Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate).
Heart valves: Bleeding events, such as strokes, have been reported to occur when dabigatran is used by someone who has a replacement heart valve. If you have had surgery to replace or repair a heart valve, discuss with your doctor how Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Increased bleeding risk: If you have an increased risk of bleeding (e.g., recent biopsy; major trauma; brain, spinal, or eye surgery; taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding; bleeding disorders; stomach or intestinal ulcers; stroke; or inflammation of certain parts of the heart), discuss with your doctor how Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate) is not recommended for people who are at a high risk of bleeding.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate) is not recommended for people with severely decreased kidney function.
Liver function: Dabigatran may cause liver problems. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately. If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Spinal or epidural catheters: Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate) should not be taken by people who have spinal or epidural catheters in place (or for 2 hours after their removal) or by people receiving pain medications through an epidural catheter.
Surgery: Your doctor may want to stop dabigatran for a few days prior to any planned surgery to prevent any unnecessary bleeding, so it is important to tell all of your doctors that you are taking dabigatran.
Pregnancy: Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if dabigatran passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Pradaxa (Dabigatran-etexilate) have not been established for children less than 18 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors are more likely to have age-related reductions in kidney function. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your kidney function.