Dabigatran and Acid Reflux: What Users Say

• GG2...
• June 8, 2013

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Have been taking Pradaxa 150 twice a day since Sept 2011. Initially had extreme acid reflux and heartburn. Tried Nexium, Zantac, Tums, GasX. What has worked best for me is to NEVER take it on an empty stomach. In the evening, I eat a small carton of some kind of yogurt before taking my evening dose. Since beginning this regimen, I rarely have to take an antacid of any kind."

• Anonymous
• February 2, 2012

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I've been taking this medication (Pradaxa) for almost a year now. I was just recently taken off of it by my cardiologist. I was fine for the first few months or so. As time went on, one by one, I started to have side effects. There have been several, varying from constipation or diarrhea, to horrible bloating in my stomach and abdomen, muscle and joint pain, less stamina, cuts/sores taking longer to heal, heartburn/acid reflux very profound, loss of appetite, etc."

• Qua...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 23, 2016

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "When I first started taking Pradaxa, I experienced acid reflux. Since I was on other medications as well, most notably a 'water pill,' I had to experiment to be sure it was the Pradaxa. I've found that if I eat something... even a snack or a square of cheese, it doesn't have to be a meal... before taking Pradaxa, I don't have the acid reflux."

• VBg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 17, 2017

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Greatly prefer Pradaxa to Coumadin, primarily because of the lack of restrictions on eating as much vitamin K-containing healthy greens as I can. Have been taking for several years (I am in my late 60s), and find that the only time I get acid reflux (which can be very painful) is if I forget to take my evening dose and end up taking it as I am already sitting/lying in bed. Drinking a glass of water with the pill or eating something with the pill, even just a snack, and not lying down or sitting in bed reading right after taking the 'missed' pill in the late evening seems to prevent the acid reflux completely. I almost feel as if the pill isn't being swallowed completely, thus causing the reflux, when I take it sitting/lying in bed."

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I am a new user with Pradaxa and have found the same digestive problems, severe acid reflux, and heartburn. Also, I have had bleeding ulcers twice so I'm a bit concerned about that. However, I checked with my doctor, who told me to take the pill after meals. I tried this, but also discovered the pills must be taken IMMEDIATELY after eating food (not snacks but full meals). I also use Ranitidine with the Pradaxa and found it works. Much more comfort, almost no heartburn, just a slight sensation. I haven't had an INT test, so at the moment, I don't know if my coagulation levels are okay. But I will do that soon. Overall, I feel that using this new medicine I feel better, so I hope this will continue, it's a bit early to make the final judgment."

• NK4...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 9, 2019

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Taken Pradaxa, 2 per day for 4 years+. The acid reflux issue I solved by taking Pradaxa before 7 PM (never after). Also take it with food/glass of milk. Switched by cardiologist now to Eliquis due to kidney function problems with Pradaxa. Apparently, Pradaxa is not good for kidneys."

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2012

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been using Pradaxa for a few months after years on Warfarin. It's much easier without the weekly blood tests, but I have noticed a few side effects. I have gained weight, 4 kg, with the same food intake, get terrible stomach pains about once every 2 weeks, and have had increased reflux even though I take Nexium tablets. Overall, the benefits outweigh the problems."

• reb...
• November 17, 2016

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "There is an important bit of misinformation presented by several of these commenters. The effects of both Pradaxa and Coumadin are reversible. Those of Xarelto and Eliquis are not. It seems like the issues with heartburn/acid reflux are minimized by either drinking lots of liquid with the pill or eating some food and then taking an antacid within the hour."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 25, 2012

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "The downside for me with Pradaxa was severe acid reflux. Neither my doctor nor my pharmacist told me until I complained of this that Pradaxa works in an acidic environment, so they put acid in the capsule. This was particularly difficult at night. I was taking Tums by the handful. Within a day of not taking it, the acid reflux disappeared. I'm now trying Xarelto. So far, no upset stomach."

