Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Dabigatran as follows:
- Patients taking Dabigatran can occasionally present with episodes of internal bleeding, resulting in coughing up of blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red colored urine, bleeding per rectum, and increased formation of ecchymosis and bleeding into the skin. Watch out closely for any such signs of bleeding and report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered. Be aware of any symptoms of sudden weakness, faintness, or dizziness that can signify internal bleeds.
- Watch for hard surfaces around during ambulation and avoid knocking against them. Senior citizens have a tender skin and bumping into such surfaces can result in bleeding into the skin. Sometimes, the bleeding can be profuse and alarming. Closely follow for symptoms of sudden bleeding into the skin and formation of brownish red patches on the skin, especially on the outer surfaces of the extremities.
- Wear gloves while doing household projects. Exercise caution while using sharp instruments, such as knives, needles, and forks.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
