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The blood-thinning drug Pradaxa made headlines when a New York Times article by Katie Thomas blew the lid off insider communications. The scandal hit the fan because a federal judge in Illinois released drug company documents revealing that the manufacturer knew about Pradaxa complications, but went out of its way keep them under wraps.
The bottom line: Pradaxa can cause life-threatening hemorrhages if the dose isn’t spot on. It’s not always easy to tell when the dose is correct. As a result, doctors are often flying blind.
Complications from Dabigatran:
Visitors to our website have been asking about the safety of this drug for years. Here are just a few of the questions we have received:
Q. I have recently been diagnosed with Stage III Kidney Disease by a nephrologist. I also have A-Fib [atrial fibrillation] diagnosed by my cardiologist.
My problem is that the cardiologist suggested I take magnesium to help with sleep and my heart. I am reading in your Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies that too much magnesium could cause further damage to my kidneys.
I take Pradaxa (75 mg) twice a day along with propafenone for my heart, valsartan, Estrace and hydrochlorothiazide.
Is there anything else I need to do to keep my kidney disease from getting worse? Otherwise I am in good health.
-Gayle
A. Gayle, although you are taking a reduced dose of Pradaxa (which is appropriate for patients with kidney disease), there is the potential for overdose. Older people often have reduced kidney function and you clearly do. That is why you are walking a tightrope when it comes to dosing. If Pradaxa [dabigatran] builds up in your system you could be at serious risk for bleeding. Symptoms to be especially alert to include:
SYMPTOMS OF BLEEDING
- Unusual bruising (bruises that show up without any obvious cause)
- Nose bleeds
- Bleeding from gums that is worse than usual
- Bleeding from a cut that will not stop within a reasonable amount of time
- Urine that has a pinkish or brownish color
- Stools that look red, black or tarry
- Coughing that brings up pink flecks of blood
- Vomiting blood or vomiting anything that looks like coffee grounds
- Headaches, dizziness, weakness
- Unusual joint pain, swelling or discomfort in a joint
Such symptoms are extremely serious and require immediate medical attention.
One final note, Gayle: magnesium can be dangerous if you have kidney disease. Please discuss this with your nephrologist.
Pat wondered about an interaction between dabigatran and celecoxib:
Q. I just got back from Ohio helping my Mom who was suffering serious fatigue. She ended up in the hospital from internal bleeding due to an interaction of Celebrex and Pradaxa.
Five different doctors did not mention this combination could be a problem. Why do doctors not have more info about drug interactions?
A. Pat, your mom was lucky she survived her internal bleeding episode. Her doctors should have warned her that taking a drug like Celebrex that can irritate the digestive tract and cause ulcers is quite dangerous in combination with an anti-coagulant like Pradaxa. If an ulcer does occur, it can lead to internal bleeding. Whenever this happens, it is a life-threatening situation. Doctors should be well informed about such interactions and always warn patients what to watch out for. The pharmacist should have caught this potential problem as well.
Bob is worried about the price of Pradaxa as well as possible side effects:
Q. I was diagnosed with A-fib several months ago. I went to my primary care physician first and he prescribed digoxin for the A-fib and nattokinase for stroke prevention. He then referred me to a cardiologist, who kept me on digoxin but prescribed Pradaxa for stroke prevention.
I have two concerns. One is that every time I watch television for more than an hour, I’m being urged to call an attorney and sue Pradaxa because of possible deadly side effects. The other is cost: Pradaxa is $225.00 a month and my insurance doesn’t cover it. So I’m concerned about both safety and cost.
Is Coumadin [warfarin] a better and much less expensive way to go? How much blood work is required if I take Coumadin? Is there anything else out there that will prevent clots but doesn’t cost so much?
A. You have asked a complex and intriguing question, Bob. Doctors used to primarily rely on warfarin (Coumadin) to prevent blood clots from forming and triggering strokes. Then along came Pradaxa.
One of the big selling points for the new anticoagulant was that unlike warfarin, it did not require frequent blood tests. This “benefit” led doctors to prescribe Pradaxa to over 800,000 patients. Last year alone, Pradaxa earned more than $800,000,000.
