What is this medicine?
DABIGATRAN is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It is used to lower the chance of stroke in people with a medical condition called atrial fibrillation.
Open All
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
Open
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-bleeding disorders
-history of stomach bleeding
-mechanical heart valve
-kidney disease
-an allergic reaction to dabigatran, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Open
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not break, chew, or empty the contents from the capsule. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
What if I miss a dose?
Open
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If your next dose is less than 6 hours away, skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Open
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
-mifepristone, RU-486This medicine may also interact with the following:
-carbamazepine
-certain medicines for depression
-dronedarone
-ketoconazole
-NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
-quinidine
-rifampin
-tipranavir
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Open
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Open
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing problems
-chest pain or chest tightness
-feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
-headache
-signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools, red or dark-brown urine, spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red spots on the skin, unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
-stomach pain
-upset stomach
Where should I keep my medicine?
Open
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep capsules in the original container. Do not store or place capsules in any other container, such as pill boxes or pill organizers. After opening the bottle, use within 4 months. Throw away any unused medicine after 4 months.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
Open
FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
