Pradaxa (Dabigatran) belongs to a class of anticoagulant (blood thinner) medications called direct thrombin inhibitors. Pradaxa (Dabigatran) helps treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT- a blood clot, usually in the leg) and pulmonary embolism (PE- a blood clot in the lung). Dabigatran also helps preventing strokes or serious blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. This medication works by preventing harmful blood clots from forming in the body by reducing the ability of the blood to clot.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always take Pradaxa (Dabigatran) as directed by your physician.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Pradaxa (Dabigatran) comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It may be taken with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it. Take this medicine with water. Do not stop taking Pradaxa without talking to your doctor. Stopping this medicine may increase your risk of a blot clot.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Always use Pradaxa (Dabigatran) exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before taking Pradaxa, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

Pradaxa can cause a very serious blood clot around your spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural). This type of blood clot can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis. Tell any doctor or health care professional that treats you that you are using this medicine.

Pradaxa can cause you to bleed more easily. Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual bleeding, blood in your urine, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

You should not use Pradaxa if you are allergic to it, or if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding disorders.

• History of stomach bleeding.

• Mechanical heart valve.

• Kidney disease.

• Recent or planned spinal or epidural procedure.

• An allergic reaction to dabigatran, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

• Breast-feeding.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Contact your doctor at once if you have:

• Any bleeding that will not stop.
• Headache, weakness, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out.
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin.
• Blood in your urine or stools, black or tarry stools.
• Cough with bloody mucus or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Pink or brown urine.
• Joint pain or swelling.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.

Common Pradaxa side effects may include:

• Stomach pain or discomfort.
• Indigestion.
• Nausea, diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If your next dose is less than 6 hours away, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

To prevent a stroke, try not to miss any doses.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature. Keep this medicine in the original container.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I avoid while taking this medication?

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Avoid alcohol. Heavy drinking can cause you a risk of stomach bleeding.