But here’s the rub. By monitoring warfarin levels, doctors can adjust the dose to try to avoid under-treatment that might lead to blood clots and strokes or over-treatment that might lead to fatal bleeding episodes. Without a similar test to monitor Pradaxa effectiveness, it is more challenging for physicians to hit the sweet spot. It is estimated that there have been more than 1,000 deaths linked to Pradaxa.
The Scandal:
The current scandal surrounding the drug is all about internal documents at Boehringer Ingelheim (the manufacturer of Pradaxa). A researcher at the company seemingly suggested that careful blood monitoring would allow physicians to adjust the dose of Pradaxa so it could prevent strokes without leading to hemorrhage. But this would have upset the marketing advantage over warfarin or other new anticoagulants. In other words, Pradaxa wasn’t supposed to need testing. That was its big selling point.
The unanswered question is whether marketing trumped patient safety. That is the crux of the thousands of lawsuits that are now pending. Did the drug company reveal the complexity and dangers of taking Pradaxa?
We’re not lawyers, so we will not dabble our toes in that water. But we would like to hear about your experience with Pradaxa or other anticoagulants. Share your story below in the comment section.
In a recent comparison of non-warfarin anticoagulants, researchers found no differences among dabigatran (Pradaxa), apixaban (Eliquis) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto) in terms of stroke prevention (European Journal of Epidemiology, June 8, 2018). Apixaban appeared less likely to cause dangerous hemorrhages.
SIDE EFFECTS OF PRADAXA & COMPLICATIONS
- Bleeding, hemorrhage
- Heartburn, reflux, indigestion, digestive distress, abdominal discomfort, gastritis
- Rash, itching, allergic reactions, anaphylaxis
- Blood disorders
A WORD OF CAUTION ABOUT STOPPING PRADAXA
- Never stop Pradaxa without medical supervision!
- Never stop Pradaxa suddenly. Doing so can trigger a rebound hypercoagulable state that could lead to blood clots and an increased risk of stroke
- If Pradaxa must be stopped for a reason other than life-threatening hemorrhage, a physician will need to substitute another anticoagulant and make the hand off cautiously to prevent either bleeding or blood clots from forming
Again, please share your own story with Pradaxa or any other anticoagulant so that others can benefit from your experience.
Revised 7/5/18
N.B.
CA
Hello, i’m 28 years old, and I had a stroke 4 months ago. Per the doctor, it was a blood clot that blocked a blood vessel (embolic stroke). After a blood test, they said I was heterozygous for Prothrombin 20210A which is the likelihood of your body forming blood clots. This is the most common reason for stroke among people my age with a 3.4% incidence of this mutation compared to 1.4% of the general population who have had strokes.
I have been taking aspirin 81mg, but due to the risk of forming more clots in the future, my doctor is suggesting I take the more aggressive route and take Pradaxa with a dosage of 150mg twice daily.
If I stay on Aspirin, the risk of blood clot is 4-5% per year which translates to 40-50% in the next 10 years.
If I choose Pradaxa it reduces the risk of blood clots, but I have a 2% chance of major bleed per year which translates to 20% a year based on the statistics my doctor provided.
In this case my doc doesn’t know which will be best, but doesn’t believe aspirin alone will be adequate.
No matter what route I take there are risks, and this concerns me. I have not even had children, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to with the existing risks. I don’t want other blood clots forming, but I also don’t want to bleed to death. Is anybody going through the same situation or have some advice? Is there an alternative? I really fear that the results could turn out worse while using Predaxa. But there is no way of knowing.
Allen M
Philippines
I am taking Pradaxa for 4years now along with very low dose of ameodorone lozartan and statin because of non symtomatic Afib.By the way I was implanted with a pacemaker 4yrs ago too.Although so far I can’t see any side effects, i am wondering if I can still be free of this blood thinning and go on natural way.
