Anyone having gastric problems with Dabigatran
Dabigatran issues: Anyone having... - Anticoagulation S...
Dabigatran issues
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I have been taking it for many years with no gastric issues. It is quite acidic so might not be suitable for people with underlying gastric conditions. It is important to take it before or during food and to take it with a large glass of water to ensure it reaches the stomach before it starts dissolving.
Thanks for your reply. Literally just been told to start taking it and I’m so nervous about taking thinners. I had a pacemaker fitted a few months ago but still have AF. Told this one has an antidote to put me at ease a little more. Heard it causes gastric problems but will see how I go.
Dabigatran was one of the first of the new type of anticoagulants that are an alternative to Warfarin so they have been used for many years safely. All anticoagulants can have side effects (mostly aching joints) in some people, and some people have no problems at all. You will get used to taking the thinners and become less anxious in time. Dabigatran is good in that it is a twice a day tablet so it has a half life of about twelve hours. There is an antidote kept in hospital blood banks but you would only need this if you had a very major bleed, like from a car accident, most normal bleeding stops easily by itself. The anticoagulant effect reaches its peak three or four hours after you take the tablet so you could avoid that time for blood tests etc if you find you bleed more then. To reassure you, I have just had a large molar tooth taken out and an implant fitted 7 hours after taking my tablet and I bled no more than anyone else would have. Just remember to avoid taking the tablet without food or after food, or lying down shortly after taking it - just like you would if you suffered from acid indigestion.
Can I ask about 2nd tablet. Does it have to be at least 12 hours later. I usually have breakfast around 8.30 but eat much earlier than 8.30 at night if it has to be taken either before or with food. Also not very active at that time of night either.
I think that should be fine. I take mine at 8am and then at 6pm. Once you have got used to taking them, you could experiment with works for you. On the odd occasion when I have forgotten to take my evening one, or perhaps I’ve been out to lunch and haven’t wanted any tea, I’ve had a milky drink and a bit of cake (banana if you eat more healthily than me!) around 8pm with the tablet and have been fine going to bed at 10pm. Some people don’t find the acidity a problem at all, so see what works for you. I think the important thing is, if you find you get acid stomach problems taking the tablets try taking them with food. I think the taking them with plenty of water is very helpful though.
Thank you so much for this information, it really does help. I’ll see how I go with it. The consultant said that if I don’t get on with this one then she will change me to apixaban but I guess there will be the same worries there. Like you say, I’m sure I will get used to taking them. The tips about food etc are really helpful.