Take extra care! Pradaxa is a high-alert medicine.
This means that Pradaxa has been proven to be safe and effective, but serious harm, such as severe bleeding or a stroke, can occur if it is not taken exactly as directed.
1. Tell your doctor about all your diseases and conditions. Pradaxa may not be right for you if you have any of the following: bleeding disorders, kidney or liver disease, stomach ulcers, problems with your heart valves, artificial heart valves, open wounds, if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you tend to fall or are at risk for falls.
2. Tell the doctor what else you take. Certain medicines increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Pradaxa. Provide the doctor with a list of all the prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines, vitamins, and other dietary supplements you take. While taking Pradaxa, tell your doctor if you start or stop any medicines or dietary supplements. Common over-the-counter and herbal medicines to avoid can be found below in the Fast Facts table. Also tell other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists that you are taking Pradaxa.
3. Know why you take Pradaxa and how to take it. Check that you understand how to take Pradaxa by telling the doctor why you are taking the medicine, what times of the day you will take it, what strength capsules you will take (75 mg, 110 mg, or 150 mg), and how many capsules you will take each time.
4. Take exactly as directed. Take your Pradaxa at the same time or times each day and do not skip any doses. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember if your next dose is more than 6 hours away. If your next dose is less than 6 hours away, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the correct time. Do NOT take more than one dose at the same time to make up for a missed dose. Contact your doctor if you miss two or more doses.
5. Swallow the capsules whole. Do NOT break, open, crush, or chew the capsules. Taking Pradaxa without the capsule shell causes your body to absorb more of the medicine, which increases your risk of serious bleeding.
6. Keep the medicine in its original package. Pradaxa must be kept in the container it comes in from the pharmacy. Do not store the capsules in other containers, including daily or weekly pill holders. Only open one bottle at a time, and immediately close the bottle tightly after removing a capsule. Throw away any unused Pradaxa 4 months after opening the bottle.
7. Do not stop the medicine. Do not stop taking Pradaxa unless your doctor tells you to stop. Refill your prescription before you run out. Stopping the medicine may increase your risk of forming blood clots or having a stroke.
8. Take precautions to prevent bleeding. Avoid sharp objects, rough sports, and fall risks (climbing a ladder, for example) that can lead to bruising, cuts, or injuries. Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor, and blow your nose gently.
9. Call immediately if you fall or injure yourself, especially if you hit your head, or if you experience any signs of bleeding, a blood clot, a stroke, or an allergic reaction, which are listed on the other side of this page. If you can’t reach your doctor right away, seek immediate treatment in an emergency room.
10. Call before you have any dental work, surgery, a spinal or epidural injection, or any other type of medical procedure that may cause you to bleed. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking Pradaxa for a while. Ask your doctor to tell you when to start taking Pradaxa again after the procedure.
Pradaxa capsules come in three strengths (75 mg, 110 mg, and 150 mg). Each capsule is marked with a number that corresponds to the strength. Be sure the number on the capsule matches the strength you need for your prescribed dose.