Sally
When my 78-year-old husband was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation two years ago, we selected Pradaxa for control of it because it was the only new anticoagulant that had a reversal for internal bleeding. My husband was enduring such horrible stomach pain and an endoscopy revealed that his inflamed gastritis was caused by a medication, namely Pradaxa which tore up his stomach.
Only through our own investigation did we learn that elderly people were not properly represented in the drug trials and that the drug company additionally withheld important information from the FDA that internal bleeding risks were underestimated by as much as 66% according to a May 24, 2016, study published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
The BMJ also said that “upwards of 40 percent of patients who reported serious events or who died could have avoided this fate if they had just received regular blood testing.” But to do so, the testing presumably would have undermined a key selling point that no blood testing was necessary with Pradaxa as compared to Warfarin and would have threatened their blockbuster status of over $1bn (billion) globally by April 2012 and $2bn in the US by 2014.
Cleveland Clinic researchers analyzed data in the trial studies and found that “patients taking Pradaxa had a 33% higher risk of heart attack or severe symptoms of heart disease that do patients taking Warfarin.”
So, why was it up to us to discover the problems with Pradaxa? Doctors hear only the good and not the dangers that pharmaceutical reps tell them! Warfarin interacts with many, many things and doctors feel freedom in not having to deal with such side effects, again leaving to us just what they are. At least frequent blood testing with Warfarin presents an adequate indication if the blood is too thick or too thin.
Pradaxa is not a safe anticoagulant in our opinion, especially for the elderly, and should be removed from the market!
Gary
Utah
My current cardiologist prescribed Pradaxa, and I was taking it for about two weeks, however: before the scheduled ablation my fingers and hands started to swell, turn red, blister, and they became painful that it was difficult to use my hands. I informed him of this, and he allowed me to stop the Pradaxa. I had the ablation in August of 2017. He recommended that I take Pradaxa after the ablation: I did for one day, and that day I was very, very sick.
I have not taken any blood thinners since the August 2017 ablation, I had one episode of a-fib in October of 2017, and since that cardio version I have been in sinus rhythm. I am 81:
My suggestion to all: Observe your reactions to all medications: If your doctor tells you to ignore the side affects and keep taking the medications, then change doctors. I am alive because I do not blindly follow the doctors when they tell me to ignore the side affects and just keep taking the medications anyway. They are not suffering from the life threatening side affects.
cate
Whether Pradaxa or any other emanation from Big Pharma, the rule is the same: Do not consent to swallow anything that has not been in use for at least a decade. I have followed that rule. Warfarin is a royal pain in the posterior because of all its interference with nutritious foods and health-boosting herbs, but at least we know what we are dealing with when we stick to the venerable rat poison.
Jane
Colorado
I can’t imagine it, but I suppose there ARE folks out in the world who are#1 surprised by this report, #2 think this is an unusual occurence, or #3 may even think the goal of big pharmacy is to help people.
I wonder if anything would change of execs either had to take the drugs they make, or face criminal charges up to and including murder one for harm done. Fines, even in the hundreds of millions, are chump change when you’re talking profits in the hundreds of billions and, considering Washington’s proclivity for favoring big business, fines can probably be written off as an expense. Sadly, money will no doubt continue to be the altar in which Joe citizen is sacrificed.
Juli
Washington State
I’m wondering what blood test would be used to monitor these anticoagulants.
It seems to me that if they could be monitored, like warfarin, they might still be advantageous, as people can eat their vegetables as much as they want because vitamin K is not an issue.
Even with warfarin there is no magic instant reversal agent – even vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma take time to work.
Cost, of course is a huge issue with Pradaxa, Eliquis and Xarelto. Cost has become an issue with so many drugs in this country!!
SJ
Colorado
I think the doctor that told his patient to take nattokinase was smart. It dissolves blood clots and keeps blood clean. It is better than Pradaxa or Eli quits and doesn’t cost as much. Warfarin is the way to go is you want a pharma drug. You only have a blood test once a month. The nurse adjusts the dose to your diet not your diet to the dose. If a person eats lots of green veggies then the dose is small. You get the picture. Way better than taking a drug that can kill you.
