Dabigatran Viatris (Dabigatran Etexilate (As Mesilate))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Dabigatran Viatris Used For?
Dabigatran Viatris contains the active ingredient dabigatran etexilate, which belongs to a group of medicines called anticoagulants or 'blood thinners'. It works by blocking a specific protein in your blood called thrombin, which helps form blood clots.
Primary Uses
Dabigatran Viatris is prescribed to: prevent blood clots in veins after knee or hip replacement surgery; reduce the risk of stroke and blood vessel blockages in adults with an irregular heartbeat called non-valvular atrial fibrillation; treat blood clots in leg and lung veins and prevent them from coming back.
How It Works
After you take it by mouth, dabigatran etexilate quickly converts to its active form called dabigatran. This active form inhibits thrombin, a protein that contributes to blood clot formation, thereby preventing dangerous clots from forming.
Good to know: Your doctor will determine the exact reason this medicine has been prescribed for you and may have prescribed it for reasons beyond those listed here.
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How to Take Dabigatran Viatris
Take Dabigatran Viatris exactly as your doctor prescribes. The dosage varies depending on your condition, age, kidney function, and bleeding risk. Always swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water at the same time each day.
Dosage Instructions
After knee/hip surgery: Usually 220mg (2 x 110mg capsules) once daily for 10 days (knee) or 28-35 days (hip). Start 1-4 hours after surgery with one 110mg capsule, then continue with 2 x 110mg daily. For stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Usually 300mg daily (150mg twice daily). Patients over 75 or with bleeding risk take 220mg daily (110mg twice daily). For blood clot treatment: Usually 300mg daily (150mg twice daily) after at least 5 days of injectable blood thinner. Patients over 75 or with bleeding risk take 220mg daily (110mg twice daily).
What If You Miss a Dose?
After surgery: Continue with your next scheduled dose the following day. For atrial fibrillation and blood clot treatment: You can take a missed dose up to 6 hours before your next scheduled dose. If less than 6 hours remain, skip the missed dose and take your next regular dose.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not chew, open, or crush capsules as this may cause overdose and increase bleeding risk.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Bruising
- Nosebleed
- Skin rash
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Feeling sick
- Swollen joints
- Sore nasal passages and throat
- Discomfort when swallowing
- Hair loss
- Fever
- Severe chills
- Mouth ulcers
- Itchy skin
- Stomach ache
- Cough
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Long or excessive bleeding
- Exceptional weakness
- Dizziness and looking pale
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Swelling of hands, ankles and feet
- Red or dark brown urine
- Red or black bowel movements
- Signs of anemia (tiredness, headaches, dizziness, pale appearance)
- Blood in urine with reduced urine output and leg swelling
Important Warnings
Dabigatran Viatris has several important contraindications and warnings you must discuss with your doctor before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Dabigatran Viatris
Do not take if you: are allergic to dabigatran etexilate or any ingredients; are currently bleeding; have severely reduced kidney function; have increased bleeding tendency; have medical conditions that increase serious bleeding risk like recent brain/spinal injury, cancer, active stomach ulcers, or history of bleeding in head, eyes, spine, abdomen, or joints; have liver problems; have an indwelling spinal/epidural catheter; are taking certain medications like ketoconazole, itraconazole, dronedarone, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir; are taking other blood thinners; have a prosthetic heart valve; are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: heart attack history or conditions increasing heart attack risk; reduced liver function or liver disease; increased bleeding risk (especially if over 75, have kidney problems, recent bleeding, blood problems, recent biopsy, cancer, serious injury, stomach inflammation, acid reflux); antiphospholipid syndrome; bacterial endocarditis; or if you take medicines that increase bleeding risk like clopidogrel, warfarin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or certain antidepressants.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Dabigatran Viatris if you are pregnant as it may affect your developing baby. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine as the active ingredient passes into breast milk. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medication.
Elderly Patients: Patients over 75 years may need lower doses due to increased bleeding risk and should be closely monitored by their doctor.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with Dabigatran Viatris and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
Important interaction: Do not start verapamil treatment at the same time as Dabigatran Viatris, especially after major orthopedic surgery.
- Aspirin, salicylates, and other anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)
- Blood thinners like warfarin, heparins, clopidogrel, rivaroxaban, apixaban
- Heart rhythm medicines like amiodarone, dronedarone, quinidine
- Blood pressure medicine verapamil
- Infection-fighting medicines like clarithromycin, rifampicin
- HIV medicines like lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir
- Immune system medicines like ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- Hepatitis C medicine glecaprevir/pibrentasvir
- Antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs)
- St John's wort herbal medicine
- Seizure medicine carbamazepine
- Stomach medicines like pantoprazole and ranitidine
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Dabigatran Viatris, as the medication may affect your ability to perform certain activities safely.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Your doctor needs to know about your alcohol consumption to properly monitor your treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Dabigatran Viatris affects you. Avoid driving or operating machinery for a period of time after orthopedic surgery.
Storage
Keep capsules in their original container until it's time to take them, as they may not keep well if removed. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground. Do not repackage capsules in dose administration aids like pill organizers.
Overdose Information
If you think you've taken too much Dabigatran Viatris, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include bleeding, blood in stools or urine, and abnormal bruising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dabigatran etexilate is rapidly converted to its active form dabigatran in your body after oral use, so it begins working relatively quickly to prevent blood clots.
Yes, it doesn't matter if you take this medicine with or without food. You can take it either way according to your preference.
Do not stop taking your medicine without checking with your doctor first. Stopping suddenly puts you at risk of developing dangerous blood clots that can lead to serious health problems like strokes or life-threatening clots in your lungs.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Your doctor needs to know about your alcohol consumption to properly monitor your treatment and ensure your safety.
For stroke prevention and blood clot treatment, you can take a missed dose up to 6 hours before your next scheduled dose. If less than 6 hours remain, skip the missed dose. After surgery, continue with your next scheduled dose the following day. Never double dose.
Yes, but patients over 75 years typically need lower doses due to increased bleeding risk. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose based on your age and other risk factors.
Opening, chewing, or crushing the capsules can cause an overdose of Dabigatran Viatris and significantly increase your risk of bleeding. Always swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.