Blood thinning medications are used to prevent blood clots. Blood clots are health risks that increase chances of stroke, heart attack, and various other health issues. Warfarin is one of the original blood thinners and has been on the market since the 1950s. Warfarin proved to have some issues over the years, though. Namely, its dangerous interactions with other medicines and food as well as the need for regular blood testing.
More recent blood thinners such as Xarelto and Pradaxa have gained some popularity. Designed as alternatives to Warfarin, Xarelto and Pradaxa have negative aspects as well. If you or a loved one has been prescribed a blood-thinning medication, keep reading to learn more about these two popular medications.
Xarelto vs Pradaxa
Xarelto
Xarelto is an alternative anticoagulant with many uses. There are also many serious and potentially fatal Xarelto side effects, which has increased the need for Xarelto lawsuits. The drug is approved for use to reduce stroke and blood clot risk in people with atrial fibrillation. It is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. For hip and knee surgery patients, Xarelto helps to reduce the risk of blood clots in legs and lungs.
It was developed as an alternative to Warfarin because it does not require regular blood monitoring, which can be time consuming. Although Warfarin can also have serious side effects, it has a reversal agent for dangerous bleeding. Xarelto does not have reversal agent, so the side effect of bleeding can cause serious injury or be fatal.
Xarelto side effects include:
- Unusual pain, swelling, discomfort and bruising
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums; coughing blood
- Persistent and/or frequent nose bleeds
- Unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual flow
- Dark urine and/or tarry stools
- Vomit that is blood or looks like coffee grounds
- Severe headache, dizziness or fainting along with persistent fatigue
Pradaxa
Since it came onto the market in October 2010, Pradaxa has been connected to instances of death, bleeding, and stroke. It is prescribed to prevent stroke and serious blood clots in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Like Xarelto, it also does not require regular blood monitoring. But, Pradaxa’s lack of a reversal agent can also lead to serious or fatal bleeding side effects.
Pradaxa side effects include:
- Unusual bruising or bleeding that lasts longer than normal
- Pink or brown urine or red or black, tarry stools
- Coughing up blood or bleeding from the gums
- Vomiting material that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Joint pain/swelling or swelling of appendages
- Headache, dizziness or weakness
