A wrongful death lawsuit filed by a widow in Pennsylvania claims that her husband died from side effects caused by the blood thinner Pradaxa. According to news reports, the lawsuit was filed by June Lutz in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania, earlier this month.
June Lutz said in the lawsuit that her husband, Carl, used Pradaxa and suffered from side effects that proved fatal. June Lutz has alleged fraudulent concealment, wrongful death, breach of warranties, negligence, design defect and failure to warn. She seeks compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 and punitive damages.
Pradaxa is a blood-thinning drug that was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010. In this case, June Lutz says that her husband began taking Pradaxa in January 2011. The Pradaxa side effects kicked in and on February 8, 2011, he suffered by severe bleeding in the brain for which he spent 16 days in the hospital. He could not return home and was placed in hospice care.
He died from the complications on March 21, 2011. The lawsuit states that the FDA had been informed of Pradaxa complications including rectal and gastrointestinal hemorrhages.
Serious Pradaxa Side Effects Reported
The FDA received 179,855 reports of serious, disabling and fatal adverse drug events in the United States from patients who used Pradaxa in 2011. This was an increase of 15,386 cases or 9.4 percent compared to 2010.
In the same period, an estimated 48 percent of the population was taking a prescription drug in any given month, and an estimated 3.6 billion outpatient prescriptions were dispensed, according to data from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.
Compensation for Pradaxa Victims and Families
It is understandable that drugs have side effects. Whether we are talking about prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, there are bound to be minor side effects. However, when a drug causes debilitating, catastrophic or fatal side effects, it is necessary for it to be immediately recalled. Drug manufacturers are required to test their products prior to putting them on the market. If they discover adverse effects, they are required to warn consumers about those dangers.
Having this information helps consumers make decisions about their course of treatment and weigh their options. If you are about to take Pradaxa, please discuss the risks with your doctor. If you have suffered serious side effects or if you have lost a loved one who took Pradaxa, please contact an experienced products liability lawyer who will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
