FDA Refuses to Recall Common Drug linked to 2367 Hemorrhages and 542 Deaths

Pradaxa (dabigatran) is an anti-clotting drug that has been touted as the replacement for Coumadin (warfarin) in patients with atrial fibrillation and other clotting risks. It has been available for 2 years at a cost of $3000 per patient, which totals about $1 billion per year. Pradaxa does reduce the incidence of strokes due to blood clots, but at the same time increase the risk of brain and GI hemorrhages, which also can be life threatening. Coumadin is not much better. It has the same complications, albeit at a slightly lower rate. Coumadin is more inconvenient because its therapeutic window is so narrow that it is difficult to find and maintain a safe and effective dose. If you do not want to take the risk, supplement combinations such as nattokinase, fish oils, and garlic can be effective with much less risk. But it is important to have a knowledgeable doctor monitor your progress. Posted on AHN-USA on April 2, 2013 in Fight Healthcare Monopolies, Reform FDA. Celebration of Health Association website