A new study shows the use of the anti-coagulant known as Pradaxa is associated with a significant increase in the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The increased risk is compared to traditional or standard treatment with drugs such as enoxaparin, warfarin, antiplatelet therapy, or no therapy (placebo).
The study analyzed 17 randomized controlled trails and found an increased risk for gastrointestinal bleeding for patients taking newer anti-coagulants versus the more traditional treatments. Although there was a ...
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In October of 2010 the FDA approved Pradaxa for the prevention of blood clots and strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). It was marketed by its manufacturer, Boehringer Ingelheim, as an alternative to warfarin. Over the following year a number of cases of gastrointestinal bleeding were reported, some severe enough to cause death. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Pradaxa had a 33% increased risk of heart attack or heart disease over warfarin.
A report on the blog FiercePharma says the approval of blood thinner Eliquis in Europe has the manufacturers of competing medications “on their toes.”
