COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pradaxa
GENERIC NAME(S): DABIGATRAN ETEXILATE MESYLATE
Description: Dabigatran is a direct inhibitor of thrombin, platelet aggregation, preventing thrombus formation. Dabigatran is metabolised by the liver and excreted by urine.
Dabigatran is an anticoagulant to prevent stroke and harmful blood clots if you have atrial fibrillation, treat blood clots in the veins of your legs, lungs after hip or knee replacement surgery and reduce the risk of recurrence.
If you underwent heart valve surgery, talk to your doctor before taking Dabigatran or other medications.
How to use dabigatran etexilate
Take by mouth with or without food, usually twice a day or as directed by your doctor. Avoid antacids within 24 hours or dabigatran may not work as well. Swallow the capsules, do not crush, chew, or break open the capsules;, do not put in a pill box because it needs to be kept tightly closed in the original bottle to protect it from moisture.
Take the medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow the correct dosage for the best treatment outcome.
Dabigatran may cause you to form serious blood clot (stroke, blood clot in the legs and lungs) when stopped abruptly. Ask advice from your doctor on how to reduce this risk.
While taking this drug, there is also a risk of bleeding near the spinal cord if spinal procedures are done, Seek the advice of your doctor on the risks and benefits before undergoing and procedure while taking this drug.
Side effects may range from mild to serious complications. Consult your doctor immediately when you feel the following symptoms: easy bruising or minor bleeding (such as nosebleed, bleeding from cuts), unusual pain/swelling/discomfort, unusual/easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums, persistent/frequent nosebleeds, unusually heavy/prolonged menstrual flow, pink/dark urine, coughing up blood, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, severe headache, dizziness/fainting, unusual or persistent tiredness/weakness, bloody/black/tarry stools, stomach/abdominal pain, severe heartburn/nausea/vomiting.
Seek emergency medical help if you expereince allergies (rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing) or the symptoms mentioned above while taking this drug.
Inform your doctor of your allergies (food or drugs), medical conditions and medical history before taking this drug, especially of: mechanical heart valve, kidney disease, bleeding problems (such as bleeding of the stomach/intestines, bleeding in the brain), blood disorders (such as anemia, hemophilia, thrombocytopenia), liver disease, recent major injury/surgery, stroke, frequent falls/injuries.
Before having any surgery or dental procedures done, inform your doctors or dentist of the current medications and products (prescription and nonprescription) and herbal products.
Avoid anything that may cause you to bleed, externally and internally such as getting cut, bruised, injections, and drinking alcohol (stomach bleeding).
Older people may be at greater risk for bleeding while using this drug.
For pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, consult your doctor before taking this medication.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: mifepristone. The following drugs may have effects similar to dabigatran: aspirin and spirin, aspirin-like drugs (salicylates), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib), clopidogrel, ticlopidine and increase the risk of bleeding when taken with dabigatran. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: bloody/black/tarry stools, pink/dark urine, unusual/prolonged bleeding.
Missed Dose
Take it as soon as you remember. Do not increase the dose to catch up. If it is less than 6 hours until the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Open only one bottle at a time, and once the bottle is opened, the medication must be thrown away after 4 months. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Discard the drug properly- do not throw in toilet or sink.
Brands
Pradaxa [ Boehringer Ingelheim ]
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