According to the results of some recent testing in Europe he drug Pradaxa has been shown to possibly be harmful to patients with mechanical heart valves. The FDA has issued a warning that the popular blood thinner should not be used by patients that have been given these types of valves. A recent clinical trial was ended after Pradaxa users with mechanical valves showed a higher incidence of stroke and other heart complications. The attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman would recommend that anyone who has been prescribed Pradaxa contact their physician immediately in order to avoid any potential issue.

The FDA press release says that they could not be sure that biological heart valve replacements were expected to fare any better, as no testing has been done on this subject. They recommended that all valve replacement patients contact their physicians about any blood thinners they are currently taking.

This isn’t the first time this blood thinner has come under criticism either – this article in the New York Times from early November goes over more potential problems with Pradaxa. If you or a loved one has suffered injury due to use of this or another improperly prescribed medication our St. Louis personal injury attorneys want to speak with you. Visit our website today to find out if you may be entitled to damages from a drug manufacturer or a physician who improperly prescribed a medication.