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Dabigatran Coupon - Dabigatran 150mg capsule

dabigatran

Generic Pradaxa
Used for Atrial Fibrillation, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Stroke Risk Reduction
Used for Atrial Fibrillation, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Stroke Risk Reduction

Dabigatran etexilate mesylate, also known by its brand name, Pradaxa, is a type of anticoagulant blood thinner that treats and prevents certain types of blood clots in people ages 8 years and older. It's also used to lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The dosing can differ based on why you need the medication, but it's typically taken by mouth twice a day. Side effects include stomach upset and bleeding. For people who experience serious bleeding with this medication, there's an antidote medication called Praxbind (idarucizumab) that reverses its effects.

Last reviewed on November 1, 2024
basics-icon

What is Dabigatran (Pradaxa)?

What is Dabigatran (Pradaxa) used for?

Adults:

Children 8 years and older:

  • Treating blood clots - only after receiving an injectable blood thinner

  • Lowering the risk of blood clots from happening again in children with a history of blood clots

How Dabigatran (Pradaxa) works

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is an anticoagulant known as a direct thrombin inhibitor. It works by blocking thrombin, a protein that's needed for blood clots to form. By stopping thrombin from working, it prevents blood clots from forming. This lowers the risk of stroke, and treats and prevents clots in your arms or legs.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPradaxa
Drug ClassAnticoagulant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Dabigatran (Pradaxa) essentials

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What are the side effects of Dabigatran (Pradaxa)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Bleeding

Other Side Effects

  • Stomach ulcers
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Hair loss

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe bleeding: bleeding that doesn't stop, blood in the urine, vomiting or coughing up blood, bloody or dark-colored stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
  • Bleeding around spinal cord (after spinal procedures only): pain, tingling, a burning sensation, numbness, weakness, unable to use the bathroom
  • Serious allergic reaction: swelling in the face or throat, hives, trouble breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

black, tarry stools

bloody stools

constipation

diarrhea

heartburn

indigestion

nausea

pain or burning in the throat

stomach discomfort, upset, burning, or pain

vomiting

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Rare

Chest pain or discomfort

cough

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fainting or loss of consciousness

fast heartbeat

fast or irregular breathing

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back or neck

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness of the skin

skin rash, hives, welts, or itching skin

sweating

tightness in the chest

trouble breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Bleeding gums

blood in the urine

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

pinpoint red spots on the skin

unusual bleeding or bruising

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Hair loss or thinning of the hair

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Dabigatran (Pradaxa)

thumbs-up

Pros

Good option for preventing and treating blood clots in many people

Doesn't require regular blood tests, frequent dose changes, or diet changes

Has an antidote called Praxbind for people who experience a serious bleed

Can be taken with or without food

thumbs-down

Cons

Typically taken twice a day

Not for people who have atrial fibrillation with heart valve problems

Can cause serious bleeding and bruising

Common causes stomach-related side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Dabigatran (Pradaxa)

pharmacist
  • If you get more than one bottle of dabigatran (Pradaxa) from the pharmacy, only open one bottle at a time. Keep the bottle tightly closed when you aren't using it to protect the medication from moisture. Once a bottle is opened, the medication is only good for 4 months. Throw away any unused capsules after 4 months.

    • You can take dabigatran (Pradaxa) with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, taking it with food can help.

      • Take your dabigatran (Pradaxa) doses at about the same time every day. This helps to make sure the levels of the medication in your body are consistent.

        • If you accidentally miss a dose of dabigatran (Pradaxa), take it as soon as you can that same day. But if it’s less than 6 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose. Don’t double up to make up for it.

          • Swallow dabigatran (Pradaxa) capsules whole with a full glass of water. Don't open, chew, break, or crush them. This can cause your body to absorb too much medication and raise your risk of bleeding.

            • Dabigatran (Pradaxa) can make you bleed and bruise more easily. Get medical help right away if you feel lightheaded, dizzy, are vomiting or coughing up blood, or have blood in your stool. These are signs of bleeding that might be happening inside your body.

              • If you're going to have a dental procedure or surgery, make sure your healthcare care team knows you're taking dabigatran (Pradaxa). Depending on the surgery, you might need to temporarily stop taking this medication for a couple days before to lower your risk for severe bleeding.

                • Get medical help if you fall and hit your head while taking dabigatran (Pradaxa). You should be urgently seen to make sure you don't have any brain bleeds.

