Recently switched to Pradaxa from warfarin for atrial fib. Shouldn't I get blood work done ?

23 Jan 2011

I would think you should have to. I hope it all got sorted ... did you find out if you need to have regular blood tests? If you don't mind would you be able to share that information with us.

23 Jan 2011

whether it is warfarin or Pradaxa I would think that this is something that should be a part of your medical routine if it isn't please discuss this with your doctor, I don't want to worry you just want to educate you and mtoviate you to be proactive in your medical care I had a neighbor who was younger than me and he missed having his routine blood tests it just so happened that his blood got way too thin and he passed away, this is an extreme case because he said he was tired of all those tests his sister was a nurse at the funeral she commented far better to have those tests yes it is bothersome to some but I would rather have them and know that my levels are safe than for me to take a chance once again if you aren't having routine lab work discuss this with your doctor I don't know of any reason but perhaps he can explain why this isn't part of your protocol if this is the case please be safe and know that I wish you the very very best

5 Oct 2011

Pradaxa does not require the close monitoring that warfarin does - regular blood work is not required. (I have been taking pradaxa for a year for atrial fibrillation.) Warfarin has severe side effects when dosing is outside a narrow range, that is why regular blood work is required. pradaxa does not have that issue. Pradaxa has other issues that you should weigh if considering a change.

13 Oct 2011

No. Like Lovenox injections, you do not need to get your PT/INR tests done while on Pradaxa. However you do need to try to take it at the same time each day and not miss a dose. This is the benefit of this new drug and why it is being heralded as a replacement for Warfarin/Coumadin. Have you tried going to Pradaxa's website? There is a really great forum there and the site itself answers a lot of questions in easy to understand terms. www.pradaxa.com. Hope that helps.

14 Jan 2012

Right now there are only two approved dosing regiments, 75mg twice a day or 150mg twice a day. The FDA did not approve the 110mg twice a day; however there appears that there is a growing consensus from researchers that are asking the FDA to reconsider this decision. You do not need to get testing like you did when you were on Warfarin.