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PRADAXA is a prescription blood-thinning medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem.
When your loved one has an increased risk of stroke due to atrial fibrillation (or AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem, it’s natural to want to do all you can to help. But it’s also natural to be unsure of what your role should be.
Here are some simple ways you can help your loved one:
- Ask your loved one what he or she needs. Chances are, your loved one would welcome your support, but he or she may not know how to ask for it. That’s why it’s so important to talk openly about your loved one’s concerns and how you can help. So when in doubt, just ask.
- Share your research. There's a lot of information out there today. So learning about a health condition can be overwhelming. Here are some quick facts about AFib and how PRADAXA can help reduce the risk of stroke caused by a clot that starts in the heart:
- – Having AFib puts your loved one at a nearly 5 times greater risk of stroke than if he or she doesn’t have it.
- – The risk of stroke can be reduced.
- – PRADAXA is the first approved alternative to warfarin (Coumadin® or Jantoven®) for reducing the risk of stroke due to AFib not caused by a heart valve problem.
- – In a clinical trial, PRADAXA 150 mg capsules reduced the risk of stroke 35% more than warfarin. Risk reduction was greatest when compared to patients on warfarin whose blood tests showed lower levels of control. Learn more about PRADAXA
- – PRADAXA works differently than warfarin. So your loved one doesn't need to have regular blood tests. Learn more about how the 2 compare
- Go with your loved one to doctor visits, tests, and procedures. You may want to bring a pen and notebook. That way, you can take notes while your loved one talks to the doctor. You can even build a personalized doctor discussion guide to help make sure you and your loved one get the answers you need.
- Help your loved one take his or her medicine correctly. If your loved one is taking PRADAXA, get tips on how you can offer support
- Create a plan to manage daily tasks. If your loved one needs more support, sit down together and create a plan. Talk about how you can help your loved one manage daily tasks—such as grocery shopping, preparing meals, or housecleaning.
- Offer emotional support too. Have patience with your loved one as he or she adjusts to life with AFib. Try to refrain from judging your loved one. Work together as a team. And take time to make sure to notice, and respond to, his or her emotional needs. It’s also important to keep a positive attitude and to praise every effort your loved one makes to take care of himself or herself. Being positive yourself will help your loved one stay hopeful too
- Broaden your support network. Get other friends and family involved in supporting your loved one. Link up with local or national organizations. Or join a support group where you and your loved one can connect with others who know what you’re going through.
- Don’t forget about you. Supporting a loved one with a potentially serious heart rhythm disorder, such as AFib, can take its toll on you. So be sure you’re doing what you can to keep yourself healthy—like eating right, exercising, and taking time for things you enjoy. And be aware of your own emotional needs too.
NEXT: Get tips for supporting a loved one who’s taking PRADAXA
Create a personalized doctor discussion guide. And help make sure you and your loved one get the answers you need about AFib not caused by a heart valve problem, stroke, and treating with PRADAXA.
You could be eligible to save on your prescription or get one FREE 30-day supply of PRADAXA*.
* 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.
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.
Pradaxa® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG and used under license.
The other brands listed above are trademarks of their respective owners, and are not trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
The owners of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or its products.
The New Housecall™ and The New Housecall™ with associated design are trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
This Site is intended for U.S. residents only. Products discussed herein may have different labeling in different countries.
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