Dabigatran is a type of medicine known as an anticoagulant, or blood thinner. It makes your blood flow through your veins more easily. This means your blood will be less likely to make a dangerous blood clot. It is used to treat people who have had a health problem caused by a blood clot, such as: a stroke, a heart attack, and a blood clot in the leg a blood clot in the lungs.
It is also used to prevent blood clots if you are at high risk of having them in the future.
People who are at high risk include those who have: an abnormal heartbeat and recently had surgery to replace a hip or knee joint.
Dabigatran is only available on prescription. It comes as capsules.
Key facts
- It is usual to take dabigatran twice a day.
- You can take dabigatran with or without food.
- The most common side effect of dabigatran is bleeding more easily than normal, such as having nosebleeds, bleeding gums and bruising. It tends to happen in the first few weeks of treatment or if you are unwell.
- Always carry your anticoagulant alert card with you. Show it to your doctor or dentist before you have surgery or dental treatment. It is important they know you are taking dabigatran, as it may put you at risk of bleeding.
- Dabigatran is also called by the brand name Pradaxa.
Dabigatran can be taken by adults aged 18 and over. Dabigatran is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor if you:
- have had an allergic reaction to dabigatran or any other medicines in the past
- are trying to get pregnant or you are already pregnant – dabigatran can be harmful to your baby
- have liver problems
- are taking any other medicines that affect blood clotting, such as warfarin
- have any injuries that are currently bleeding a lot (such as a wound)
- have a stomach ulcer
- have had a recent spinal injury or surgery
- have ever had surgery to replace a heart valve
- are taking the herbal remedy St John’s wort (often taken for depression)
- have antiphospholipid syndrome, a condition that affects the immune system and makes you more likely to get blood clots
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Dabigatran is not normally recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Non-urgent advice:Tell your doctor if you are:
- trying to get pregnant
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
It is very important to take Dabigatran as your doctor advises. It is usual to take it twice a day. You can take it with or without food, but try to take it at the same time every day.
If you have trouble swallowing pills, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid opening up dabigatran capsules as this increases the risk of side effects.
How much to take
Your dose of dabigatran depends on why you are taking it.
- For a heart problem called atrial fibrillation or a blood clot (DVT or pulmonary embolism) – the usual dose is 150mg twice a day.
- For a hip or knee joint replacement – the usual dose is 110mg twice a day.
Your doctor may give you a lower dose if you are at increased risk of bleeding.
This includes if you:
- are aged 75 years or older
- take verapamil (a medicine for high blood pressure)
- have problems with your kidneys, stomach or throat
If you are unsure what dose you need to take, check with your pharmacist or doctor.
What if I forget to take it?
What you need to do depends on why you are taking dabigatran.
- For atrial fibrillation or a blood clot – take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is due in less than 6 hours, skip the forgotten dose.
- For a hip or knee joint replacement – skip the forgotten dose completely and then take your next dose when it is due.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.
What if I take too much?
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice straight away, as taking too much dabigatran puts you at risk of bleeding.
How long will I take it for?
How long you need to take dabigatran for will depend on why you are taking it.
If you are taking it for:
- a knee joint replacement – you will probably take dabigatran for 10 days
- a hip joint replacement – it is usual to take dabigatran for 4 to 5 weeks
- a blood clot – depending on what caused the blood clot, you will normally take dabigatran for at least 3 months
- atrial fibrillation – you might need to take dabigatran long term or even for the rest of your life
Anticoagulant alert card
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you an anticoagulant alert card. Carry this with you all the time. It tells healthcare professionals that you are taking an anticoagulant. This can be useful for them to know in case of a medical emergency.
If you need any medical or dental treatment, show your anticoagulant alert card to the nurse, doctor or dentist. This includes before you have vaccinations and routine sessions with the dental hygienist.
Your doctor may advise you to stop taking dabigatran or reduce your dose for a short time.
Switching from Warfarin to Dabigatran
If you need to switch from warfarin to dabigatran, your doctor will advise you when to stop taking warfarin. This will probably be a few days before you start dabigatran.
Your doctor or anticoagulant clinic will do a blood test called the international normalised ratio (INR) to check how quickly your blood’s clotting. This is to help decide exactly when you should start taking dabigatran.
Switching from Dabigatran to Warfarin
If you need to switch from dabigatran to warfarin, you may need to take both medicines together for a few days. Your doctor or anticoagulant clinic will do a blood test called the international normalised ratio (INR) to check how quickly your blood’s clotting.
