Dabigatran vs. Coumadin for Atrial Fibrillation and Deep Vein Thrombosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Dabigatran

(Pradaxa)

Warfarin

(Coumadin)

Summary for Dabigatran

Prescription only

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to help prevent and treat blood clots in adults and children. It's approved for certain conditions, including atrial fibrillation (AFib), where it lowers the risk of stroke. The medication comes as oral capsules and oral pellets that you take by mouth once or twice a day, depending on your condition. Common side effects include stomach upset and bleeding. If serious bleeding occurs, another medication called Praxbind (idarucizumab) can quickly reverse its blood-thinning effects.

Indications for Dabigatran

Adults:

Lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in certain people with atrial fibrillation (AFib)
Treat blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) - after 5 to 10 days of treatment with an injectable blood thinner
Lower the risk of DVT and PE from happening again in those who finished treatment
Prevent DVT or PE after hip replacement surgery

Children (3 months and older):

Treat blood clots - after 5 days of treatment with an injectable blood thinner
Lower the risk of blood clots from happening again in those who finished treatment

Pros and Cons for Dabigatran

Pros

Doesn't require regular blood tests, frequent dose changes, or diet changes
Has a specific reversal agent (Praxbind) for emergency situations
Approved for both adults and children

Cons

Most commonly taken twice a day
Can raise the risk of serious bleeding
Commonly causes stomach-related side effects like stomach upset and nausea

Common Side Effects for Dabigatran

Upset stomach
Nausea
Stomach pain
Bleeding

Warnings for Dabigatran

Higher risk of blood clots from stopping too early
Bleeding around the spine (after certain spinal procedures)
Risk of bleeding
Not for people with mechanical heart valves
Interactions with other medications
Not for people with antiphospholipid syndrome

Summary for Coumadin

Prescription only

Warfarin (Coumadin) is a blood thinner (anticoagulant). It's used to prevent and treat blood clots in adults and children with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Warfarin (Coumadin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Your provider will adjust the dose based on your international normalized ratio (INR). Taking too much warfarin (Coumadin) can lead to side effects like bruising and serious bleeding. If needed, your provider can give you an antidote to reverse the effects of warfarin (Coumadin).

Indications for Coumadin

Prevention and treatment blood clots in the veins
Prevention and treatment blood clots linked to atrial fibrillation (AFib) or heart valve replacement
Prevention of more blood clots and to lower risk of death after a heart attack

Pros and Cons for Coumadin

Pros

Each strength of tablet is a unique color, making it easy to tell them apart
Only needs to be taken once a day
Has an antidote available in case of an emergency
Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Only prevents new blood clots from forming or getting bigger; it doesn't work on existing blood clots
Requires regular blood draws to check INR levels
Interacts with foods and many commonly-prescribed medications
Not safe to take during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Coumadin

Bleeding
Bruising

Warnings for Coumadin

Severe or life-threatening bleeding
Risk of blood clots from stopping too early
Risk of fat-containing clots
Calcium build-up in blood vessels (calciphylaxis)
Skin or tissue death and risk of gangrene
Not for use during pregnancy

Prices with our coupons for Dabigatran vs. Coumadin

Dabigatran60 capsules / 150mg

$46.09$215.09

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Warfarin30 tablets / 5mg

$4.00$4.00

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Dabigatran vs. Coumadin

Dabigatran

Warfarin

Summary for Dabigatran

Indications for Dabigatran

Pros and Cons for Dabigatran

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dabigatran

Warnings for Dabigatran

Summary for Coumadin

Indications for Coumadin

Pros and Cons for Coumadin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Coumadin

Warnings for Coumadin

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Dabigatran

Warfarin

Summary for Dabigatran

Indications for Dabigatran

Pros and Cons for Dabigatran

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dabigatran

Warnings for Dabigatran

Summary for Coumadin

Indications for Coumadin

Pros and Cons for Coumadin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Coumadin

Warnings for Coumadin