. Multaq is made by Sanofi-Aventis and has been linked to serious side effects including a worsening of the heart condition, liver failure and lung toxicity. It is for this reason that the FDA has recommended that doctors only prescribe Multaq if all other medications fail to work.

If you or a loved one has suffered from liver failure or a worsening heart condition after being treated with Multaq, contact the attorneys at Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Multaq lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your injuries.