This is to help decide exactly when you should stop taking dabigatran.
While Dabigatran has enormous benefits, the downside is that it can make you bleed more than normal. This is because while you are taking dabigatran, your blood will not clot as easily.
Less serious bleeding
It is usual to bleed more easily than normal while you are taking dabigatran.
The kind of bleeding you might have includes:
- periods that are heavier and last longer than normal
- bleeding for a little longer than usual if you cut yourself
- occasional nosebleeds (that last for less than 10 minutes)
- bleeding from your gums when you brush your teeth
- bruises that come up more easily and take longer to fade than usual
This type of bleeding is not dangerous and should stop by itself. If it happens, keep taking dabigatran, but tell your doctor if the bleeding bothers you or does not stop.
Things you can do to help yourself
- Cuts – press on the cut for 10 minutes with a clean cloth.
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums – if your gums are bleeding, try using a soft toothbrush and waxed dental floss to clean your teeth.
- Bruises – these are harmless, but can be unsightly. It might help to make them fade more quickly if you put an ice pack wrapped in a towel over the bruise for 10 minutes at a time several times a day.
What you can do to prevent bleeding
While you are taking dabigatran, be careful when you do activities that might cause an injury or a cut or bruising.
It can help to:
- avoid playing contact sports or other activities than can cause an injury, such as football, rugby, hockey and horse riding
- wear gloves when you use sharp objects like scissors, knives and gardening tools
- stop wet shaving or removing hair with wax – use an electric razor or hair-removing cream instead
- take dentures (false teeth) or retainers out for a few hours a day, if you wear them, to give your gums a rest – do not wear dentures or retainers that do not fit properly
- tell your doctor, dentist or nurse that you take dabigatran before you have any medical or dental procedures or surgery – this includes vaccinations and routine appointments with the dental hygienist
Occasionally, you can have serious bleeding from taking dabigatran. This can be dangerous and needs urgent medical attention.
Urgent advice
Contact your doctor or anticoagulant clinic, or go to A&E, straight away if:
- you have red pee or black poo
- you get bruises that happen for no reason, or bruises that are larger than you’d expect or keep growing in size
- you get nosebleeds that last longer than 10 minutes
- you have blood in your vomit or you’re coughing up blood
- you get severe headaches
- you have any bleeding from a cut or injury that will not stop or slow down
These are symptoms of serious bleeding. If you experience serious bleeding, stop taking dabigatran.
Other side effects
Like all medicines, dabigatran can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Very rarely, dabigatran can lead to bleeding in the brain. This can cause a very severe headache, fits (seizures), changes to your eyesight, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, and make you feel very tired, weak or sick. If you suddenly get any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This is an emergency.
What you can do to prevent bleeding
While you are taking Dabigatran, be careful when you do activities that might cause an injury or a cut or bruising.
It can help to:
- avoid playing contact sports or other activities than can cause an injury, such as football, rugby, hockey and horse riding
- wear gloves when you use sharp objects like scissors, knives and gardening tools
- stop wet shaving or removing hair with wax – use an electric razor or hair-removing cream instead
- take dentures (false teeth) or retainers out for a few hours a day, if you wear them, to give your gums a rest – do not wear dentures or retainers that do not fit properly
- tell your doctor, dentist or nurse that you take dabigatran before you have any medical or dental procedures or surgery – this includes vaccinations and routine appointments with the dental hygienist
Occasionally, you can have serious bleeding from taking dabigatran. This can be dangerous and needs urgent medical attention.
Urgent advice
Contact your doctor or anticoagulant clinic, or go to A&E, straight away if:
- you have red pee or black poo
- you get bruises that happen for no reason, or bruises that are larger than you’d expect or keep growing in size
- you get nosebleeds that last longer than 10 minutes
- you have blood in your vomit or you’re coughing up blood
- you get severe headaches
- you have any bleeding from a cut or injury that will not stop or slow down
These are symptoms of serious bleeding. If you experience serious bleeding, stop taking dabigatran.
Other side effects
Like all medicines, Dabigatran can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Very rarely, dabigatran can lead to bleeding in the brain. This can cause a very severe headache, fits (seizures), changes to your eyesight, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, and make you feel very tired, weak or sick. If you suddenly get any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This is an emergency.
Cautions with other medicines
Some medicines and supplements can interfere with dabigatran. This can lead to serious side effects.
