Pradaxa (Dabigatran)

What is Pradaxa?

Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) is an anticoagulant which prevents formation of blood clots in the body.

What is Pradaxa used for?

Pradaxa is used in the treatment of a medical condition known as atrial fibrillation. This causes anomaly in heartbeat. This in turn leads to formation of blood clots and thereby increases the risk of stroke. Pradaxa prevents the formation of blood clots and reduces the risk of a stroke.

How does Pradaxa work?

Pradaxa is an anticoagulant which inhibits the process of blood clotting thereby preventing the formation of blood clots in the body.

How to use Pradaxa

Pradaxa should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking the drug for longer period or in larger amount may cause harmful effects. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Pradaxa is taken orally with or without food. The extended-release capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened, crushed or chewed.

The drug should be taken regularly to get best results.

Do not stop your dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Stopping the dose would make you more susceptible to a stroke. However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Pradaxa warnings and precautions

Pradaxa is not administered to patients who are allergic to dabigatran etexilate or are presently experiencing any abnormal bleeding.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you have any of the following conditions: a history of blood clotting disorders, a history of stomach ulcers, or kidney problems.

The drug should be administered to patients older than 75 years with caution as they have a higher risk of experiencing abnormal bleeding while taking Pradaxa.

Since Pradaxa is an anticoagulant, it will take longer to stop any kind of bleeding during treatment with this drug.

Before undergoing a surgery, you should tell the concerned doctor about your use of Pradaxa. The dose may be temporarily stopped.

Pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Pradaxa dose?

If you have missed a Pradaxa dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, your next dose is less than 6 hours away, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Pradaxa overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Pradaxa, seek medical attention immediately.

Pradaxa interactions

Some drugs which may interact with Pradaxa are: rifampin, NSAIDs (if used for a long term), aspirin or aspirin containing medicines, clopidogrel, medicines containing heparin, prasugrel etc.

It is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before using Pradaxa.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Pradaxa side effects

Side effects from Pradaxa include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. as well as some serious symptoms such as unexpected or unstoppable bleeding (bleeding gums or bloody nose which does not stop within 5 minutes, heavy flow during menstrual bleeding), pink or brown urine, blood in cough or vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red or black stools, unexpected pain or swelling in joints, bruising, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting.

Indigestion, stomach pain, stomach upset, and burning sensation are some less serious side effects of Pradaxa.