Pradaxa
PRADAXA (Dabigatran)
Trade Name Generic Name
Pradaxa Dabigatran
Use
Reduces risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Action
Pradaxa is a direct thrombin inhibitor that prevents the development of clots.
Possible Side Effects
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Most patients experience no, or minor, side effects. Possible side effects:
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Common: Stomach upset, heartburn, rash, itching.
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Rare: Bleeding requiring hospitalization; bleeding in the brain, gastrointestinal bleeding.
Important Guidelines for Storing/Taking Medication:
- Pradaxa should be kept in the original bottle (do not place in a "pill box"). There are 60 capsules in the bottle and once opened must be used in 4 months.
- Open only one bottle at a time. Once opened date the bottle to be used within 4 months.
- After removing pill, make sure to close bottle tightly.
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Do not remove the desiccant (little sac filled with beads/pellets). Without this, the medication can become inactive in a short period of time.
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There is also unit dose packaging available at the same cost in which each dose is individually packaged, talk to your pharmacist if you would like this option.
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Discuss any questions or concerns about Pradaxa with your healthcare professional.
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Read the Medication Guide for Pradaxa each time you get your prescription refilled
Guidelines for Taking Medication:
- May be taken without regard to food, may take with food to lessen stomach upset.
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Take your medication at the same time each day.
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Swallow capsule whole, do not break, chew or empty pellets from capsule.
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If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember; if your next dose is less than 6 hours away, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses of Pradaxa at the same time.
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Do not stop this medication, unless directed by your doctor or nurse.
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Notify your doctor or nurse if you are prescribed Rifampin, Multaq or a ketoconazole (antifungal); these medications may alter effect of Pradaxa.
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Report any unusual bruising or bleeding to your doctor or nurse including bleeding from the gums, nose bleeds that happen frequently, menstrual bleeding that is heavier than normal, red or black stools, pink or brown urine, or if you cough or vomit up blood.
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Do not take this medication with over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, other non-steroidal medications, or aspirin, unless directed by your physician.
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Avoid activities in which injury and/or bleeding may occur since it may take longer than usual to control bleeding.
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Notify the doctor who prescribed Pradaxa if you need to stop for any reason including dental work, any surgery or medical work.
Follow-up Tests
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Because Pradaxa is excreted through the kidneys, a blood test may be done periodically to check kidney function.
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Pradaxa does not require anticoagulation monitoring. The INR should be avoided as it is unreliable in patients on Pradaxa.
ver 12.