Dabigatran issues

[Freddiejosh]

Anyone having gastric problems with Dabigatran

[SpeedyH]

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.

[Freddiejosh in reply to SpeedyH]

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.

[SpeedyH in reply to Freddiejosh]

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.

[Freddiejosh in reply to SpeedyH]

Sorry new to this site so just replied to myself! The info was really helpful especially the tips about how to take it and when. I’m sure I’ll get used to it in time but having never had to take any medication before it all feels very overwhelming. Thanks again.

[Freddiejosh in reply to SpeedyH]

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.

[SpeedyH in reply to Freddiejosh]

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.

[Freddiejosh in reply to SpeedyH]

Thanks for your quick reply. I can’t tell you how helpful you’ve been in making me slightly less anxious giving me such great hints and tips.

[Freddiejosh]

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.