Dabigatran User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Cou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 21, 2019

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been taking Pradaxa for over a year now. I am happy to say I have not noticed any side effects. I am frustrated because, due to taking this type of medication, I can't take anti-inflammatory drugs. Not even CBD oil. I have fibromyalgia, and it has been a real problem."

• CJ2...
• July 22, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been taking Pradaxa for a couple of weeks now (150 mg a day). I have had no major side effects, just some heartburn (that went away after taking it for about a week) and some stomach issues. But nothing so severe that I would stop taking it and go back to Lovenox shots every day. In the past, I have been on Coumadin (once a day for 2 years) and Lovenox injections (once a day for 1 year). Pradaxa is by far the best blood thinner!"

• Pra...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 9, 2022

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "After reading comments on other blood thinners, I needed to make comments on Pradaxa. I was in the hospital in December of 2012, 9 years ago, and at that time, put on Pradaxa. I have had no complications I know of and no more serious Afib situations. We were looking into different alternatives due to a big jump in co-pay for insurance. I spent considerable time researching options. I was horrified at some of the review comments I read regarding the alternatives. I will suck it up and stay with Pradaxa. Another big plus is that Pradaxa now has an antidote if need be. I take 150 mg once a day that I feel is adequate for me, with a longer half-life in the system. We raise and eat a lot of garlic also. I hope this writing helps someone with their choices."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 25, 2012

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "The downside for me with Pradaxa was severe acid reflux. Neither my doctor nor my pharmacist told me until I complained of this that Pradaxa works in an acidic environment, so they put acid in the capsule. This was particularly difficult at night. I was taking Tums by the handful. Within a day of not taking it, the acid reflux disappeared. I'm now trying Xarelto. So far, no upset stomach."

• Anonymous
• May 28, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been using Pradaxa for 6 months now. I have had severe heartburn issues (horrible heartburn, stomach pain, etc.) and found the only way to avoid this is to take the medicine and immediately afterwards have a meal. It seems the food on top of the medicine works better than the other way around (food first, medicine second). Small snacks are not sufficient to suppress the acid attacks. Also, I have to take Nexium to reduce stomach acid production. I have to take it at least 1 hour before breakfast to be effective. According to the company, no testing has been done re: Nexium interference with Pradaxa. I noticed a marked improvement re: bleeding and bruising in comparison to Coumadin."

• wor...
• January 19, 2014

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "After going to the ER with afib, the diagnosis was thyroid. Was put on Pradaxa for afib and also had thyroid removed. The most noticeable side effect is heartburn. As a result of thyroid removal, I MUST take calcium. Asked the pharmacist what I can take for heartburn while taking Pradaxa, and he said nothing with calcium in it. He advised Pepcid AC since it doesn't have calcium in it. Said not to take Tums or other antacids because they contain calcium. Pepcid works great. However, I still have to take calcium, so I'm sure to keep Pepcid AC on hand."

• Sla...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 15, 2014

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I've been on 2 x 150 mg Pradaxa for about 1 year now after being on 14 mg of warfarin for a year before this. I had a DVT followed by a Protein S deficiency diagnosis. I felt really tired/sluggish on warfarin and didn't like the inconvenience of INR testing. I feel better on Pradaxa, but I am considering switching back to warfarin because I don't like the idea that there is no antidote for E.R. bleeding with Pradaxa. I work with saws all the time, and this is a constant concern."

• lou...
• May 31, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Have been on Pradaxa for 2 months. Loved it compared to warfarin, but am now noticing small round bruise circles and getting the gout, which I had no attacks for 9 months until I started taking this medicine. Would love to be on this, but I guess side effects are catching up to me."

• CJ ...
• August 8, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I am a heart patient and have been taking Pradaxa for about a month now. I take 150 mg twice a day. Every time I take this pill, I have a severe case of acid reflux and heartburn. Nothing seems to help relieve the burning. I also have ulcers in my stomach, and it always makes me feel nauseated. I had been using Coumadin since 2001 and had a lot of bruising and bleeding problems. I believe Pradaxa would be good if it wouldn't be so harsh on the stomach and esophagus."

