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Drug Information: Pradaxa

PRADAXA (Dabigatran) is an anticoagulant that is prescribed to prevent the incidence of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillations without valve abnormalities. PRADAXA (Dabigatran) is a blood thinner that prevents the blood clotting by inhibiting the platelet aggregation. PRADAXA (Dabigatran) can considerably decrease the formation of blood clots and thus reduce the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. PRADAXA (Dabigatran) is a good alternative to warfarin, heparin and coumarin. Depending on the body’s response to the drug, the physician may opt in or out for PRADAXA (Dabigatran).

Who should not take PRADAXA (Dabigatran)?

You should not take PRADAXA (Dabigatran), if you are more than 75 years old or if you have kidney or liver disease, bleeding or clotting disorders, low platelet count, abnormally low fibrin levels and INR ratio, surgery in the near future, gastric or duodenal ulcer with or without perforations. According to Food and Drug administration, PRADAXA (Dabigatran) is classified as a Pregnancy Category – C drug and it can harm the unborn foetus. You should not take PRADAXA (Dabigatran), unless prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking drugs such as quinidine, St.John’s wort, blood pressure reducing drugs, all types of NSAIDs, heparin, coumarin, recently given streptokinase, streptodornase or urokinase or other blood thinners like aspirin, you should not take PRADAXA (Dabigatran).

PRADAXA (Dabigatran) Side Effects:

PRADAXA (Dabigatran) can cause bruising, uncontrolled bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding in women, blood in urine and stools, aggravate gastric ulcers, nose bleedings, unusual weakness, gastric problems, heart burns, bleeding in the minute blood vessels in the eyes and the body, skin rashes with subtle bleeding under the skin etc. Most of the side effects of PRADAXA (Dabigatran) may vary from person to person.

How should I take PRADAXA (Dabigatran)?

The recommended dosage for the PRADAXA (Dabigatran) is 75 - 150 mg daily depending on the patient’s need. PRADAXA (Dabigatran) can be administered alone or along with other blood thinners or block busters. The following instruction should be followed to take the PRADAXA (Dabigatran) – 75 - 150 mg (Daily): (1) Take PRADAXA (Dabigatran) first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything except plain water. 2) Take PRADAXA (Dabigatran) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take PRADAXA (Dabigatran) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take PRADAXA (Dabigatran) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take PRADAXA (Dabigatran) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow PRADAXA (Dabigatran) on a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep PRADAXA (Dabigatran) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking PRADAXA (Dabigatran) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.

Keep taking PRADAXA (Dabigatran) for as long as your health care provider tells you. For PRADAXA (Dabigatran) to prevent the incidence of stroke or keep you away from getting the symptoms, you have to take PRADAXA (Dabigatran) as often and in the way PRADAXA (Dabigatran) as prescribed.

What should I know about PRADAXA (Dabigatran)?

  • Take PRADAXA (Dabigatran) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • PRADAXA (Dabigatran) can be taken with or without food.
  • If you are above 75 years old, you must not take PRADAXA (Dabigatran).
  • For PRADAXA (Dabigatran) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
  • It is important to take PRADAXA (Dabigatran) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
  • Avoid playing outdoor games that can cause injuries or wounds while taking PRADAXA (Dabigatran).
  • If you have surgery in the near future, you should inform your doctor that you are taking PRADAXA (Dabigatran).
  • Do not stop taking PRADAXA (Dabigatran) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
  • Avoid alcohol while you are taking PRADAXA (Dabigatran).
  • Store PRADAXA (Dabigatran) as per the instructions on the label.

What happens if I miss a dose of PRADAXA (Dabigatran)?

Take the missed dose of PRADAXA (Dabigatran) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take PRADAXA (Dabigatran) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose of PRADAXA (Dabigatran)?

Abnormal bruising, bleeding gums or any bleeding may be a symptom of PRADAXA (Dabigatran) overdose. Try to seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Where can I get more information on PRADAXA (Dabigatran)?

PRADAXA (Dabigatran) prescribed patients, who try to place an order for PRADAXA (Dabigatran) from an online pharmacy store, can place their prescription order at the CanadaDrugsOnline.com which is an online Canadian pharmacy store.