TALKING TO FAMILY & FRIENDS

Talking to Family & Friends

  • LIVING WITH AFIB
  • STAYING ON TRACK
  • TALKING TO FAMILY & FRIENDS
  • HELPFUL RESOURCES

When you have an increased risk of stroke due to atrial fibrillation (or AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem, your family and friends can be a key source of support. But they may not know you need help. Or they may not want to appear to be “taking over.” So it’s important to talk openly about your needs and how your loved ones can support you. Here are some conversation starters that may help.

You may also want to print a copy of “AFib Not Caused by a Heart Valve Problem, Stroke, & PRADAXA: Just the Facts,” (PDF) an easy-to-read overview to help give your loved ones the facts about your condition and PRADAXA.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

  • I have been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (or AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem. It’s a potentially serious heart rhythm disorder. And it puts me at a nearly 5 times greater risk of stroke than if I didn’t have it.
  • Since I’ve been diagnosed with AFib, I have been feeling _________________ [example: worried, stressed, etc]. It would help to talk to someone about these feelings. Specifically, I’m worried about:
    • – Having a stroke.
    • – Trying to figure out what’s next in my treatment plan.
    • – Upcoming tests or procedures.
    Could you help me come up with a plan to deal with my concerns?
  • I’m having trouble adjusting to life with a potentially serious heart rhythm disorder. Could you help me work through my concerns?
  • I’d like to learn all I can about my condition, but there’s so much information out there, I’m not sure how to find what I need. Could you help me do some research?
  • I know I need to follow up with my doctor about this disorder, but I’m having trouble keeping on top of everything. Could you help me make an appointment with my doctor?
  • When I’m at the doctor’s office, I find it hard to fit in all of my questions and remember the doctor’s answers in such a short time. Would you mind coming along to my visits with me to help me take notes and interpret the doctor’s instructions?
  • I’d like to ask my doctor if PRADAXA may be right for me. I’ve printed out a quick fact sheet on PRADAXA (PDF). Could you look it over and come with me to talk to the doctor about this medicine option?
  • My doctor has recommended treatment with PRADAXA to help reduce my risk of stroke due to AFib not caused by a heart valve problem. Could you help me learn more about this medicine?
  • Now that I’m taking PRADAXA, I am at increased risk of bleeding and other side effects. Could you help me read the medication guide (PDF) to understand what side effects to look for and what to do if they occur?
  • I’m having trouble remembering to take my medicine. Could you help me come up with a good system for remembering my medicine?

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Create a personalized doctor discussion guide. And help make sure you get the answers you need about AFib, stroke, and treating with PRADAXA.

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You could be eligible to save on your prescription or get one FREE 30-day supply of PRADAXA*.

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* Pay no more than $30 if you have commercial insurance, with a maximum benefit of $100 on your monthly prescription over a 12-month period. If you are covered by a government-funded insurance, or are cash paying, or live in the state of Massachusetts, you are eligible for one FREE 30-day supply of PRADAXA.

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WHAT IS PRADAXA?

PRADAXA is a prescription blood-thinning medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. With atrial fibrillation, part of the heart does not beat the way it should. This can cause blood clots to form, increasing your risk of a stroke. PRADAXA lowers the chance of blood clots forming in your body.

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT PRADAXA

PRADAXA can cause bleeding which can be serious and sometimes lead to death. Don’t take PRADAXA if you currently have abnormal bleeding or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Your risk of bleeding with PRADAXA may be higher if you:

  • • are 75 years old or older
  • • have kidney problems
  • • have stomach or intestine bleeding that is recent or keeps coming back or you have a stomach ulcer
  • • take other medicines that increase your risk of bleeding, like aspirin products, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood thinners
  • • have kidney problems and take dronedarone (Multaq®) or ketoconazole tablets (Nizoral®)

Call your doctor or seek immediate medical care if you have any of the following signs or symptoms of bleeding:

  • • any unexpected, severe, or uncontrollable bleeding; or bleeding that lasts a long time
  • • unusual or unexpected bruising
  • • coughing up or vomiting blood; or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • • pink or brown urine; red or black stools (looks like tar)
  • • unexpected pain, swelling, or joint pain
  • • headaches and feeling dizzy or weak

It is important to tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins and supplements you take. Some of your other medicines may affect the way PRADAXA works.

