Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Pradaxa as follows:
- Pradaxa should be avoided in individuals taking NSAIDs and other blood thinners. Taking Pradaxa along with NSAIDs or other blood thinners concurrently can significantly increase the risk for bleeding episode.
- Evenly space out the doses of Pradaxa and take the dose at the scheduled time every day. Keeping to the schedule of Pradaxa intake helps to avoid forgetting the medication.
- Also, maintaining a schedule for anticoagulant intake will help maintain the blood uniformly thin. This prevents the risks of extra thinning with consequent bleeding and thickening of blood with consequent clot formation.
- Do not discontinue taking this medication without recommendation by your doctor. Abrupt withdrawal from Pradaxa intake can result in clot formation and consequent DVT, pulmonary embolism, and development of stroke.
- Watch out closely for any signs of clot formation and DVT, such as pain in the calf muscle, episode of sudden cough and shortness of breath, and any chest pain. Report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered.