Larry M
Raleigh, NC
My a-Fib was discovered in late 2007. I took coumadin (along with other heart drugs) until my first ablation in 2012. After the completely-successful procedure, the doctor wanted me to continue anticoagulants for a month or two until results were returned from 14-day monitoring that began a month after the procedure. He offered one of the new drugs (Eloquis/Pradxa/Xarelto, I don’t remember which). I declined, stating that I knew how to manage coumadin and would be fine with it. He grudgingly consented.
I had to have the procedure done in 2017. Once again, we had the discussion about post-procedure anticoagulants. Again I opted for coumadin, but this time was overruled and Xarelto was prescribed. The doctor obviously knew something was up, because he also prescribed Sucralfate and Pantoprazole for 30 days; the first for reflux and the second as an antacid, even though I had never had either of those conditions.
Yes, I had “heartburn” in spite of the other two drugs. And when I finished them (I was not advised to taper off), I had rebound reflux for two weeks which was even worse.
I would definitely opt for coumadin if I had to have this procedure again. I have an MTHFR mutation which, paradoxically, makes it easier to manage coumadin because I am so insensitive to it. Daily doses of 7.5 or 10mg were not unusual. I could buy the 5mg tablets and take 1-1/2 or two in the morning, and it wasn’t hard to keep the INR in range.
Should I have to have yet another ablation in 2022, I will definitely push for coumadin again.
Lida
How do we protect ourselves from drug side effects and interactions . Is there a comprehensive and updated guide to drugs and supplements that we can check before starting a prescribed medication or a supplement?
Linda
Tennessee
I too am having sever headaches with Pradaxa, I was on Eliquis previously and again had severe headaches. I am at my wits end. I have told my doctor about the headaches, but I am not sure he believes me. I have never had so many headaches in my life. I am 6 weeks post ablation for a-fib. Don’t know what to do
marilyn
33914
I had cardiac ablation surgery which did not help and will never do it again. I am on Pradaxa: I have dizziness, joint pain, (severe) headaches, (severe) and going to the doctor tomorrow. Have bruises all over my body. Broke out in a rash and itching (of course, have to see another doctor.) I am just so discouraged. I just want to give up.
michele
sacramento, ca
Ive been on Pradaxa for 1 1/2 months, having headaches so bad that they wake me up and some last through out the day. It isnt every day but many days out of the week and Im not my happy self.
Algot
Apple Valley, Ca.
I’ve had episodes of A-fib for about 15 years. Each time, I was able to get my heart back into rythym after about 8-12 hours. I have never had any problem with blood-clots for 15 years. This year I went into the hospital with another episode that I knew was different. Unlike the previous episodes, the hospital wouldn’t allow me to do the things which helped it get back in rythym, as before, so it lasted 3 days. They prescribed me lanoxin to regulate the beat and Pradaxa for possible clots. The cardiologist said that I would be on it for about 16 days. They did a 7 day heart monitor and he then decided for me to stay on another 3 months. He said if I felt ok that we would, then stop it. I went in today and he wasnt to keep me on for another month while doing another monitor of my heart. He knows that I want off and I even told him that in 15 years of this issue, I’ve never had any problem with clotting. It seems like he wants to keep me on indefinitely but doesn’t have the courage to tell me and is just stinging me along until the next appointment, in which he’ll string me along again until the next, and the next, and the next. I haven’t had a reoccurance of an A-Fib episode since I was prescribed lanoxin. Knowing he won’t tell me how, how can I find information to discontinue its usage. The purpose for it, I feel, no longer exists and it seems that he just wants to keep me on it. I’m a very active person and every time I barely hit a body part, the next day it’s severely bruised and looks like it’s going to fall off. A small bump causes major swelling pain (and nasty bruising) a few days later which lasts for weeks before it heals. I’m a fairly young, active individual and don’t feel that I am at the risk that my doctor does.
Virginia
Georgia
You stick to your guns about your treatment because docs today follow “protocols” which do not allow for those of us who vary from the norm. You are the one who suffers the consequences, not your doctor. Consider a 2nd opinion at another facility, you will feel better about whatever ensues.
