How And When To Take Dabigatran

NHS medicines information on dosage for dabigatran, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.

It's important to take dabigatran as your doctor advises.

Dosage and strength

Dabigatran comes as 75mg, 110mg and 150mg capsules.

Your dose of dabigatran depends on why you're taking it.

For a heart problem called atrial fibrillation or a blood clot (DVT or pulmonary embolism), the usual dose is 150mg twice a day.

For a hip or knee joint replacement the usual dose is 110mg twice a day.

Your doctor may give you a lower dose if you're at increased risk of bleeding. This includes if you:

• are aged 75 years or older
• take verapamil (a medicine for high blood pressure)
• have problems with your kidneys, stomach or throat

If you're unsure what dose you need to take, check with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to take it

You can take dabigatran with or without food, but try to take it at the same time every day.

Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not open dabigatran capsules before taking them as this increases the risk of side effects.

If you have trouble swallowing pills, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How long to take it for

How long you need to take dabigatran for will depend on why you're taking it.

If you're taking it for:

• a knee joint replacement - you'll usually take dabigatran for 10 days
• a hip joint replacement - you'll usually take dabigatran for 4 to 5 weeks
• a blood clot - depending on what caused the blood clot, you'll usually take dabigatran for at least 3 months
• atrial fibrillation - you might need to take dabigatran long term or even for the rest of your life

If you forget to take it

If you're taking dabigatran for:

• atrial fibrillation or a blood clot - take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due in less than 6 hours, skip the forgotten dose and take your next dose at the usual time
• a hip or knee joint replacement - skip the forgotten dose completely and then take your next dose when it's due

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicines.

If you take too much

Taking too much dabigatran puts you at risk of bleeding.

Contact 111 for advice now if:

If you go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the dabigatran packet, or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.

Anticoagulant alert card

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you an anticoagulant alert card.

Carry this with you all the time. It tells healthcare professionals that you're taking an anticoagulant. This can be useful for them to know in case of a medical emergency.

If you need any medical or dental treatment, show your anticoagulant alert card to the nurse, doctor or dentist. This includes before you have vaccinations and routine sessions with the dental hygienist.

Your doctor may advise you to stop taking dabigatran or reduce your dose for a short time.

Switching from warfarin to dabigatran

If you need to switch from warfarin to dabigatran, your doctor will advise you when to stop taking warfarin.

This will probably be a few days before you start dabigatran.

Your doctor or anticoagulant clinic will do a blood test called the international normalised ratio (INR) to check how quickly your blood's clotting.

This is to help decide exactly when you should start taking dabigatran.

Switching from dabigatran to warfarin

If you need to switch from dabigatran to warfarin, you may need to take both medicines together for a few days.

Your doctor or anticoagulant clinic will do a blood test called the international normalised ratio (INR) to check how quickly your blood's clotting.

This is to help decide exactly when you should stop taking dabigatran.

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.