Do not stop taking dabigatran unless directed by your doctor. If you stop taking this medication early, you have a higher risk of forming a serious blood clot (such as a stroke, blood clot in the legs/lungs). Your doctor may direct you to take a different "blood thinning" or antiplatelet medication to reduce your risk. Get medical help right away if you have weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion, chest pain, trouble breathing, pain/warmth/swelling in the legs.
Dabigatran is used to prevent stroke and harmful blood clots (such as in your legs or lungs) if you have a certain type of irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation). Dabigatran is also used to treat blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism) and to reduce the risk of them occurring again. This medication may also be used to prevent these blood clots from forming after hip replacement surgery. Dabigatran is an anticoagulant that works by blocking a certain substance (a clotting protein called thrombin) in your blood. This helps to keep blood flowing smoothly in your body.
Dabigatran should not be used to prevent blood clots from forming after artificial heart valve replacement. If you have had heart valve surgery, talk to your doctor about the best medication for you. Do not stop taking any medication, including dabigatran, without talking to your doctor first.
This drug may also be used to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in your legs or lungs after knee replacement surgery.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking dabigatran and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. To prevent clots after hip or knee replacement surgery, take it as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Avoid antacids within 24 hours after surgery, or dabigatran may not work as well.
Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters). Do not crush, chew, or break open the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Do not put this medication in a pill box or medication reminder box. It must be kept tightly closed in the original bottle (or blister package) to protect it from moisture. See also Storage section for more important details.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
It is very important to take it exactly as directed. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Before taking dabigatran, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
It is important that all your doctors and dentists know that you take dabigatran. Before having surgery or any medical/dental procedures, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication and about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Your doctor may tell you to stop this medication before surgery. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.
Avoid getting injections into the muscles. If you must have an injection into the muscle (for example, a flu shot), ask for it to be given in the arm. This way, it will be easier to check for bleeding and/or apply pressure bandages.
This medication can cause heavy bleeding. To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Use an electric razor when shaving and a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth. If you fall or injure yourself, especially if you hit your head, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may need to check you.
Other medications can affect the removal of dabigatran from your body, which may affect how dabigatran works. Examples include cobicistat, cyclosporine, dronedarone, ketoconazole, rifampin, and St. John's wort, among others.
Aspirin, aspirin-like drugs (salicylates), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib) may have effects similar to dabigatran. These drugs may increase the risk of bleeding problems if taken during treatment with dabigatran. Carefully check all prescription/nonprescription product labels (including drugs applied to the skin such as pain-relieving creams) since the products may contain NSAIDs or salicylates. Talk to your doctor about using a different medication (such as acetaminophen) to treat pain/fever. If you have been prescribed low-dose aspirin and related drugs (such as clopidogrel, ticlopidine) for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention, ask your doctor if you should continue taking them or if your prescription should be changed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function, clotting times) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this medication in the original bottle. Do not put this medication in a pill box or medication reminder box. Open only one bottle at a time, and once the bottle is opened, the medication must be thrown away after 4 months. If your capsules are in a blister package, then keep the capsules in the blister package until you are ready to take the medication. Keep all medications away from children and pets.