Jerry
Fla
I’m getting nose bleeds a blood in urine from Pradaxa 150 mg twice a day! I want to try 110 mg twice a day or just one 150 mg once a day! Which is the better choice? I have two new hips within the last two years. I have a A-fib. If I stop the Pradaxa for one day the bleeding stops and that’s why I think 300 mg a day is to muck for me at 80 years old. I have been on it for over 5 years now and the bleeding has increased a little over the last 2 years. Any suggestions?
Barb
I think we are all used to test these drugs and if they don’t work oh well. I am so upset that these drug companies and doctors can push this stuff on the market without really knowing how it is going to work on all people. The lack of blood tests while on Pradaxa is a game of chance.
I keep telling my doctor he needs to know my blood range and check here and there but he said “we have a lot of drugs we don’t test people on” I’m like what? So here I am on Pradaxa and my voice is very weak and he keeps saying its not from the Pradaxa. Then he tells me Warifin is more dangerous. What are we to do. If you have blood clots you have to be on something.
Barb
Wisconsin
I have been on Pradaxa for one month and I have hoarseness and voice change. I am very afraid of this drug but have had two episodes of blood clots in legs. I was on 325mg of asprin then was put on Pradaxa. All I hear are bad things about this drug. Every day I take it I am a nervous wreck. Now the doctor is saying the hoarseness is from a viral infection but I don’t think so. When taking the Pradaxa I always feel a burning in my throat. Now after one month my voice is almost gone.
Jules
Brisbane
For anyone on Pradaxa and not happy, consider Warfarin. I’ve been on it for 14 years with absolutely no problems apart from having blood tests. My doctor talked me into taking Pradaxa and I only lasted two weeks! The reflux was agonising and it took ages to stop a bleed following a simple injection. No thanks…Warfarin for me!
Eileen
North Shore
My husband was told he had Atrial Fibrillation and was put on Praxada. I used to have to run to catch up with him walking Now he shuffles along as though he had feet made of wooden blocks. He is always tired. He is 79. He was so fit and looked so good before he was put on Praxada. He showed no symptons of having anything wrong with him. He only went to get his driver’s licence renewed.
Carlene
Tauranga
I have atrial fib and have had for 17 years. Cardiologist put me on Pradaxa three months ago and I have noticed progressive joint pain. Fingers, elbows, knees and feet only. Hands so sore I have to gently and slowly form a fist to get mobility back. Feet so sore (only after period of inactivity) I plod like blocks of wood and not feet. I am 59, not overweight, fit and healthy. Dr refuses to believe Pradaxa is related to my joint pain. I can’t fit my rings on my fingers now. Blood test results for arthritis are negative. Xray negative. What can I do ?
Barb K.
Does anyone take omega 7 with pradaxa. Is it safe? Where do u get machine for home blood test when on warfarin?
ed
the primary non medical issue with pradaxa is cost. the patent expires in 2017 so expect generic availability. xaralto is another blood thinner that works using a different mechanism also very expensive and not formulary for medicare except as tier 3 or 4.
most people don’t know that the major advantage of warfarin is that it can be reversed almost immediately with large doses on vitamin K
Carlene
I take salmon oil caps with my pradaxa. Dr says its not a problem.
ed
Seattle
I ordered 180 pradaxa 150mg from Canada (EH!) for about $210 US.
go here for a list of pharms by price
https://www.pharmacychecker.com/brand/price-comparison/pradaxa/150+mg/cpp/
they ALL need an original of the script – some charge for shipping
ron
aurora, ohio
All this information is from 2014. I think it should be updated with more recent information.
Tony
an additional note….my doctor mentioned that given all the negative interactions we now know about Coumadin, that most likely if Coumadin were just this year coming out, the FDA probably would not approve it…..
