Patient was educated on contraindications for using Dabigatran as follows:
- Dabigatran should be avoided in individuals with valvular heart disease and with prosthetic heart valves. Use of Dabigatran in such individuals carries a significant risk for clot formation and consequent embolism.
- Dabigatran should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of brain and spinal surgeries, as Dabigatran can result in spinal cord blood clot formation, resulting in excruciating pain in the back with numbness and weakness of bilateral lower extremities. In extreme cases, use of Dabigatran can also result in permanent paralysis.
- Do not consume alcohol, while you are taking Dabigatran, as alcohol can increase the effects of blood thinner and consequently, make the blood extra thin, thus resulting episodes of hemorrhage and bleeding.
