Patient was educated on contraindications for using Pradaxa as follows:
- Pradaxa is not metabolized in the liver and is mainly excreted in the urine. Individuals with history of compromised renal function tend to retain the drug in the circulation longer, thus resulting in toxicity and episodes of bleeding. Pradaxa should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
- 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 episodes.
- Pradaxa should be avoided in individuals with any active bleeding from any wound or surgical site. Using Pradaxa in such individuals can result in uncontrolled hemorrhage and blood loss.
- Pradaxa should be avoided in individuals with valvular heart disease and with prosthetic heart valves. Use of Pradaxa in such individuals carries a significant risk for clot formation and consequent embolism.
- Pradaxa should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of brain and spinal surgeries, as Pradaxa 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 Pradaxa can also result in permanent paralysis.
- Do not consume alcohol, while you are taking Pradaxa, as alcohol can increase the effects of blood thinner and consequently, make the blood extra thin, thus resulting episodes of hemorrhage and bleeding.
