Patients taking Pradaxa® (dabigatran) should be aware of the possible side effects, including gastrointestinal side effects such as epigastric discomfort. "Epigastric" refers to the upper middle part of the abdomen, and "discomfort" signifies only an uncomfortable sensation (as opposed to acute, sharp pain). Some people may perceive epigastric discomfort as stomach pains or stomach discomfort, or a feeling of pressure around the stomach. Others may simply feel bloated.
Although millions of people develop epigastric discomfort every year in the U.S., it's usually because of things like:
- lactase deficiency (also called "lactose intolerance")
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- gallstones
- food poisoning
- pancreatitis
- epigastric hernia
- liver abscess
Epigastric Discomfort in a Pradaxa® (dabigatran) Patient
The development of epigastric discomfort in a patient who is taking Pradaxa® may be a sign of worse problems such as gastrointestinal bleeds. A person who is taking Pradaxa® should not ignore or minimize the symptoms of epigastric discomfort; he or she should discuss the symptoms with the physician who prescribed the Pradaxa®, or another knowledgeable healthcare provider to make sure everything is OK.
Other potential side effects that can be marked by discomfort include:
- esophagitis
- ulcers
- gastrointestinal bleeding; other internal bleeding
- gastritis
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Learn More about Pradaxa® Side Effects
If you're taking Pradaxa® (dabigatran), your prescribing physician should have spent a good deal of time telling you about all the symptoms and possible problems associated with the medication. All medication have possible side effects, but knowing about the most dangerous side effects and their symptoms can help protect a patient from allowing a condition to get severe.
Pradaxa®, for instance, has been associated with severe, life threatening internal bleeding events. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in December that it would be investigating reports of fatal Pradaxa® injuries to determine whether the risk was greater than it thought.
Talk with a Pradaxa® Attorney
If you or someone you love is taking Pradaxa®, you should understand the possible side effects and know the symptoms. If you've suffered from a serious side effect such as internal bleeding, you should speak with an attorney about your right to seek financial compensation for your injuries and suffering.
To discuss your circumstances in a free case review, contact our Pradaxa® injury attorneys today.