• The...
• August 16, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been on Pradaxa for about 4 months and have not experienced any digestive side effects. However, I do not have a history of these problems. I'm not happy, though, because my cardiologist is forbidding me to take ANY of my Celebrex now. No NSAIDs at all. I have severe arthritis in one knee (knee replacement in the other knee), and now I have joint pain that is getting worse. I admit I have sneaked a few Celebrex in, and the pain relief was immediate. So I need to be able to go back to that medicine. I've scheduled an ablation in a few weeks, and hopefully that will do the trick. I have never had any type of stroke, and the use of this medicine is purely a preventive measure because I do have irregular heartbeats at times."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2017

For Pulmonary Embolism "I'm on anticoagulants permanently, previously on Warfarin without symptoms for three years before trying Pradaxa. I have chronic gastritis, GORD, plus an average of 2-3 episodes of intestinal tract infections per year due to diverticulosis. I tried Pradaxa 110 mg twice daily for two weeks, with bad symptoms developing after three days and becoming progressively worse. Feeling unwell, tired, acid reflux, indigestion, upper abdominal ache and pain, bloating, belching, farting, diarrhea, loose stools, and lastly, constipation in a person who has always been as regular as clockwork. I took Pradaxa with food and 500 mls of water and 20 ml of antacid. Bad move. Back to Warfarin."

• hea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 7, 2012

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I had been on Coumadin for over 10 years and thought Pradaxa would be a godsend. However, within a few months of taking it, I began to have bad stomach pain and digestive issues. My internist diagnosed me with a peptic ulcer and urged me to consult with my cardiologist about stopping the Pradaxa and going back on Coumadin, which I did. In the 3 months since I have discontinued Pradaxa, I am still getting over the stomach/digestive issues (which I have never had before in my life) and am getting my blood PT/INRs back to normal as well."

• Old...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 11, 2017

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I'd have to say that I'm of a mixed opinion on Pradaxa. While I know that a blood thinner is necessary in my life, given my current condition, the downside to any of them is frustrating. Pradaxa's downsides seem to be fairly minimal, and as a result, it is the drug I've chosen. I really like the ability to reverse the effects with a single dose of a counter drug. Where I've run into problems with it is primarily digestive. The acidic nature of the med has caused some stomach upset, but more significantly, diarrhea, loose stools, and leakage. This has led to abrasion bleeding externally and problems with cleanliness. Recently, my doctor recommended omeprazole to counter this effect, and it appears to be working adequately."

• fiz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 5, 2017

For Pulmonary Embolism "I have been taking Pradaxa for around six months now with no problems. I just hate the packaging. It is very hard to open, it hurts my fingers, and it's inefficient. Some days I feel like I can't take my medicine. It should not have to feel like a hassle...especially if I have to be on this medication for the rest of my life."

• Anonymous
• February 2, 2012

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been on Pradaxa for about six months. What a change; more energy, no itching. I wish I had never had to take warfarin. I have had some problems with gas, but find if I drink more liquid when taking the medication, it is better. My only concern is my doctor telling me of concern regarding heart attacks. From what I was told, there is a study being done."

• 4 U...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2018

For Deep Vein Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism Prophylaxis Following Hip Replacement Surgery "I was on two 110 mg Pradaxa a day post-hip replacement. I have suffered cramps and severe swelling from my diaphragm to my groin, the cramps very much like bad period pains. I had rectal bleeding (fresh blood) of varying intensity every day I took the capsules, nosebleeds every morning. I did not know that it could cause stomach bleeding, but since it felt just like the internal bleeding I had years ago on iron tablets, had I been warned I would have contacted the hospital. I guess I was lucky that it got no worse. Scary. Glad I'm off this drug now."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2020

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been on Pradaxa for about 6 weeks now after taking warfarin for almost a decade. It has been a rough transition. Upset stomach, abdominal pain and cramps, extreme nausea (I haven't been able to eat much), and diarrhea. These side effects have decreased significantly over the weeks, but I'm still struggling. I'm holding out hope that this drug will work out for me, but at this point, I'm not convinced at all. I've literally lost 20 pounds in 4 weeks and am fairly miserable on most days."

