What are possible Pradaxa side effects?
Bleeding is the most common side effect of Pradaxa. Since Pradaxa is a blood thinner, it slows down how quickly blood clots. It's possible to bruise more easily while using Pradaxa. It will also take longer for any bleeding to fully stop while using Pradaxa.
Unusually serious bleeding resulting from Pradaxa may lead to death. Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following signs of bleeding:
-
Bruises that happen without a cause and linger or get larger
-
-
Bright red blood in stool
-
Bright red, brown, or pink colored urine
-
-
Vomiting brown 'coffee grounds' or red blood
-
Frequent or long nose bleeds
-
Bleeding from the mouth or gums
-
Unusually heavy periods or menstrual bleeding
-
-
Headaches, weakness, or dizziness
-
Any serious or uncontrolled bleeding
Pradaxa side effects are more common in people over 75 years old, and in those with previous stomach or kidney problems.
Using Pradaxa with other medications can increase your risk of bleeding. Prevent Pradaxa side effects by telling your doctor if you use any other prescription or over-the-counter medications. Call your doctor if you are using or planning to use any of the following medications:
- Aspirin, or other aspirin-containing products
- NSAIDS such as ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) among others
- Warfarin (Coumadin or Jantoven)
- Heparin
- Clopidogrel (Plavix)
- Ketoconazole
- Rifampin
Since Pradaxa is used to prevent blood clots from forming, if you stop taking Pradaxa, it can increase your chance of having a stroke. If you have an irregular heartbeat and are using Pradaxa to prevent blood clots from forming in your heart, then stopping Pradaxa can result in new blood clots forming. These blood clots may travel to your brain and cause a stroke. Therefore, it’s important to continue taking Pradaxa regularly unless otherwise directed by your doctor, and to use the medication exactly as directed.
Blood clots may form in your spine if you have an injection (epidural) or a shot (puncture) in your spine while using Pradaxa. This Pradaxa side effect is more likely to happen if you have a history of spinal surgery, or repeated spinal injections in the past, or if you take other blood thinners along with Pradaxa. A blood clot that forms in your spine may cause you to lose the ability to move (paralysis). If you have a spinal procedure while on Pradaxa, and you feel any new numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, or trouble controlling your urine or stool, tell your doctor immediately.
Pradaxa is not for people who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It's not for people who are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It has not been studied to be safe or effective in children. It's not for people with prosthetic (artificial) heart valves. Do not use Pradaxa if you're allergic to any of the ingredients in Pradaxa. Do not use Pradaxa if you've ever had bleeding problems (such as stomach ulcers or certain types of strokes). Tell your doctor if you have antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or any other medical condition, before using Pradaxa.