How to Take PRADAXA

PRADAXA must be kept dry. To protect it from moisture, PRADAXA comes in either a bottle with a special cap or a blister pack with each dose sealed separately.

When storing PRADAXA, please follow these instructions carefully:

• Always store PRADAXA in its original container.
  • – Never put PRADAXA into a different type of container such as a pill box or organizer.
  • – Store PRADAXA at room temperature between 59°F and 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.
  • – Keep PRADAXA in the original bottle or blister package to keep it dry (protect the capsules from moisture). Do not put PRADAXA in pill boxes or pill organizers.
  • – Tightly close your bottle of PRADAXA right away after you take your dose.
  • – Once the bottle is opened, use PRADAXA within 4 months.
  • PRADAXA will expire 4 months after the date you opened the bottle.
  • Do not alter the childproof cap.
  • Safely throw away any unused PRADAXA after 4 months.
  • If your pharmacist or other healthcare provider gave you more than one bottle, 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.

Be sure to follow these guidelines when taking PRADAXA:

• Take PRADAXA exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not take PRADAXA more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You can take PRADAXA with or without food.
• PRADAXA comes in a bottle or in a blister package.
• Only open 1 bottle of PRADAXA at a time. Finish your opened bottle of PRADAXA before opening a new bottle.
• After opening a bottle of PRADAXA, use within 4 months.
• When it is time for you to take a dose of PRADAXA, only remove your prescribed dose of PRADAXA from your open bottle or blister package.
• Tightly close your bottle of PRADAXA right away after you take your dose.
• Swallow PRADAXA capsules whole. Do not break, chew, or empty the pellets from the capsule.
• If you miss a dose of PRADAXA, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 6 hours away, skip the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses of PRADAXA at the same time.
• Your doctor will decide how long you should take PRADAXA. Do not stop taking PRADAXA without first talking with your doctor. Stopping PRADAXA may increase your risk of stroke.
• Do not run out of PRADAXA. Refill your prescription before you
  run out. If you plan to have surgery, or a medical or a dental procedure, tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking PRADAXA. You may have to stop taking PRADAXA for a short time.
• If you take too much PRADAXA, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call your doctor.
• Call your healthcare provider right away if you fall or injure yourself, especially if you hit your head. Your healthcare provider may need to check you.

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While you’re taking PRADAXA:

• If you plan to have surgery or a medical or dental procedure, tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking PRADAXA. You may have to stop taking PRADAXA for a short time. Download an emergency medical ID card 
• Tell your doctor right away about any changes in your medical history, which may mean PRADAXA may not be right for you, including if you:
  • – Have kidney problems
  • – Have ever had bleeding problems
  • – Have ever had stomach ulcers
  • – Have any other medical condition
  • – Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if PRADAXA will harm your unborn baby.
  • – Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if PRADAXA passes into your breast milk.
• Talk to your doctor before taking any new medicines, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines can increase your risk of bleeding, including:
  • – Aspirin or aspirin-containing products.
  • – Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) when used long-term (called chronic use).
  • – Warfarin sodium (Coumadin^®, Jantoven^®)
  • – A medicine that contains heparin.
  • – Clopidogrel (Plavix^®).
  • – Prasugrel (Effient^®).
  • – Dronedarone (Multaq^®) or ketoconazole tablets (Nizoral^®), if you have kidney problems (and take these medicines).

  Learn more about PRADAXA and your other medicines 

• Know the signs and symptoms of the possible side effects due to PRADAXA and what to do if you experience any of these symptoms.
  
  PRADAXA can cause bleeding, which can be serious and sometimes lead to death. This is because PRADAXA is a blood-thinning medicine (anticoagulant) that lowers the chance of blood clots forming in your body.
  
  While you take PRADAXA, you may bruise more easily and it may take longer for any bleeding to stop. 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 vomitting 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.

  Learn more about other possible side effects 

• Take PRADAXA exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking PRADAXA without first talking to the doctor who prescribes it for you. Stopping PRADAXA may increase your risk of a stroke.

Do you sometimes have trouble remembering to take your medicine? Here are some tips that may help:

• ORGANIZE YOUR MEDICINES—Use a calendar or create a medicine chart to keep track of what to take when. And be sure to keep your medicines in the same place. That way, you’ll always know where to find them.
  
  When organizing your medicines, be sure to always store PRADAXA in its original bottle or blister pack. Never put PRADAXA into a different type of container, such as a pill box or organizer. Do not take PRADAXA out of the container until you are ready to take it. And remember to keep PRADAXA, and all medicines, out of the reach of children. Click here for important storage and handling information for PRADAXA.
• USE A MEDICATION REMINDER SERVICE—Our medication reminders make remembering to take PRADAXA easy. Sign up now to receive reminders by email, phone, text message—or all 3. Sign up now 
• KEEP UP WITH REFILLS—Be sure to get your prescriptions refilled early so you don’t risk running out of medicine. Sign up for The New Housecall™ support program for access to medication and refill reminders, and more. 
• PLAN FOR TRAVEL—Talk to your doctor about changes in your routine, such as traveling. And if you travel by plane, don't check your medicines with your luggage. Carry them with you instead.