                  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa) can interact with many commonly-used supplements, over-the-counter (OTC) products, and prescription medications. Make sure to tell your care team about all of the medications you're taking or planning on taking with dabigatran (Pradaxa). They can make sure your medications are as safe for you as possible.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Dabigatran (Pradaxa)

                    Is dabigatran (Pradaxa) a blood thinner?
                    Yes, dabigatran (Pradaxa) is a blood thinner. More specifically, it's classified as a direct thrombin inhibitor.
                    When will generic Pradaxa be available?
                    Pradaxa capsules are already available as a generic as of 2022. Speak to your prescriber or pharmacist if you have questions about the generic.
                    How do you know that dabigatran (Pradaxa) is working?
                    No blood tests are used to monitor how well dabigatran (Pradaxa) is working. But you'll know it works if you don't experience any signs or symptoms of blood clots. Your prescriber will regularly check in to see how well you're tolerating the medication. Seek medical help right away if you notice leg swelling, shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, back pain, slurred speech, or drooping of the face. These are signs of different types of blood clot problems, and typically require urgent treatment.
                    How long does dabigatran (Pradaxa) stay in your system?
                    A single dose of dabigatran (Pradaxa) can stay in your system for about 2.5 to 3.5 days, though it might take longer for people with kidney problems. This time frame is estimated based on its half-life of dabigatran (Pradaxa), which is the time it takes for half of the medication to leave the body. Even though a dose can stay in the body for up to a few days, dabigatran (Pradaxa) must be taken twice per day to keep medication levels high enough for it to work properly.
                    Can dabigatran (Pradaxa) be crushed?
                    No, don't break, chew, open, or crush the dabigatran (Pradaxa) capsules. Doing so can affect how much of the medication is absorbed, which can raise the risk for bleeding and side effects. Contact your prescriber if you're having trouble swallowing dabigatran (Pradaxa) whole because you might need to take a different blood thinner.
                    How long can you stay on dabigatran (Pradaxa)?
                    There isn't a set amount of time for which you must stop taking dabigatran (Pradaxa). There are typical lengths of treatment with blood thinners like dabigatran (Pradaxa), depending on why you need the medication. But things like your medical history, other medications, and risk for bleeding are also taken into consideration. Sometimes, people take dabigatran (Pradaxa) for life. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about how long you should be taking this medication.
                    How long do I stop dabigatran (Pradaxa) before dental surgery?
                    For invasive surgery, dabigatran (Pradaxa) should be stopped 1 to 5 days before the procedure in order to lower the risk of bleeding. But depending on your bleeding risk, your care team might recommend a different time frame. Ask your prescriber if you should stop taking this medication for dental surgery. Don't stop taking it unless a healthcare professional specifically tells you to do so.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Dabigatran (Pradaxa)?

                    Dabigatran (Pradaxa) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Higher risk of blood clots from stopping too early

                    • Risk factors: Stopping dabigatran (Pradaxa) too early

                      Don't stop taking dabigatran (Pradaxa) unless a healthcare professional specifically tells you it's safe to do so. Stopping the medication too early can cause blood clots to form in your body.

                      Let your prescriber know if you experience symptoms of blood clots, such as:

                      risk-warning

                      Possible risk of paralysis (only in certain spinal procedures)

                      • Risk factors: Spinal puncture (spinal tap) | Getting anesthesia in the spine (epidural anesthesia) | History of spinal surgery | Taking other medications that raise the risk for bleeds

                        If you're having certain types of spinal procedures, taking dabigatran (Pradaxa) can raise your risk for getting a hematoma (pooling of blood) around the spinal cord. Sometimes, hematomas can lead to serious complications, such as paralysis. If you're getting a spinal procedure, a member of your care team might ask you to temporarily stop taking dabigatran (Pradaxa) to lower your risk of spinal hematomas. Let your care team know right away if you notice symptoms such as numbness or weakness of your legs, or bowel or bladder problems - these can be signs of problems with your spine.

                        risk-warning

                        Risk of bleeding

                        • Risk factors: Older than age 75 | Kidney problems | Stomach bleeding or ulcer | Taking other medications that raise the risk for bleeding (e.g., antiplatelets, anticoagulants, NSAIDs, corticosteroids)

                          Taking dabigatran (Pradaxa) can raise your risk for bleeding. Your risk is higher if you're also taking other medications that can cause bleeding. If you end up with a life-threatening bleed, your prescriber will consider giving you a medication called Praxbind (idarucizumab) to reverse the effects of dabigatran (Pradaxa). Let your prescriber know if you have a fall, head injury, or other kinds of physical injury - they might need to check you for bleeding inside your body. Get medical help right away if you have dark or tarry stool or bleeds that are difficult to stop.

