Pradaxa® is one of the newer drugs that treats and prevents blood clots. A healthcare provider may prescribe it after you get a blood clot or to prevent another one. If you have surgery to replace a hip, you’ll probably take Pradaxa for a short time afterward. Follow the instructions on how to take it.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
DABIGATRAN (DA bi GAT ran) prevents and treats blood clots. It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in people with Afib (atrial fibrillation). It belongs to a group of medications called blood thinners.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pradaxa
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication or empty the pellets from the capsule. Swallow the capsules whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses or stopping this medication can increase your risk of a blood clot or stroke. Keep taking this medication unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Advertisement
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 8 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If your next dose is less than 6 hours away, skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
Avoid sports and activities that may cause injury while you are taking this medication. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your care team.
Before having surgery, dental work, or another procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.
People who take this medication and have a spinal procedure are at risk of forming a blood clot in the space around the brain or spinal cord. This could cause paralysis (not being able to move). The risk is higher in people who have spinal problems or injuries, have had spinal surgery in the past, and for those with a tube (catheter) in their back. Taking other medications that also affect bleeding, such as NSAIDs or other blood thinners, can also increase the risk. Your care team will watch you closely. Let them know right away if you feel pain, tingling, or numbness in your legs or feet.
Advertisement
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious fetal side effects, such as bleeding, may occur if you take this medication during pregnancy. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Advertisement
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Get rid of any unused medication 4 months after opening.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Advertisement
Copyright ©2025 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.