The Spangenberg Shibley & Liber Law Firm Announces the Launch of a New Website Regarding Reported Adverse Side Effects Associated with Use of Pradaxa

CLEVELAND, OH, February 16, 2012

In October of 2010, the FDA approved Pradaxa for the treatment of atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. Atrial fibrillation is a condition which occurs when part of the heart does not beat properly causing blood cells to form clots, or coagulate. These blood clots may lead to stroke and in some cases, death.

Pradaxa is included in a class of drugs known as direct thrombin inhibitors. Use of direct thrombin inhibitors is used in blood thinning treatments to prevent coagulation of blood cells. However, shortly after the FDA approved Pradaxa for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, symptoms of Pradaxa internal bleeding were reported.

The most serious side effect associated with Pradaxa is internal bleeding. This occurs as a result of the body excreting the drug through the kidneys, impairing the kidneys ability to function. This leads to an increased amount of the drug traveling throughout the system, causing internal bleeding to occur.

Symptoms of internal bleeding may include:

- Unexpected bleeding or unusually long lasting bleeding
- Severe or uncontrollable bleeding
- Pink or brown urine
- Red or black stools
- Bruises with unknown cause
- Blood clots and coughing up blood
- Blood in vomit or vomit with "coffee grounds" consistency
- Unexpected pain, swelling, joint pain, headaches, dizziness, weakness

The FDA issued a safety communication in December of 2011 stating that the agency is investigating these reports of internal bleeding. Other reported Pradaxa side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney bleeding, heart attack, brain hemorrhaging, and even death.

Spangenberg Shibley & Liber is investigating potential Pradaxa lawsuits against Boehringer Ingelheim, the makers of Pradaxa, related to injuries suffered from the use of Pradaxa. These cases are complex, and an experienced defective drug attorney will be able to evaluate your case and develop the necessary legal and scientific proof.

Spangenberg Shibley & Liber is a civil litigation trial team with experience representing victims of dangerous drugs and medical devices in state and federal court for decades. The statute of limitations on your claim may already be running, so it is important to contact a Pradaxa attorney promptly to protect your rights in the Pradaxa internal bleeding lawsuit.

1. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm282724.htm
2. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm288002.htm#Pradaxa
3. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203436904577151043459695270.html
4. http://www.pradaxapro.com/RELY.jsp

Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP is a personal injury law firm headquartered in Ohio. You can contact an attorney at http://www.spanglaw.com/ or by calling 1-877-696-3303 (toll-free).