Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Pradaxa as follows:
- Patients taking Pradaxa can present with nose bleeds at the slightest injury. Avoid excessive sneezing and nose picking, which can result in heavy nose bleeds. Also, avoid exposure to extreme cold climate, as the weather in cold seasons dry the mucus membrane out, thus damaging the integrity of nasal mucosa and resulting in nasal bleeds, that can be difficult to stop.
- Patients taking Pradaxa can present with easy gingival bleeding. Sometimes, the bleeding can be easily precipitated, even during brushing of the teeth. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Do not use a regular floss, as it injures the gums and results in swollen gums and intense bleed. Try using a waxed floss, instead of regular floss.
- Maintain a close watch for symptoms of hypotension, such as, confusion and dizziness along with symptoms of anemia, such as, pale skin, exacerbation of shortness of breath, poor endurance, and fatigue. These symptoms in individuals taking Pradaxa could be secondary to an undiagnosed internal bleed with loss of blood and should be immediately reported.
- 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.
