Dabigatran Patient Education Flashcards
Dabigatran
Pradaxa
Some medications may increase your
chance of bleeding. Some examples are:
- aspirin
- ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil®)
- naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve®)
- diclofenac (Voltaren®)
- celecoxib (Celebrex®)
- clopidogrel (Plavix®)
- ticagrelor (Brillinta®)
- enoxaparin (Lovenox®)
There are other medications your doctor
should be aware of that can affect how
dabigatran works. Some examples are:
• ketoconazole (Nizoral®) • itraconazole (Sporanox®) • rifampin (Rifadin®) • clarithromycin (Biaxin®) • dronedarone (Multaq®) • amiodarone (Pacerone®) • carbamazepine (Tegretol®) • phenytoin (Dilantin®) • phenobarbital • verapamil • St. John’s wort • HIV medications like ritonavir (Norvir®), lopinavir (Kaletra®)
What is dabigatran?
Dabigatran helps prevent clots from forming or getting bigger by blocking one
of the clotting factors (thrombin).
What is it used to treat?
Dabigatran is used to:
• Prevent blood clots and reduce risk of
stroke in people with a type of irregular
heart beat known as atrial fibrillation
(Afib)
• Prevent blood clots in legs and lungs after hip replacement surgery
• Treat blood clots in the veins (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) and reduce risk of occurring again
Will I need routine blood checks?
You will not need regular blood tests to monitor
this medication. There are no tests to measure
dabigatran levels.
Your doctor or anticoagulation clinic will check
your complete blood count (CBC), kidney and
liver function tests when you start dabigatran.
You will need to get your CBC checked each
year, and have your kidney and liver function
tested as instructed by your doctor.
Based on the results, your dose may need to be
changed or dabigatran may be stopped.
How should I take it?
Take twice a day with or without food.
Take each capsule whole with a glass of water.
Do not chew, crush, or open the capsule.
What to do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day.
If your next dose
is within 6 hours, skip the missed dose.
DO NOT take two doses together.
How should I store it?
Store at room temperature in the tightly
sealed ORIGINAL pill bottle.
Keep away from light and humidity.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Close bottle as soon as possible.
Use within 4 months of opening the bottle.
What are the side effects?
Minor bleeding is the most common side effect of this medication: • Bruising more easily • Occasional, light nose bleeds • Prolonged and heavier than normal menstrual bleeding • Prolonged bleeding after minor cuts Other less common side effects include rash, mild back pain, feeling dizzy or tired.
Call your doctor or seek emergency
help immediately if you notice:
• Allergic reaction: itching or hives, swelling in your face, mouth, or throat, or trouble breathing • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash • Bloody or brown urine • Bloody or black, tarry stools • Vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds Avoid activities that put you at risk of injury or falling. Seek emergency help if you fall and hit your head.
Are there restrictions on
food or alcohol?
There are no interactions with food.
It is recommended to limit alcohol use.
Alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding.
