What is Pradaxa?

Pradaxa (Dabigatran Etexilate) is an anticoagulant medication which helps to treat blood clots and to prevent the formation of blood clots. Pradaxa is prescribed to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and atrial fibrillation. Anticoagulants also known as blood thinner medications block certain clotting proteins in your blood which help to keep the blood flowing smoothly around your body.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take Pradaxa capsules orally with or without food.
• Swallow Pradaxa capsules whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break open the capsules.
• Pradaxa must be kept away from moisture. Keep it in the original bottle or blister package. Do not use put it in a medication reminder box.
• Your Pradaxa dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, response to treatment and other medications you are taking. Do not change or increase your Pradaxa dose unless advised to by a doctor.
• Take Pradaxa regularly to get the most benefit from it.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of mechanical heart valve, kidney disease, bleeding problems, blood disorders, liver disease, stroke or antiphospholipid syndrome.
• If you have recently, or frequently suffer from falls or injuries.

Also be aware that:

• It is important that all of your doctors and dentists are aware that you take this medication as you may have to stop taking Pradaxa before any medical or dental procedures.
• While taking dabigatran, you should avoid getting injections into the muscle. If you must have a muscle injection, take it in the arm.
• Pradaxa can cause heavy bleeding. Take care when using sharp objects and avoid possible scenarios where you could get injured like contact sports.
• Older adults are at more likely to suffer bleeding while using this drug.
• Only use Pradaxa when clearly needed during pregnancy.

Common Pradaxa side effects include but are not limited to:

• Stomach pain, indigestion or discomfort.
• Nausea or diarrhea.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following dabigatran side effects:

• Unusual bleeding such as from your nose, mouth, rectum or vagina including heavy menstrual bleeding or any bleeding which does not stop.
• Easy bruising.
• Purple or red spots under your skin.
• Headache, dizziness, weakness or the feeling you may pass out.
• Bloody, pink, red or brown urine or bloody, black or tarry stools.
• Joint pain or swelling.

Q: Is Pradaxa a blood thinner medication?

A: Yes, Pradaxa is an anticoagulant which are also known as blood thinner meds.

Q: Is there a Pradaxa generic alternative?

A: Generic Pradaxa is known as Dabigatran and is available in 150mg. Unfortunately Pradaxa 110mg and 75mg do not have a therapeutically equivalent generic alternative available.