What is Dabigatran?
Atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder can cause blood clots in the patient’s vein. Dabigatran is used to lower the risk of stroke caused by these blood clots. It is an anticoagulant. It works by blocking thrombin which is a blood clotting protein. Dabigatran is used in market with brand name Pradaxa. It is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
What are the common conditions in which Dabigatran prescribed?
Dabigatran is prescribed to a patient suffering from the possibilities of a stroke cased by blood clots.
It is used only when the atrial fibrillation is not caused by heart valve problem. It is also used after hip replacement surgery to avoid blood clot in lungs called deep vein thrombosis.
How should I take Dabigatran?
Dabigatran is consumed in the form of capsule. So, the patient should be careful not to crush, chew or break the medicine and swallow is whole with a glass of water. Follow the prescription careful and read all side effects and guides mentioned on the information card.
Dabigatran can be taken with or without food. If the patient is going to be in a surgery or any therapy after taking this medicine, they should consult the doctor thoroughly about the matter.
Dabigatran can cause easy bleeding and might not make it stop. So, the patient should be cautious of any injury.
If you happen to bleed from any part of your body or suffer internal injury, consult your doctor immediately.
Do not let the medicine expose to heat, sun flight and moisture. Keep it away from the reach of the children.
Take the medicine on fixed time every day.
When you should not take Dabigatran?
You should consult your doctor who is treating you if you are allergic to this drug. If you have been to any therapy or surgery recently, you should not have Dabigatran. Other conditions to look for before you go on medication with Dabigatran are:
- If you have been injured recently.
- This is because this drug can cause you bleed easily, so you might not be able to heal from your injury if you take this medicine.
- If you have a genetic spinal defect, Artificial heart valve or Spinal taps.
- If you take NSAID or have stomach ulcer, you should avoid taking this drug.
- Kidney disease can also make you discontinue Dabigatran.
- If you are pregnant then your doctor won’t prescribe you this medicine at all.
This drug can cause bleeding in the mother or the unborn/ newborn baby. So, you must be careful with your medical condition and history before taking this medicine.
Consult your doctor thoroughly about the possible risks and benefits of taking Dabigatran.
What are the possible side effects of Dabigatran?
Dabigatran can yield severe side effects in the patient. You can be prone to bleed easily while being on the medication. If you develop a sign of allergy, that is, breathing trouble, swelling, hives and wheezing, consult your doctor immediately. You should look out for spinal blood clot which may have symptoms like loss of bladder or bowel control, back pain, weakness in the lower body or numbness.
Consult your doctor immediately if you happen to have
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Cough with blood
- Urine or stool with blood
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Joint pain
- Headache or dizziness
These are not the only side effects of using this medicine. If you encounter any unusual behaviour in your body or health, talk to your doctor about it.
What to do if I miss the dose?
If you happen to miss your dose of the medicine, take it immediately within 6 hours.
Do not take the missed dose anytime near the second dose. Otherwise, you will overdose the medicine which can be poisonous.
Common Drug Interaction with Dabigatran.
You should always, with utmost care, consult your doctor about your medical history. It is important for your doctor to know what medicines you have been taking so that they can determine whether to give you Dabigatran or not. Some drug-drug interactions can be life-threatening.
So be cautious what kind of drugs and health history you have had before going on Dabigatran medication.
Bottom Line
Dabigatran is used to prevent stoke from blood clot in veins. However, this medicine has some serious side effect as well. It can cause uncontrolled bleeding and easy injuries. Therefore, be careful when you are using this medicine. Take the medicine on time and as per prescribed. Consult your doctor before discontinuing the medicine.
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