If you are taking dabigatran, tell your doctor before starting to take these medicines:
- any other anticoagulant, such as warfarin or enoxaparin
- any other drugs that affect blood clotting, such as clopidogrel, ticagrelor or prasugrel
- drugs to treat heart problems, such as verapamil, amiodarone or dronedarone
- drugs to treat fungal or bacterial infections, such as fluconazole, ketoconazole or clarithromycin
- certain drugs used to treat depression, such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram
- drugs to treat HIV, such as ritonavir
- drugs to treat epilepsy, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin
Taking dabigatran with everyday painkillers
You can take paracetamol while you are taking dabigatran. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen while you are taking dabigatran unless a doctor has said it is OK to. They increase the chance of bleeding.
Mixing dabigatran with herbal remedies and supplements
Do not take St John’s wort, the herbal remedy for depression, while you are taking dabigatran. It can increase your risk of side effects.
Important
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
How does Dabigatran work?
Dabigatran is a type of medicine known as an anticoagulant. It makes your blood clot more slowly. Blood clotting (thickening) is a complicated process involving substances called clotting factors. Clotting factors are made by the liver and help stop bleeding.
They work with blood cells called platelets that trigger the clotting process to make sure your blood clots properly. Dabigatran works by stopping a clotting factor called thrombin from working. This thins your blood so it takes longer to clot.
How long does it take to work?
Dabigatran works within a few hours of taking it.
Is it safe to take it for a long time?
Dabigatran is safe to take for a long time. There do not seem to be any lasting harmful effects from taking it for many months and years.
What will happen if I stop taking it?
Do not stop taking dabigatran without talking to your doctor first. If you stop taking dabigatran, the rate at which your blood clots will return to what it was before you started taking it, usually within a day or two of stopping. This means that you may be at increased risk of serious problems like strokes, heart attacks, DVT or pulmonary.
Will it affect my bones?
Dabigatran does not seem to be harmful for bones or cause any problems for people with conditions like brittle bones.
Are there any other similar medicines?
There are several other anticoagulants available as tablets or capsules. There are also anticoagulants that you take by injecting them. These include heparin, enoxaparin, dalteparin and tinzaparin. Not all medicines that prevent blood clots are suitable for everyone. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out why you have been recommended a particular medicine.
Can I drink alcohol with it?
Drinking heavily, especially binge drinking lots of alcohol in one go, is dangerous while taking dabigatran. The alcohol can increase dabigatran’s effect and make you more likely to bleed.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
There are no foods or drinks you need to avoid while taking dabigatran.
Will I need to stop dabigatran before surgery?
Because of the risk of bleeding, your dose of dabigatran may need to be lowered or stopped a few days before you have an operation. Tell the surgeon that you are taking dabigatran.
Will I need to stop dabigatran before dental treatment?
You can still go to your dentist as usual. But tell your dentist if you are taking dabigatran before you have any treatment. This is especially important if you need to have a tooth out. Most people do not need to change their dabigatran dose, but your dentist may contact your doctor for advice before starting the dental treatment.
Can I have vaccinations?
You can have vaccinations while taking dabigatran. You should tell the person giving you the vaccine that you take dabigatran and show them your anticoagulant alert card in case there is any bleeding at the injection site.
Will it affect my contraception?
Dabigatran does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Will it affect my fertility?
There is no firm evidence to suggest that taking dabigatran will reduce fertility in either men or women. But speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you are trying to get pregnant.
Do I need to avoid sports?
You can continue to take part in non-contact sports, such as running, athletics, cycling, tennis and badminton. But be sure to use the right protective clothing or equipment, like wearing a helmet when riding your bike. Avoid all contact sports, particularly martial arts and kickboxing. This is because these types of sports could lead to an injury, which would further increase the risk of bleeding.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Most people can drive or ride a bike while taking dabigatran. But if taking dabigatran makes you feel dizzy or lightheaded, do not drive or ride a bike until it goes away.
Can I have a tattoo or piercing?
Having a body piercing or tattoo is not recommended while you are taking dabigatran. This is because of the increased risk of bleeding and infection. If you still want to go ahead, talk to your doctor about your specific risks in case you need antibiotics. And let the tattooist or piercer know beforehand that you are taking a blood-thinning medicine.
Can I take recreational drugs with it?
It is not clear how recreational drugs like cocaine and heroin affect dabigatran. They could be potentially dangerous. Tell your doctor if you think you may take recreational drugs while you are on dabigatran.
Can lifestyle changes help?
You can reduce your risk of having a blood clot by making changes to your lifestyle, such as: not smoking, eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting regular eercise, keeping to a healthy weight or losing weight if you need to
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