Dabigatran is used to reduce the stroke risk and dangerous blood clots in cases of atrial fibrillation.
What is Dabigatran?
Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor. It works by preventing the formation of blood clots.
How should Dabigatran be taken?
Dabigatran is administered orally, usually in the form of capsules.
Side effects associated with Dabigatran
Dabigatran can increase the risk of bleeding
Among the other possible adverse effects are included:
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Mild stomach discomfort
- Nausea
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Dabigatran triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itchy skin
- Difficult breathing
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Black or bloody stools
- Confusion
- Coughing up blood
- Dizziness, weakness or unusual sores
- Fainting
- Pain, swelling or discomfort in your joints
- One side of body weakness
- Dark or pink urine
- Sore throat or stomach pain (strong or persistent)
- Difficulty speaking
- Bruising and bleeding
- Vision problems
- Blood or coffee alike vomiting
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Dabigatran
Dabigatran can be contraindicated in the presence of certain bleeding disorders, kidney problems, in case of a prosthetic heart valve or in case of taking dronedarone or ketoconazole.
The treatment should never be stopped suddenly without first consulting with your doctor, otherwise there is a dangerously increased stroke risk. Therefore, it is always good to have stocks of this drug.
Moreover, before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance , to other components, to other drugs or foods
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, in particular abciximab, antiplatelet, apibaxan, aspirin, eptifibatide, heparin, NSAIDs, rivaroxaban, sulfinpyrazone, thrombolytics, tirofiban, dronedarone, ketoconazole, quinidine, enzalutamide, rifampicin, and St. John's wort
- You suffer (or have suffered) from kidney or gastrointestinal bleeding problems
- You have an ongoing dialysis treatment
- You have scheduled a heart valve replacement
- You are wearing catheters
- You have planned any surgical or dental interventions
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is recommended to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Dabigatran prior to any procedure.
