DabigatranWhen you have, or are at risk of having blood clots form in the deep veins of your body, called deep vein thrombosis,or DVT, or if you have a heart condition called atrial fibrillation, you may be prescribed Dabigatran. You may also befamiliar with its brand name, Pradaxa. Dabigatran is a high alert medication, which means if you do not take itexactly as prescribed it may cause illness or injury.To understand how Dabigatran works, let’s look at how blood clots can affect your body. When you have atrialfibrillation, blood can pool in the chambers of your heart and blood clots can form leading to a high risk of stroke.When you have DVT, blood clots can form in the deep veins of your body; usually in your legs, and can cause serioushealth problems.Sometimes a clot may break away and travel through your blood vessels. Called an ‘embolus’, this moving clot cantravel to the brain, heart or lungs and cause severe complications including stroke, heart attack, difficulty breathing,even death.Dabigatran is an oral medication used to break up these clots and keep the blood thin. Your healthcare provider willdecide how much Dabigatran you need to take, but capsules come in 75 mg, 110 mg, and 150 mg doses. Make sureyou understand what dose you are supposed to take to avoid injury.Dabigatran is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not take Dabigatran if you are allergic toany of its ingredients. Do not take Dabigatran if you have active or uncontrolled bleeding. Do not take Dabigatran ifyou have an artificial heart valve.Before taking Dabigatran tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, or arebreastfeeding. Discuss any possible risks to your baby with your healthcare provider.Before taking Dabigatran, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of kidney disease or are on dialysis,stomach ulcers, or intestinal bleeding.Let all of your healthcare providers know you are taking Dabigatran, including your dentist. You may need to stoptaking your medication a few days before your appointment.Before taking Dabigatran, give your healthcare provider a complete list of all other medications you use, includingvitamins and herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort.Some over-the-counter medications you may take can increase your risk of bleeding. When taking Dabigatran avoidAspirin, Ibuprofen like Advil or Motrin, and Naproxen like Aleve. Do not take any other oral blood thinnermedications like Warfarin while taking this medication. Talk to your healthcare provider about your medicationPage 1 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1005996 EN Dabigatran.pdf© The Wellness NetworkDabigatranoptions.When taking Dabigatran you may have regular tests to see how well it is working and to check for side effects. Keepall of your healthcare and lab appointments.The most serious side effect of Dabigatran is bleeding. Be careful to avoid getting a cut or injury. If you are coughingup or vomiting blood, have urine that looks red or rusty, have red, black, or tarrybowel movements; or have pain, swelling or discomfort in the stomach, abdomen or joints, call 911. These can be asign of internal bleeding.Some common side effects include nausea and upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea, heartburn and indigestion.If you do notice any of these side effects contact your healthcare provider about how to manage them.If you require a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia called an epidural while taking Dabigatran, you are at an increasedrisk of developing a very serious blood clot around your spine. This can cause paralysis.If you have an allergic reaction like trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your face or throat, call 911.If you have sudden leg or foot pain, purple toes or fingers, sudden dizziness, weakness or headache, shortness ofbreath, fast heartbeat, pale skin, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or you stop urinating, call 911 and get helpimmediately. This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible side effects with yourhealthcare provider.Take Dabigatran exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose. When taking Dabigatran capsules, always swallowthe capsule whole with plenty of water. Do not cut, break, chew, crush or dissolve this medication.Dabigatran is usually taken twice a day with or without food. Take your medication at the same time each day toavoid missing a dose. Try setting an alert on your phone or watch so you don’t forget. If you do miss a dose, takeDabigatran as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip your missed dose and return to yournormal medication schedule. Do not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Dabigatran, call 911.Do not stop taking your medication without talking to your healthcare provider. If you stop taking this medicationyou can increase your risk of stroke and blood clots.Store Dabigatran at room temperature away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicine cabinet isnot the best place because of moisture. Do not leave your medication where it can get too hot or too cold. AlwaysPage 2 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1005996 EN Dabigatran.pdf© The Wellness NetworkDabigatranstore your medication out of sight and out of reach of children to prevent accidents.Keep Dabigatran in its original packaging, whether it is a blister pack or bottle. If it does come in a bottle, you mustthrow away any remaining capsules 4 months after opening the bottle.When you are done taking Dabigatran, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the proper way todispose of any unused medications. Do not flush this medication down the toilet.Dabigatran can reduce your risk of dangerous blood clots and stroke. But it is a powerful medication that should onlybe taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about Dabigatran, ask your healthcare provider orpharmacist for more information.Page 3 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1005996 EN Dabigatran.pdf© The Wellness Network
