A new study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, compared the side effects of Pradaxa use and Warfarin. Both medications are considered anticoagulants, or blood thinners, and are typically prescribed to treat non-valvular atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the heart does not beat properly.

The purpose of the study was to determine if Pradaxa could be used as a blood thinning medication for patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.  About 290 people were involved in the study, half of whom received Pradaxa while the other half received warfarin.

The researchers from the University of Kansas Hospital and Medical Center state that the group of Pradaxa users faced a higher risk for experiencing adverse side effects including bleeding problems, stroke, and mini strokes than warfarin users. According to the study Pradaxa users had a 16% higher risk

Pradaxa is included in a class of drugs referred to as direct thrombin inhibitors which work by preventing the enzyme which causes blood cells to clot.  This formulation of blood cells into clots can be dangerous since these clots travel throughout the body up to the brain leading to stroke or death.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Pradaxa for treatment of atrial fibrillation in October of 2010. Shortly after Pradaxa was approved, the health regulating agency received numerous reports claiming Pradaxa causes internal bleeding.

Symptoms of internal bleeding often include unexpected bleeding or unusually long lasting bleeding, severe or uncontrollable bleeding, pink or brown urine, red or black stools, bruises with unknown cause, blood clots and coughing up blood, and many more.

Other reported side effects of Pradaxa include heart attack, gastrointestinal bleeding, brain hemorrhaging, internal bleeding, and death.

Pradaxa internal bleeding attorneys are currently in the process of investigating claims of adverse effects associated with Pradaxa. Though no recall has yet been issued the FDA is actively investigating reports of internal bleeding.