Tony
Dallas, TX
I had in 1993 open heart surgery and repaired a mitral valve at the Cleveland Clinic, and I also had afib…..so I was put on Coumadin/Wafarin…..that went on ok until 2014 and worsened into the end of 2015 when I experienced horrible nose bleeds with emergency room trips to the hospital, and…..the last of which led to three sequential nasal surgeries. With my consultation with my cardiologist, we discussed the negative impact of Coumadin with my dietary supplements, with eating salads, with other ingredients, even a glass of wine.
So we switched to Pradaxa first for a 75 mg dose to see how I handled it, which was fine, then went to 150 mg tablets twice a day. Results, no more nose bleeds, no interaction with dietary supplements, but I watch my diet carefully with the great support of my wife and am more sensible about myself, and I lost 15 pounds and do three times a week 30 minutes of treadmill and other things. A couple glasses of wine, or a couple glasses of vodka tonic …..no problem.
I read all the comment above and one common thread is that if one is used to blood testing (I had coaguchex)…and regularly changing the wafarin dosage….and now I do wonder how they know if anything is happening other than a visible negative event. Well so far I have no negative events so knock on wood….so for me Pradaxa is a God-send….my difference and one I will watch is that I have afib and take meds for that, I do not have an artificial valve, my surgery was a mitral valve repair using then new technology, but I have to watch my sugar (medformin) and cholesterol (Crestor) and fenofibrate. But I do believe in taking high antioxidant supplements such as tumeric, fucoidan, plus D3 and vitamin B-12 mixes, and CoQ10.
So far it works for me. Next is how we adjust when we have a teeth cleaning, if at all, as besides amoxillin prior to and after dental work, the issue is do you stop Pradaxa…..
ed
alcohol and afib meds are a dangerous combination depending on the meds
just saying…
Mary
my husband was taken off coumadin and put on Pradaxa. He developed hoarseness, a cough, difficulty swallowing necessitating a swallow test, which showed he had narrowing of the esophagus. He is now scheduled for an endoscopy and possible stretching of the esophagus. He also has anal fungus and itching. after reading some of the comments, I wonder if the anal problem is related to Pradaxa too.Not one of his doctors made the connection between Pradaxa and his symptoms. I guess we have to self-monitor all drugs side effects in the future.
Judy
Scranton,Pa
My husband has been taking pradaxa for 4 years now he needs a prostate biopsy dr wants to take him off for three days before and 2 or 3 days after is this safe
Ann
Georgia
My Sister was on Pradaxa and had to have a biopsy. The hospital said they stopped her Pradaxa prior to performing the biopsy. She died from internal bleeding 5 days later.
ed
seattle
depends on what the med was prescribed to treat. I stopped pradaxa after 3 months of no afib symptoms (after cardioversion) and had to start it up again before a repeat cardioversion. I was off the med for about 5 months with no apparent ill effects. the half life of pradaxa appears to be in the 4 day range based on internet research
Cal
Massachusetts
I have had PE”S and DVT . On Warfarin, as of 12/2005. Couldn’t get correct dose levels were always off the wall. 2 years of Falling, losing balance, many pelvic and rib fractures. MRI results, I now have Sciatic issues. 2 bulging discs and a vertical free floating lumbar disc, Surgery is out of the question. After many neuro visits, several doctors later. One felt it was my medication. I cut the prozac from 80 mg to 40 mg and thought I was doing fine. Medicated for years before my PE episode with Prozac from 80 mg dose to 40 then to 20 mg, symptoms decreased, but I still have episodes of balancing issues, tripping, falling, bruising is a common occurrence to the point of wearing ankle braces. I was placed on Pradaxa 150mg BID, I thought I have been doing okay. I still have been taking prozac generic. I was told I have peripheral neuropathy both legs. Past 2 years, falling continues, off balance episodes, now difficulty after 15 minutes of sitting, standing, even lying down, when I try to get onto my feet. I have pain in both legs and feet, and can barely walk straight. Muscle fatique, occasional spasms in calves,as well as restless legs. Aching from neck down, both arms fingers, legs and feet, numbness and tingling. I feel like an elderly woman. I also have had episodes of anal burning and itching, gas, occasional diarrhea, minor incontinent of urine and feces, vomiting and heartburn. At times I feel like a walking medical zombie. I have recently stopped the generic prozac. Hoping this would help. I am being scheduled for PT next week. for lumbar pain, muscles are sore and tender at times. After reading this web sight. I am considering to see my doctor about getting off of this hopefully get back to normal. I risk a stroke without it, but can’t live like a stumbling fool either. Not much choice falling I can bleed out!!!