• Kev...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 4, 2020

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Pradaxa almost was the end of me. Severe gastro side effects from heartburn to digestion issues. When my gastroenterologist said better go off it as it rips up your gastric system, I did. And started feeling better. Horrid drug."

• JMc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 9, 2020

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I have a Factor V Leiden gene that makes me more susceptible to blood clotting. After having multiple DVTs in my leg, I was put on Coumadin. After a year, Coumadin was causing random large bruises at random places. I switched to Pradaxa a year ago and could not be happier. No bruising at all, no nosebleeds either. Cuts do bleed a while, but not like they did with Coumadin. Not having to monitor my intake of greens and not having to get constant blood tests are so nice. If you are on Coumadin, switch to Pradaxa NOW. (I take my Pradaxa with my meal and do not have heartburn.)"

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and put on medicines, including Pradaxa. I have never been on any other blood-thinning medicines, so this is all new to me. Almost immediately, I noticed a severe increase in gas, followed a week later by loose bowels. Yesterday, I developed heartburn that will not go away even with Tums and Zantac. I appreciate the suggestions about taking it with food and lots of water. I take 150 mg twice a day. I was trying to take it 12 hours apart, at about 8 am and 8 pm, but it looks like taking it at breakfast and dinner is better. I have had an ulcer, hiatal hernia, and GERD about 10 years ago that was finally improved by surgery. Sure hate to go back to heartburn again!"

• ttb...
• March 27, 2012

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I just started this on Sun (today is Tue). I notice that I stop bleeding quicker with this (150 mg x 2 daily) when shaving than I did with warfarin (7.5 mg x 1). I am taking the Pradaxa at 10:30 am and 10:30 pm. So far, I have only taken 5 capsules with no problem except for last night's dose that woke me up with pain in the lower abdomen at 3 am. Lots of flatulence with the pain that eventually went away."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2018

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "We live in the wine country, and I developed severe AV fib after the fires. I was put on Pradaxa 150 mg bid. I was told to take it with meals and often there was too much time between breakfast and dinner. So, I have been taking it at 6/6:30 am and pm. Recently, I started having loose stools and sometimes have to limit our local travel. Our diet hasn't changed, except for minimal outside grilling due to the cold weather since Dec/January. My wife prepares and cooks the Mediterranean diet with me, a little heavy into the Paleo side. This evening, I will go back to taking it right before/with meals. BP and pulse rate are good with a low dose daily beta blocker. Still not able to walk quickly up our local hill as I was before the AV episode. The loose stools started after 3 months on the drug and a new RX of the brand name."

• Wyo...
• January 23, 2012

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been on Pradaxa for almost one year. I have had atrial fibrillation and was given Pradaxa after being on Warfarin for two years. I am pleased with Pradaxa but had to be given medicine for heartburn. No going back but following the stats on the medicine as to the properties of bleeding. So far, so good."

• Ras...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 8, 2021

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "After many years on warfarin, I switched to Pradaxa for its easier use and advertised effectiveness for prevention of blood clots and stroke, given my history of blood clots and chronic atrial fibrillation. Returning from a 16-hour flight, after 3 days, I had two DVTs in my leg and a large pulmonary embolism in both sides of my lungs. Timely application of heparin saved my life. Now back to warfarin! Thank you, Pradaxa, for never responding to me or my doctor for this almost fatal effect of your medicine!"

• luc...
• March 28, 2017

For Deep Vein Thrombosis, Prophylaxis "This drug had a very unpleasant side effect noticeable four days after my operation for a total hip replacement. First, I had burning in the esophagus and stomach, followed by soreness around my mouth and lips, then burning spread to my back from my stomach. Six days after the operation, I went out to eat, put an olive into my mouth - the experience was like throwing a match into a lighted fire. Literally, my esophagus felt like it was on fire. The doctor recommended taking Omeprazole. Four days later, it was making no difference, I was being kept awake half the night with the burning. I told my doctor I must stop Pradaxa (Dabigatran) - she prescribed Apixaban instead. Burning reduced one day later, still sore inside, hope nothing lasting."