Proper blood flow throughout the body is essential for preventing a wide range of health issues, including heart attacks and strokes. However, there’s also an expansive number of disorders and diseases which can affect how well the blood flows. One of the more common problems where this can occur is atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a heart disorder which causes an irregular heartbeat as the upper chamber of the heart (called the atria) and the lower two chambers of the heart (known as the ventricles) beat out of sync with each other. Unfortunately, this lack of coordination can cause blood to pool in the atria, resulting in blood clots. These clots can break free and result in a stroke as the clot reaches the brain.
Stroke is a leading worry for both doctors and patients alike. In fact, stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States, with a stroke affecting someone in the United States approximately every 45 seconds, according to the Stroke Center at the University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. One of the keys to reducing the number of strokes is medical intervention before the stroke occurs. In the case of atrial fibrillation, one of the key medications used for this reason is Pradaxa.
What is Pradaxa?
Pradaxa, also known by the generic name dabigatran, is a prescription medication that falls under the category of oral anticoagulant as a direct thrombin inhibitor, more commonly known as “blood thinners”. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October, 2010, this medication is designed to help prevent the blood from coagulating, or clotting. This helps lower the risk of stroke for patients who struggle with atrial fibrillation by reducing the chances that a blood clot will form and release into the bloodstream. This is only beneficial for those who have atrial fibrillation that is not associated with heart valve malfunction, but may also be beneficial in reducing risks for systemic embolism, or a blockage in a systemic artery.
How Does it Work?
Pradaxa contains the active ingredient dabigatran etexilate which acts specifically on thrombin in the body. Thrombin is an enzyme in the blood plasma which converts a protein called fibrinogen into a different substance called fibrin. Fibrin is essential for the body to create a blood clot. In general, this conversion is only meant to occur when the body needs to stop bleeding, such as with an open cut or wound. However, it can also occur in the blood vessels or chambers of the heart, as seen with atrial fibrilation. Pradaxa inhibits thrombin, which reduces the body’s ability to form a clot in the atria or other areas of the body, reducing the risk for stroke.
Pradaxa Verses Warfarin
For decades, the blood thinning drug of choice to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation was warfarin. However, warfarin has several disadvantages in comparison to Pradaxa when it comes to both dosing and side effects. For example, warfarin can take days before effects are seen, causing the need for sometimes daily testing through the first few days to ensure the individual dosing is correct. Even after a correct dosing is found, regular testing is needed to ensure that the dosing remains effective over the entire course of use. If not, the blood can become too thin, resulting in a greater risk of emergency from bleeding problems. In comparison, Pradaxa works within just a few hours of the first dose and rarely has a need for much dosing changes. Pradaxa also has less drug interactions, causes less bleeding problems, and has less issues with vitamin K intake interfering with the medication. With so many advantages, many patients and doctors have chosen to switch over to Pradaxa.
Pradaxa Side Effects
Although Pradaxa is generally safer to take than warfarin, there are still side effects to remain aware of when taking the medication. The main side effect of Pradaxa is gastrointestinal discomfort. Each capsule of the medication contains a type of acid called tartaric acid, which affects the gastric pH balance of your digestive system by lowering it. This increases the chances of GI discomfort, as well as the risks for GI bleeding. Other more mild possible side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea and mild itching or rashes on the skin.
When to Call Your Doctor
Certain serious side effects can occur when taking Pradaxa, and merit calling your doctor immediately, as they could be signs of more harmful and rare side effects of the medication. If you are severely injured, you may need to speak with an attorney to learn about your rights and possibly file a Pradaxa lawsuit. This includes irregular bleeding from the rectum, mouth, vagina or nose. Also, aasy bruising, unexplained weakness, dizziness, bloody stool, abnormal joint pain, heavy menstruation, coughing up blood, brown or pink urine or the appearance of small red or purple spots just under the skin also are signs that you should contact your doctor immediately. To prevent other serious side effects, inform your doctor if you have a history of ulcers, have been diagnosed with kidney disease or if you are 75 years or older in age. There is currently no proof that Pradaxa is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding, so talk to your doctor if you are trying to get pregnant, suspect you may be pregnant, or if you are still breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Side effects can also occur if Pradaxa is taken alongside other medications or supplements. Any type of recent use of another blood thinner, whether warfarin or other prescriptions like heparin or argatroban can cause problems while taking Pradaxa. Other medications or supplements that you should inform your doctor about before taking your first dose of Pradaxa include St. John’s wort, rifampin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as Iburprofen), quinidine or heart and blood pressure medications. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements or medications (including over-the-counter medications) while taking Pradaxa to prevent possible side effects.
Dosing
The FDA has approved Pradaxa to be taken orally either with or without food, twice daily, with a recommended dose of 150 mg. Follow the directions on the prescription bottle carefully to prevent potentially harmful side effects, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions or concerns on how to properly take the medicine.
Stopping the Medication
If at some point you need to stop taking Pradaxa, it’s important to work with your doctor to stop correctly. This includes stopping for medical procedures or dental appointments, which require stopping the medications at least 12 hours before the procedure to prevent bleeding issues.
Cost of Pradaxa
One of the main problems with Pradaxa is the current cost. In 2011, the average cost of a 30-day supply of Pradaxa was $230. However, when compared to the cost of nursing or hospital care in the case of a stroke for patients not taking a blood-thinner for blood clots, in most cases Pradaxa is still a better option.
Pradaxa Lawsuit
If you’ve been injured as a result of taking Pradaxa, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak with an experienced lawyer today to learn about your rights.
Visit FilePradaxaLawsuit.com for more information.
