With numerous lawsuits having been filed over the bleeding risks associated with Pradaxa (Dabigatran), the presiding judge over all Dabigatran cases, David R. Herndon, has established the guidelines that will be used during the selection of which bellwether trials will go to court first.

These bellwether trials have all been filed with plaintiffs accusing the manufacturers of Dabigatran of failing to properly warn the public and healthcare professionals of the dangers linked to the pill’s use. Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is a new anticoagulant medications that is used to help prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and other heart conditions. Made by Boehringer Ingelheim, it was originally marketed as a safer alternative to Warfarin (another popular anticoagulant AF treatment).

However, the side effects linked to Dabigatran have resulted in nearly 300 lawsuit filings by former Dabigatran users. The side effects they suffered from after using Dabigatran included excessive bleeding, which studies have shown is a problem linked to the use of the drug. So many cases have been filed that all of them have been consolidated before U.S. District Judge David R. Herndon in the Southern District of Illinois. The lawsuits are now centralized as an MDL as a means of helping to push the cases through the courts faster. In bellwether trials, a few cases will be tried in the court as part of coordinated pretrial proceedings so that all of the evidence can be heard.

Since August of last year, Herndon explained that he intended to move the cases expeditiously so that all sides could reach a fast resolution to the lawsuits. The bellwether test cases are hoped to bring about a settlement agreement between both sides of the lawsuits so as not to have the cases congesting the courts. To keep things moving along quickly. Herndon has ordered that both plaintiff and defendants meet once a month in an effort to reach a settlement. These meetings are to begin taking place in August.

Other drugs that were previously used to treat AF include 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.