What is Pradaxa: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 13, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Pradaxa overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Pradaxa

Generic Names:

  • Pradaxa

Uses:

  • Reduces the risk of stroke, and treats and prevents blood clots. This medicine is an anticoagulant (blood thinner).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anticoagulant

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Pradaxa come in

  • Capsule

What are common Pradaxa doses?

  • Capsule 75MG

  • Capsule 110MG

  • Capsule 150MG

  • Bottle 60 Capsules

Common Pradaxa prescriptions

  • Pradaxa
    60 capsules bottle

  • Pradaxa
    60 capsules, 110 mg bottle of 60

  • Pradaxa
    60 capsules, 150 mg bottle of 60

  • Pradaxa
    60 capsules, 75 mg bottle of 60

  • Pradaxa
    60 capsules box

  • Pradaxa
    60 packets of 110 mg pellets box of 60 packets

  • Pradaxa
    60 packets of 150 mg pellets box of 60 packets

  • Pradaxa
    60 packets of 20 mg pellets box of 60 packets

  • Pradaxa
    60 packets of 50 mg pellets box of 60 packets

  • Pradaxa
    110mg capsule

  • Pradaxa
    150mg capsule

  • Pradaxa
    75mg capsule

How to take Pradaxa

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, break, chew, or open it.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less then 6 hours away, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep this medicine in the original container. Do not store it in pill boxes or organizers.

  • Open only 1 bottle of this medicine at a time. Use each bottle within 4 months after it is opened.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep this medicine in the original container. Do not store it in pill boxes or organizers.

  • Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, break, chew, or open it.

  • Open only 1 bottle of this medicine at a time. Use each bottle within 4 months after it is opened.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less then 6 hours away, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Pradaxa contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dabigatran, or if you have a prosthetic heart valve.

Pradaxa warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, antiphospholipid syndrome, or a history of bleeding problems, stomach ulcers, spinal problems, or have had surgery on your spine.

  • This medicine can cause you to bleed and bruise more easily. Take precautions to avoid injury. Brush and floss your teeth gently, do not play rough sports, and be careful with sharp objects. Severe bleeding can be life-threatening.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. Your risk of stroke is higher if you suddenly stop using this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Pradaxa interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how dabigatran works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following: DronedaroneKetoconazoleRifampinNSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

  • This medicine can cause you to bleed and bruise more easily. Take precautions to avoid injury. Brush and floss your teeth gently, do not play rough sports, and be careful with sharp objects. Severe bleeding can be life-threatening.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. Your risk of stroke is higher if you suddenly stop using this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Pradaxa side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or feet, loss of bladder or bowel control

  • Red or black, tarry stools

  • Red, brown, or pink urine

  • Coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, headache

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, indigestion