Pradaxa vs. Warfarin

Has anyone switched from Warfarin to the new drug Pradaxa? (blood thinner for A-fib)
If you have, did your RNY surgeon OK this?
Any side effects?

Thanks!

I went to the pharmacist and asked if she had any info on pradaxa verses warfarin. She copied me off some info on them. What I found is that pradaxa isn't for me. It said that it can cause stomach problems like ulcers. Big red flag!! Then, it is time released. Not for me. It may be great for others. I really don't care for my cardiologist so I didn't ask him. I am a retired RN, so I checked myself. I have had some trouble with my coumadin level, but it is getting better. I have required weekly testing for the past 2 months. One thing I found unusual was that I am requiring less of a dose of coumidin now than before surgery. I thought the dose would increase because of malabsorbtion. Pradaxa is also expensive...about $240 per month. Hope this helps. Rose

Forgot to mention that I have atrial fib also. My RNY surgeon doesn't want to handle other issues that aren't directly related to my surgery. She prefers that my pcp or specialist takes care of it.

Rose,

Thanks for the information.  My husband takes the Warfiarin, his levels have been very steady but still needs the monthly monitoring.  That's the part he hates.  I read to him the side effects yesterday but he still wanted to get some opinions from here.  He has a great relationship with his heart Dr. who also preforms the RNY pre op approvals.  I'm sure Dr will consult Dr.
Thanks again for your insight!

Judy

The Pradaxa is very hard on the stomach.  According to the manufacturers prescribing info, should not be taken by anyone with ulcers and the most common side effects are stomach pain/burning and indigestion (and that is for people with an intact stomach), and one of the serious warnings is for gastrointestinal bleeding.  I would think that would be a deal breaker for us.

The really important thing about it, though, (and my PCP is doing more research on it because my PT/INR have been somewhat unstable lately) is that it is very specifically only currently marketed for people with atrial fibrillation... not for people who are taking anti-coagulents because of clotting disorders related to anything else (and therefore may not be at all effective in preventing clots that are the results of anything OTHER than atrial fibrillation issues... and would therefore not be an acceptable subsitute for coumadin, etc. for those of us without atrial fibrillation).

Lora

Hi Lora,

Thanks for the input.  My husband only takes the med for AF.  When he started mentioning the drug, I told him he had to consult with the bypass Dr first.  He has done so incredibly well with his bypass, I wouldn't want to put his pouch at risk.

Enjoy the weekend!
Judy