TYLER - After suffering internal bleeding allegedly due to a prescription drug for heart problems, an Arp woman has filed a lawsuit against the drug's manufacturer for failing to warn of the increased risks associated with the medication.
Joyce Kee filed suit against Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GMBH & Co. KG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GMBH and Bidachem S.P.A. on Aug. 8 in the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division.
Pradaxa is a direct thrombin inhibitor that is prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
Kee was prescribed Pradaxa on July 1, 2011, for treatment of blood thinning. In October 2011, Kee suffered a severe gastrointestinal bleed and was hospitalized for seven days. She states that she also suffered a heart attack to due to excessive bleeding.
The defendants allegedly promoted the drug as being more effective than Warfarin in preventing stroke and systemic embolism and as more convenient because it does not require blood monitoring, dose adjustments or dietary restrictions.
However, according to the lawsuit, there is no effective means to treat and stabilize patients who experience uncontrolled bleeding.
The defendants are accused of strict liability, failing to warn, design defect, negligence, negligent misrepresentation or fraud, breach of express and implied warranty, fraudulent concealment and deceptive trade practices.
Kee is asking for an award of damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, non-economic damages, punitive damages, interest, attorney's fees, and court costs.
Everett Runte Sr. also filed a similar lawsuit.
The plaintiffs are represented by Ryan L. Thompson and Mikal C. Watts of Watts Guerra Craft in San Antonio. Jury trials are requested.
Case No. 6:12-cv-00497; 6:23-cv-00498