Starting Dabigatran

[GMDG0001]

Hi

I have just been started on Dabigatran today. Does anyone know whether it is better than Warfarin or Rivaroxaban. The information leaflet in the box looks very scary.

[Wittycjt]

What diagnosis are you taking it for?

[GMDG0001 in reply to Wittycjt]

I had a major PE in 2015 then possible DVT 2 months ago, so told to take these for life,

[AlisonClark]

I find most patient leaflets are quite scary, including the one for Warfarin (which I take)!

What are your concerns, there is usually someone here that is able to advise

[GMDG0001 in reply to AlisonClark]

Bleeding in the stomach, brain, kidney and liver failure. They even mentioned death. Doctors keep taking possible risks of not taking it etc All very confusing, think I am frightened really.

[AlisonClark]

I would say that you should not worry too much, take the medication as prescibed. Any concenrs can be addressed by the doctor. The potential side effects of warfarin are pretty frightening too. At least I guess you don't have to worry about the dietary things that Warfarin takers have to consider!

[GMDG0001 in reply to AlisonClark]

Hi Alison never got a chance to speak to doctor about tablets it was a prescription left for me to pick up at the surgrgy. Do I not need to worry about eating leafy greens and alcohol

[AlisonClark in reply to GMDG0001]

To my knowledge there are no dietary restrictions with Dabigatran so no need to avoid the greens!

I just had a quick look at this link pradaxa.com/pradaxa-vs-warf... - it does a quick comparison between Dabigatran

[GMDG0001 in reply to AlisonClark]

Thank you

[relkcam]

Additionally you need to be aware that there is an antidote to warfarin (coumadin) available in emergency rooms. if you are having a bleed, such as from an accident. Most of the newer anticoagulants, in addition to higher costs, do NOT have antidotes..

[Hidden]

I have been on Warfarin for 18 months and then since January this year on Rivaroxaban. Both have advantages and disadvantages, you need to discuss with your Hospital / GP then really it is you choice. All of the anticoagulants have scary information leaflet information but all medication for example has, it is all down to defending against any litigation should things go wrong. All have an element of risk, but the risks are higher if you do not take them!

[drumcannon]

been on pradaxa for a few years no problems to date certainly more convenient than warfarin with all the required blood checks and diet requirements understand there is now an approved anti dote approved by f d a and n I c e for this particular drug

[relkcam]

that question is like asking what is the best chili recipe. Warfarin has a generic, coumadin, that is far less expensive than alternatives. The downside is the regular INRs required and becoming knowledgeable about Vitamin K and maintaining a consistent intake of it. On the other hand there is an antidote available in emergency rooms for Warfarin but not for alternatives. Also there is no regular testing required nor any food relationships to monitor.

[drumcannon in reply to relkcam]

I believe there is now available an approved anti dote available for pradaxa my chemist has also confirmed this

[relkcam in reply to drumcannon]

Good to know. I would NOT want an anticoagulant that lacked an antidote.

[GMDG0001]

I stopped dabigatran after 3 days got dark stool and small signs of bleeding. Still got stomach pains.Think I will ask for warfarin

[biyby]

Rivaroxaban is better it really help me

[GMDG0001]

C.f. scan now found new acute PE being given stomach injections and on warfarin. What does acute Pe mean.