• CJ ...
• August 8, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I am a heart patient and have been taking Pradaxa for about a month now. I take 150 mg twice a day. Every time I take this pill, I have a severe case of acid reflux and heartburn. Nothing seems to help relieve the burning. I also have ulcers in my stomach, and it always makes me feel nauseated. I had been using Coumadin since 2001 and had a lot of bruising and bleeding problems. I believe Pradaxa would be good if it wouldn't be so harsh on the stomach and esophagus."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2017

For Pulmonary Embolism "I'm on anticoagulants permanently, previously on Warfarin without symptoms for three years before trying Pradaxa. I have chronic gastritis, GORD, plus an average of 2-3 episodes of intestinal tract infections per year due to diverticulosis. I tried Pradaxa 110 mg twice daily for two weeks, with bad symptoms developing after three days and becoming progressively worse. Feeling unwell, tired, acid reflux, indigestion, upper abdominal ache and pain, bloating, belching, farting, diarrhea, loose stools, and lastly, constipation in a person who has always been as regular as clockwork. I took Pradaxa with food and 500 mls of water and 20 ml of antacid. Bad move. Back to Warfarin."

• Gee...
• September 23, 2015

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "After travel by car, I felt the DVT symptoms, having had a previous occurrence 4 years ago. Pradaxa was offered as a choice, so that I would not have to return for the frequent pro-time tests. It has worked fine for a while, had reflux before and after starting to take. Upside, the leg with the clot feels better and is not as swollen, and I am not having the irregular heartbeat with dizziness. Fewer headaches. Downside: my bones ache. My hips and my thumb hurt. Even my teeth and jaw are starting to ache. Since there are no other meds except long-term thyroid replacements, I feel this is the cause. I feel swollen around my abdomen. And acetaminophen doesn't work well for low back and other pains."

• cre...
• October 27, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I was diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder 10 years ago after a blood clot took 3 ft of my small intestine. I've been on Coumadin ever since until about a month ago when my doctor suggested Pradaxa. Overall, it's been a good change, decreased bruising and no blood tests, and increased amount of greens in my diet. The downside is trying to remember to take it twice a day with food. I have noticed a slight change in my weight...it's gone up. I don't know if it's from the Pradaxa or not. Last night, I took it after a small snack and suffered almost immediate heartburn/acid reflux. I'm still suffering this morning...hopefully it will pass soon."

• Dav...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 19, 2021

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been taking Pradaxa (150 mg twice a day) for about 2.5 years for AF, had only had it once (AF) never to return, but still on it. I have never had any complications with this medication. I see a few of you have acid reflux. I take mine on an empty stomach, no problems at all. Plus, here in NZ, it is fully funded also. I see a few comments where you guys have to pay for it, which is bad luck for you all. So, in a nutshell, some of us are lucky with no side effects, and some just bad luck. Hope you all are enjoying life anyways."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 24, 2021

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I take Pradaxa for a blood clotting disease I’ve had for years. It does prevent clots as long as I stay on it (2 - 150 mg/day). However, I’ve had a plethora of negative symptoms from Pradaxa. Acid reflux, severe heartburn unless taken with food or a glass of milk. Feels like someone lit a torch in my throat. Severe hair loss, regardless of what scientific tests may say otherwise. The texture of hair is brittle on Pradaxa versus when I’ve gone off of it. Those who’ve commented on difficulties opening the bottle are correct. Very difficult to open, especially the first couple of times on a new bottle. Joints ache, hip and back pain much worse when on this medication. I can’t take any anti-inflammatories while on Pradaxa for the severe hip and back pain, and as others here have mentioned, Tylenol doesn’t phase this pain. Bloating, and now gastrointestinal issues. Have never been constipated, but I am now, and yesterday began bleeding rectally. Scary!"

• Phy...
• August 20, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I find if I take Pradaxa with a full glass of water. Have no reflux, and I have found it to be a miracle, to be honest, and so grateful to be on the 12-month trial."

• Mor...
• August 3, 2015

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Pradaxa gave me acid reflux. Medication burned on the way out as well. I could hardly walk. The pain was intense. Don't recommend."

• Mao...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2020

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been taking this Pradaxa pill for a week. The last few nights have been having bad reflux. Does anyone have any ideas that may help, please?"