Patients are prescribed blood thinners like Pradaxa and Coumadin to treat heart disease and prevent or lower the risk of stroke. They help prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries that can travel to the brain by blocking the body’s ability to form clots. Like most medication, blood thinners come with side effects that can range from minor to catastrophic.
Minor Blood Thinner Side Effects
Patients taking blood thinners may experience any or a combination of these side effects:
-Naseau
-Diarrhea
-Upper abdominal pain
-Flu-like symptoms
-Swelling of the face, mouth, throat, hands, feet and legs
Serious Blood Thinner Side Effects
Patients taking blood thinners that experience any of these side effects should immediately consult a physician.
-Chest pain, and risk of heart attack
-Decreased Kidney Function
-Uncontrollable bleeding
-Severe internal bleeding, often spontaneous
Not all blood thinners cause all of these side effects. If you have any questions regarding taking blood thinners such as Pradaxa, ask your doctor. If you have been taking medication and have experienced any of the serious side effects outlined above, you may want to speak with a Pradaxa injury attorney.