Dabigatran Pellets

What is this medication?

DABIGATRAN (DA bi GAT ran) prevents and treats blood clots. It belongs to a group of medications called blood thinners.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pradaxa

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
• Bleeding problems
• Having surgery, an epidural, a spinal tap, or any other procedure that involves the area around your spine
• Kidney disease
• Prosthetic heart valve
• Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to dabigatran, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it at the start of a meal. Mix the contents of the pellet packet with soft food or apple juice. 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. Keep taking this medication unless your care team tells you to stop.

The pellet packets are stored in an aluminum bag that contains a drying agent (desiccant) to keep the pellets dry. Remove and get rid of the drying agent after opening the bag.

To mix the pellets with food: Sprinkle the pellets on 2 teaspoons of mashed carrots, mashed bananas, or applesauce. Stir and take the dose within 30 minutes of mixing.

To mix the pellets with apple juice: Spoon pellets directly into the mouth and swallow with apple juice or add to a cup with 30 to 60 mL of apple juice. If any pellets remain in the cup after drinking, add a little more apple juice and take. Repeat process until no pellets are left in the cup.

If a partial dose has been taken, a second dose should not be taken at that time. Take the next dose as scheduled approximately 12 hours later.

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.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 3 months 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.

What if I miss a dose?

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.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Defibrotide

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Clopidogrel
• Dronedarone
• Ketoconazole
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Other medications that prevent or treat blood clots, such as heparin, warfarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin, apixaban, rivaroxaban
• Prasugrel
• Rifampin

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.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

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.

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Bleeding in the brain—severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, dizziness, change in vision, numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, trouble walking, vomiting
• Heavy periods

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Upset stomach

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.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original packaging until you are ready to take it. Protect from moisture. Get rid of any unused medication 6 months after opening the aluminum bag containing the packets.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.