Take PRADAXA exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Don’t stop taking PRADAXA without talking to your doctor as your risk of stroke may increase.

Tell your doctor if you are planning to have any surgery, or medical or dental procedure, because you may have to stop taking PRADAXA for a short time.

PRADAXA can cause indigestion, stomach upset or burning, and stomach pain.

Click here for full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call
1-800-FDA-1088.

The health information contained in this Website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare professional. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare professional, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT PRADAXA

PRADAXA can cause bleeding which can be serious and sometimes lead to death. Don’t take PRADAXA if you currently have abnormal bleeding or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.


Your risk of bleeding with PRADAXA may be higher if you:

  • • are 75 years old or older
  • • have kidney problems
  • • have stomach or intestine bleeding that is recent or keeps coming back or you have a stomach ulcer
  • • take other medicines that increase your risk of bleeding, like aspirin products, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood thinners
  • • have kidney problems and take dronedarone (Multaq®) or ketoconazole tablets (Nizoral®)

Call your doctor or seek immediate medical care if you have any of the following signs or symptoms of bleeding:

  • • any unexpected, severe, or uncontrollable bleeding; or bleeding that lasts a long time
  • • unusual or unexpected bruising
  • • coughing up or vomiting blood; or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • • pink or brown urine; red or black stools (looks like tar)
  • • unexpected pain, swelling, or joint pain
  • • headaches and feeling dizzy or weak

It is important to tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins and supplements you take. Some of your other medicines may affect the way PRADAXA works.


Take PRADAXA exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Don’t stop taking PRADAXA without talking to your doctor as your risk of stroke may increase.


Tell your doctor if you are planning to have any surgery, or medical or dental procedure, because you may have to stop taking PRADAXA for a short time.


PRADAXA can cause indigestion, stomach upset or burning, and stomach pain.



WHAT IS PRADAXA?


PRADAXA is a prescription blood-thinning medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. With atrial fibrillation, part of the heart does not beat the way it should. This can cause blood clots to form, increasing your risk of a stroke. PRADAXA lowers the chance of blood clots forming in your body.


Click here for full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide.


You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


The health information contained in this Website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare professional. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare professional, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.



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PRADAXA® (DABIGATRAN ETEXILATE MESYLATE) CAPSULES:
IMPORTANT STORAGE AND HANDLING INFORMATION
PRADAXA must be kept dry. To protect it from moisture, PRADAXA comes in either a bottle with a special cap that contains a drying agent or a blister pack with each capsule sealed separately.

When taking PRADAXA, please follow these instructions carefully:
  • Always store PRADAXA in its original container.
    • Never put PRADAXA into any other container, such as a pill box or pill organizer.
    • Store PRADAXA at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
  • If your PRADAXA came in a bottle:
    • Be sure the closure tape, which indicates that the bottle has not been opened, is intact when you receive your prescription. Do not remove the closure tape until you are ready to open the bottle. Open your new bottle only after finishing your current bottle.
    • Once the bottle is opened, you must use PRADAXA within 30 days.
      • As soon as you open the bottle, write the date on the label. PRADAXA will expire 30 days after the date you opened the bottle.
      • Do not alter the child-proof cap.
      • Safely throw away any unused PRADAXA after 30 days.
      • If your pharmacist or other healthcare provider gave you more than one bottle of PRADAXA, be sure to open only one bottle at a time.
    • Each time you take PRADAXA:
      • Remove only one capsule from the opened bottle.
      • Immediately and tightly close the bottle.
  • If your PRADAXA came in a blister pack, remove only one capsule from the pack at a time.
  • Always read the Medication Guide included with each of your PRADAXA prescriptions. There may be information that is new or that has changed since your last prescription.
  • Remember to keep PRADAXA, and all medicines, out of the reach of children.
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