Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Dabigatran is an anticoagulant drug that has replaced warfarin on the pharmaceutical market. However, some doctors believe that dabigatran may be the direct cause of a heart attack. Is it true? We check how dabigatran works.
Dabigatran – action
Dabigatran is a prodrug compound, which means that it is initially pharmacologically non-active. Needs to be converted to active form. Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor, which means that it prevents the formation of blood clots. It is administered orally to patients immediately after surgery. The highest concentration is achieved within six hours of administration. Dabigatran is marketed under the name Pradaxa.
Dabigatran – is it safe?
After dabigatran was released, it was found that patients who take it in place of warfarin (from the same class of anticoagulants) are more likely to develop a heart attack. This is according to a study by the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. On the other hand, cardiologists from MacMaster University in Canada believe that dabigatran is a better solution than warfarin because patients do not bleed as often and do not need to be constantly monitored after surgery.
Dabigatran – dosage
One tablet containing 110 g of dabigatran is administered to the patient immediately after surgery (1-4 hours after surgery). Then, the patient takes 220 mg of dabigtran daily for 10 days after knee replacement surgery; for 28-35 days after hip replacement surgery.
Dabigatran – contraindications
There are a number of contraindications to the use of dabitran, which include:
- severely impaired renal function;
- use of other anticoagulants;
- liver disease;
- active bleeding.
In addition, dabigatran should not be taken after artificial valve implantation.
Dabigatran – pregnancy and breastfeeding
Dabigatran should not be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers. It is recommended that you use contraception while you are taking an anticoagulant as pregnancy may be at risk.
Dabigatran – drug interactions
Dabigatran should absolutely not be combined with ketoconazole, cyclosporine or other P-glycoprotein inhibitors. It is also not recommended to use different anticoagulants simultaneously. This is especially true when combining dabigatran with warfarin, rivaroxaban or unfractionated heparin.
Dabigatran – side effects
The most common side effects that may occur while taking dabigatran include:
- liver dysfunction;
- traumatic hematoma;
- decrease in hemoglobin;
- epistaxis;
- krwioplucie;
- plamica;
- rectal bleeding.
Dabigatran – price and availability
Price of dabigatran depends on the benefits the patient is entitled to. It can range from 80 to 150 zlotys. On the pharmaceutical market, dabigatran is available under the name Pradaxa. The drug may contain 75, 100 or 110 mg of active ingredient.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.