                          risk-warning

                          Interactions with other medications

                          There are certain medications that can change the amount of dabigatran (Pradaxa) in your body. Some interactions can cause more bleeding and side effects, while others can stop dabigatran (Pradaxa)) from working as well. Let your prescriber and pharmacist know about other prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you're taking or have stopped recently.

                          risk-warning

                          Not for use in people with mechanical heart valves

                          People who have artificial heart valves should avoid taking dabigatran (Pradaxa) since it can raise their risk of experiencing stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and life-threatening bleeding. If you need to take a blood thinner but have an artificial heart valve, talk to your prescriber about other options.

                          risk-warning

                          Not for use in people with antiphospholipid syndrome

                          Dabigatran (Pradaxa) shouldn't be used in people with antiphospholipid syndrome because it hasn't been shown to work well.

                          dosage

                          Dabigatran (Pradaxa) dosage forms

                          The average cost for 60 capsules of 150mg of Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is $201.48 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 52.09% off the average retail price of $420.56.
                          capsule
                          Capsule
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          75mg60 capsules$201.48$3.36
                          110mg30 capsules$101.48$3.38
                          150mg60 capsules$201.48$3.36
                          carton
                          Carton
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          60 packets of 20mg30 cartons$84.78$2.83
                          60 packets of 30mg30 cartons$84.78$2.83
                          60 packets of 40mg1 carton$84.78$84.78
                          60 packets of 50mg60 cartons$4717.98$78.63
                          60 packets of 110mg60 cartons$84.78$1.41
                          60 packets of 150mg60 cartons$4717.98$78.63
                          dose pack
                          Dose pack
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          60 capsules of 75mg1 dose pack$202.43$202.43
                          60 capsules of 110mg1 dose pack$196.71$196.71
                          60 capsules of 150mg1 dose pack$202.27$202.27

                          Typical dosing for Dabigatran (Pradaxa)

                          Adults

                          • Lowering the risk of stroke or blood clots in AFib: The typical dose is 150 mg by mouth twice daily.

                          • Treating DVT or PE: The typical dose is 150 mg by mouth twice daily.

                          • Lowering the risk of DVT or PE in those with a history of blood clots: The typical dose is 150 mg by mouth twice daily.

                          • Preventing DVT or PE after hip replacement surgery: The typical dose is 110 mg by mouth as a single dose right after surgery, then 220 mg by mouth once daily.

                          Children ages 8 and older

                          • Treating blood clots and preventing blood clots in those with a history of blood clots: The typical dose depends on your child's weight.

                            • 24 lbs to under 35 lbs: The typical dose is 75 mg by mouth twice daily.

                            • 35 lbs to under 57 lbs: The typical dose is 110 mg by mouth twice daily.

                            • 57 lbs to under 90 lbs: The typical dose is 150 mg by mouth twice daily.

                            • 90 lbs to under 134 lbs: The typical dose is 185 mg by mouth twice daily.

                            • 134 lbs to under 178 lbs: The typical dose is 220 mg by mouth twice daily.

                            • 178 lbs or more: The typical dose is 260 mg by mouth twice daily.

                          Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems or if you take a medication that interacts with dabigatran (Pradaxa).

                          Note: Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is also available as pellets for children ages 3 months to under 12 years.

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Dabigatran (Pradaxa) and other drugs

                          Dabigatran (Pradaxa) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Dabigatran (Pradaxa). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          • Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate
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                          contraindications-icon

                          Dabigatran (Pradaxa) contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dabigatran (Pradaxa) will not be safe for you to take.
                          • Active bleeding

                          • Mechanical heart valve

                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Dabigatran (Pradaxa)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Dabigatran (Pradaxa). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
                          Used for:

                          Adults:

                          Children 8 years and older:

                          • Treating blood clots - only after receiving an injectable blood thinner

                          • Lowering the risk of blood clots from happening again in children with a history of blood clots

                          $84.78 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Used for:
                          • 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

                          $4.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Used for:
                          $601.05 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          latest news

                          What is the latest news about Dabigatran (Pradaxa)?

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                          Dabigatran (Pradaxa) images

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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          Al-Mutair, A., et al. (2010). Spinal epidural hematoma. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

                          Arsenault, K. A., et al. (2012). Direct thrombin inhibitors in cardiovascular disease. Nature Reviews Cardiology.

                          Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Pradaxa- dabigatran etexilate mesylate capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          View All References (3)

                          Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Pradaxa- dabigatran etexilate pellet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Capecchi, M., et al. (2022). Anticoagulant therapy in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. Journal of Clinical Medicine.

                          Javed, A., et al. (2021). Dabigatran in cardiovascular disease management: A comprehensive review. World Journal of Cardiology.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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