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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.
Let’s start with the basics. What is atrial fibrillation (or AFib as it’s often called)? And who gets it?
AFib is a type of irregular heartbeat. It occurs when one or both of the upper chambers of the heart—called the atria—beat erratically. This puts them out of sync with the heart's 2 lower chambers—called the ventricles.
AFib affects more than 2 million people in the United States. The odds of developing AFib go up with age. In fact, the American Heart Association states that AFib is the most common serious type of irregular heartbeat in people over age 65. It's also sometimes associated with other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Some of the signs of AFib include:
- Racing, irregular heartbeat
- Fluttering in the chest
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Faintness
- Fatigue when exercising
- Sweating
However, in some people, AFib may cause no symptoms at all.
This is why, as for many people, your doctor may have discovered that you have AFib during a routine physical exam or testing for another condition. Your doctor most likely confirmed your diagnosis through a thorough physical exam and medical history. He or she also likely used an electrocardiogram (EKG) and other tests to look for the underlying cause of the disorder and any complications.
You should know that having AFib puts you at a nearly 5 times greater risk of a stroke than if you don't have it. Even if you have no symptoms.
Click on the link below to learn why—and what you can do about it.
NEXT: Learn more about the relationship between AFib and stroke 
Create a personalized doctor discussion guide. And help make sure you get the answers you need about AFib not caused by a heart valve problem, stroke, and treating with PRADAXA.
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.
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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