Don
United states
I was on warfarin and had problems with it,was put on Pradaxa five or more years ago, my musclesin my legs are gone and the rest of my muscles have weakened drastically,I worry about what to do. Guess I will talk to my cardiologist and explain what is going on and I want to do something else.
Lynn
Fl
What did you find out? My mother has been on it for 7 years and can not move her legs.
Frank C.
burbank ca.
Hi, I had A-fib and I had a cardio version and I am now back to normal. However the doctor wants me to stay on pradaxa. I have been back to normal now for six months now..question? should I stay on pradaxa and how safe is it to stop Thanks, Frank
Nancy F.
Raleigh NC
I have Afib and am very impressed with extensive research I have done on the long-term effectiveness of Nattokinase as a blood thinner! Yet, I find almost no info endorsing it in general medical sources. Asking your medical provider is laughable. They look at you like they have just been hit in the head with a board.
It’s a Japanese enzyme successfully used for centuries for lowering blood pressure and thinning blood to prevent clots. So, it hasn’t had clinical trials! Lots of meds that have trials are prescribed and end up killing people. Would you please publicize some reliable information about this. WebMD is a good starting place, You can do your public a great service by revealing this enzyme.
Carlene
What is a cardio version ? Didmit stop your irregular heart beats ?
Mamoon
Toronto
I am very depressed with the information.
marie b.
st paul mn
Just started Pradaxa Monday. Day 1 – 3 headache, mostly gone day 4. Day 3 and though today, day 5, swollen painful knees and my right leg is more swollen than my left. Itching here and there also. Day 1-2 only took one 150 capsule. Day 3-4 took two capsules each day. Day 5 I took only one capsule. I already dislike Pradaxa. I have to use an anticoagulant ‘cuz I have had 2 pulmonary embolisms and 1 dvt. Changed from warfarin because of side effects. the side effects of which could cost me my job because I could not think right, memory problems. Made so many errors… looks like Pradaxa ain’t much better.
fbl
dhs, I am probably not the best source as I seem to have problems with a lot of meds. I can say that Xarelto caused me excruciating pain in my thighs and calves and in fact the muscles wasted terribly. It also caused me the runs which I still have problems with today 2 1/2 years later. I only took the med for about two months.
My family Dr. did acupuncture and my muscles are almost filled out again but I still have gnawing achy pain and weird feelings of bubbles in the leg muscles.
The diarrhea is still a problem and it has taken three different remedies to keep it almost in check.
What I have successfully done for blood thinning is take nattokinase, serraptase and cayenne capsules 2X a day. I also take 1200 iu of vitamin E, mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols, daily as well as Omega 3 (in cod liver oil and krill oil. I do NOT take aspirin or any other blood thinner of blood pressure med.
These natural remedies have worked for me and I have had no more heart attacks or strokes since I’ve been doing this regimen-about 2 1/2 years.
dhs
I would be curious how this person, or others, have fared switching from Pradaxa to Xarelto as I am about to do so at Doctors recommendation?
Wendy B.
I was diagnosed with A Fib on April 4, 2008 and have been on warfarin ever since. When Pradaxa first came on the scene the main thing I didn’t like was the lack of frequent testing of the blood. Recently my blood became quite thin but because I have an INR test once a month my doctor was able to adjust the dosage of warfarin and check it regularly until it got back to normal. The other neat thing is that warfarin costs me a little over $30 per month. A pharmacist has told me that Pradaxa and some of the other new anticoagulants are extremely expensive. As my sister says, I am vindicated for refusing to change to Pradaxa.
