Pradaxa

[ruskin10]

I`ve been on Pradaxa for 5 months and after a very dodgy first 3 months think my body is getting used to it (my bowels aren`t yet though). Havent had blood test for kidneys as it seems should be done but going to GP Monday and will ask him about that. What I would value your thoughts on is that with warfarin there are regular checks to make sure the dose is right but with Apixaban, Pradaxa etc there isn`t. I was thinking that maybe you can have too much or not enough (i`m on 150mg twice a day). Do the docs ever check this ? Saw the Cardiologist on Tuesday, said I have a slightly leaky valve and make appointment for I think she said `Valve Cleaning` clinic - she was Russian with a very think accent so it was difficult.

Hey-ho

[BobD Volunteer]

These NOACs affect a different part of the clotting process so do not need regular testing and so long as you take the required dose at the required time that is it. NO tests to see if you need more or less, no messing about just protection. Relax.

Bob

[RiderontheStorm]

I am on Pradaxa 150mg x 2 daily also.... No checks.. I think it is the standard dosage. I think it makes me tired but I deal with it..... ugh. Hoping to be down to 1 daily in 3 more months.

[Mamamarilyn in reply to RiderontheStorm]

I too am on the same dose of Pradaxa, which is suiting me fine as long as I remember to drink loads of water when I take the capsule. However, I am being tested for liver and kidney function every 6 weeks for the first 6 months then once every six months after that.

As regards being to get by on just one dose a day, remember that Pradaxa has a half-life if 12 hours or so, so if you only take one, you will only be protected for half the time!

Keep well.

Marilyn x

[MarkS]

Pradaxa (and the other NOACs) should really be monitored. As this article from the journal of atrial fibrillation points out:

jafib.com/published/webForm...

"NOACs are likely to be a step forward for the treatment of AF as

they can strongly reduce the number of patients who cannot otherwise

be anti-coagulated or are inadequately anti-coagulated. The claim of

not monitoring this class of the drug in a population on multiple

therapy seems to be unrealistic and potentially dangerous for both

ischemic and bleeding outcomes".

A problem with the NOACs is that they are currently very difficult to monitor.

[ruskin10]

Leaves me in something of a dilema as a non medic but having had different meds for sickness over last 10 years, seems some kind of monitoring is realistic for the patient for peace of mind considering the possible consequences of over or under dosing and the medics to give them a `plus` for good followup.