Dabigatran and Bloating: What Users Say

• 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."

• ln2...
• October 6, 2012

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Cost reduced because of discount card. Had bad gas, stomach upset after taking each dose until I read about taking Zantac before eating and then taking Pradaxa immediately after the meal. I had been taking Pradaxa before breakfast, which resulted in burping and gas, and a few hours after dinner, which caused bad bloating and stomach upset. Took Nexium for a month incorrectly also, taking it before breakfast along with Pradaxa. The first time I used Zantac 30 minutes before dinner and then took Pradaxa immediately after eating, I had minimal gas and stomach issues."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2017

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Started December 2016, afib caused by thyroid. Lethargic, painful muscles and joints like I have the flu, swelling/bloated all over, indigestion enough to be hospitalized...overall not great...wish I didn't have to take it!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• Alb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 4, 2017

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I've been on this for 1 yr and it helps with my a-fib, but now I am having pain in joints [shoulder] and also feel bloated, but all in all, it works well."