Don
Because Pradaxa and Xarelto work similarly, would the same concerns about Pradaxa be applicable to Xarelto? I switched from warfarin to Xarelto one year ago because my INR was behaving like a yo-yo after years of great stability. However, my doctor orders blood work every six months to monitor renal function.
fbl
During an auto accident, the shoulder harness damaged my heart. To prevent clots I was given a number of different meds (and shots in the belly)that did not work. The last one, Xarelto, has caused me serious problems. Destroyed muscles, muscle pain and diarrhea were the worst.
My family Dr. did a series of acupunctures which did bring most of my calf muscle back but now two years later I still have problems with the diarrhea.
I have been taking nattokinase, vitamin E, cayenne and gingko biloba and the blood is fine. I finally had to get ablation to get rid of the A-fibs and tachycardia. My family Dr. did IV chelation therapy for the “widow maker” artery that got damaged. It is still fine eight years later.
https://www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmCHJhd70X5rmw43XQt25H8QyF7b_nZ9JM
My husband was diagnosed with A Fib at 90 when he was in very good health despite surviving two cancer episodes. The cardiologist put him on Pradaxa and within two months he hemorrhaged severely and required blood to restore him to normal levels. They found no reason for the hemorrhage. Three months later, they put him back on Pradaxa and, yes, the same hemorrhage–worse this time. There was no sign of bruising or any of the warnings posted above. Just a sudden episode of diarrhea.
I would add a warning sign of my own: when the person being treated becomes pale and fatigues more easily, it is a sign to get a blood test quickly. We had attributed it to “old age.” Every time we think old age is going on, so far, we discover that the incipient frailty has a direct and treatable cause. No more blood thinner for us. Just baby aspirin. He will be 93 in May, still doing chores, working, driving. Blessed.
DF
Have your drs review MTHFR and other genetic variants that a naturapath can help with.
ladygray4
I was put on Pradaxa + aspirin for stroke prevention for Afib. After a couple of weeks, I was concerned about bruises that appeared out of nowhere, but the cardiologist’s office just brushed it off as “just something I’d have to deal with.” Guess I’m strange for not wanting to walk around looking like I got beat up daily.
And this was AFTER the cardiologist gave me a choice of which treatment option to choose; after I chose, she tried to guilt me into another one – then WHY did you give me a choice?
I was 58 years old when I started going to her; she talked down to me as if I were 88.
I no longer go to that quack!!!
J.L.
I am on warfarin. I have a home monitor. I am lucky enough to be covered by insurance as the monitor and the testing strips are costly. Research has shown that more frequent testing generates more time in appropriate testing-range (fewer strokes, fewer hemorrhages). The research also encourages patients to home-test once a week. I test, on average, every ten days. I am rarely more than 0.2 out of range. I adjust my dose myself when need, which is very rare.
Some doctors would rather not have the patient adjust their own dose. My doctor is okay with it. I report my INR via a telephone call to an automated system. The company then reports the result to the doctor. It takes 5 minutes. No drive to the lab. No venous blood draw; it’s just a quick finger stick. And in-range for long periods of time. (P.S. Patients get training with the device. It takes a little time to become proficient in its use.)
GH
My husband switched from Coumadin to Pradaxa because he was tired of the continual blood withdrawal to test for coagulation with the coumadin. Although he was 84, his doctors did not prevent him from switching. After 4 months on this new drug, he had a stroke and died. This surely does not prevent strokes without being monitored. The artery leading into the heart from below, was so clogged up the doctors could not open it up.
I certainly would not recommend this as a treatment for atrial fibrillation, which he had.
MSS
Ten years ago I suffered a severe year-long episode of anal bleeding and itching (pruritis ani). Symptoms abated when we bought a new clothes washer and changed our laundry detergent. However, my anal area remained sensitive to irritants, especially acidic foods. I recently was diagnosed with atrial flutter, and was I prescribed Pradaxa as a blood thinner. Within a month I had anal itching and bleeding worse than I had ever had before. I gave my cardiologist the choice of letting me quit Pradaxa cold or letting me taper off. He had me taper off over 4 days. Within 2 weeks the symptoms were gone.