Anemia is another potential Pradaxa® side effect. Although anemia is the most common blood problem in the U.S., affecting over three million people, and although there are an amazing number of types of anemia (over 400), a patient who is on a Pradaxa® (dabigatran) medication regimen should stay extra-aware of the possibility of developing anemia.
This is because anemia can be brought on by gradual blood loss, a condition that has been documented to happen to some patients on Pradaxa® regimens. When red blood cells are lost through chronic bleeding (which can occur gradually and slowly over a long period of time), the blood loss may go undetected until the patient is diagnosed with anemia and perhaps with gastrointestinal bleeding.
Symptoms of Anemia
The most common type of anemia (the one that most people think of when they hear the term "anemia") is iron-deficiency anemia, a very treatable condition that is usually diagnosed after a patient reports unusual fatigue and loss of energy. 
In contrast, the anemia caused by gastrointestinal bleeding or other types of sudden or chronic bleeding is manifested by symptoms such as:
- abdominal pain
- brown or reddish urine
- jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- leg ulcers
- seizures
- small bruises under the skin
- symptoms of gallstones (e.g., pain, fever, chills)
- symptoms of kidney failure (e.g., Swelling, thirst, rapid heart beat, dizziness, fatigue, pain)
See a Doctor about Anemia
In light of the hundreds of types of anemia, it's not surprising that there are many possible causes of anemia. An individual who is taking Pradaxa® (dabigatran) should not be reluctant to talk about his or her symptoms with a healthcare provider, since it's better to catch a serious disorder early on rather than waiting until the symptoms are out of control. Pradaxa has been associated with uncontrollable gastrointestinal bleeds in some patients. This is a potentially life-threatening condition.
See a Lawyer about Pradaxa® Side Effects
An increasing number of reports of severe Pradaxa® side effects has prompted the FDA to further investigate this controversial anticoagulant drug. The agency said it is looking into its risk for serious internal bleeds. To learn more, contact a Pradaxa® lawyer today.
