Dabigatran and Diarrhea: 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Old...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 11, 2017

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I'd have to say that I'm of a mixed opinion on Pradaxa. While I know that a blood thinner is necessary in my life, given my current condition, the downside to any of them is frustrating. Pradaxa's downsides seem to be fairly minimal, and as a result, it is the drug I've chosen. I really like the ability to reverse the effects with a single dose of a counter drug. Where I've run into problems with it is primarily digestive. The acidic nature of the med has caused some stomach upset, but more significantly, diarrhea, loose stools, and leakage. This has led to abrasion bleeding externally and problems with cleanliness. Recently, my doctor recommended omeprazole to counter this effect, and it appears to be working adequately."

• Old...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 11, 2017

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I'd have to say that I'm of a mixed opinion on Pradaxa. While I know that a blood thinner is necessary in my life, given my current condition, the downside to any of them is frustrating. Pradaxa's downsides seem to be fairly minimal, and as a result, it is the drug I've chosen. I really like the ability to reverse the effects with a single dose of a counter drug. Where I've run into problems with it is primarily digestive. The acidic nature of the med has caused some stomach upset, but more significantly, diarrhea, loose stools, and leakage. This has led to abrasion bleeding externally and problems with cleanliness. Recently, my doctor recommended omeprazole to counter this effect, and it appears to be working adequately."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2020

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been on Pradaxa for about 6 weeks now after taking warfarin for almost a decade. It has been a rough transition. Upset stomach, abdominal pain and cramps, extreme nausea (I haven't been able to eat much), and diarrhea. These side effects have decreased significantly over the weeks, but I'm still struggling. I'm holding out hope that this drug will work out for me, but at this point, I'm not convinced at all. I've literally lost 20 pounds in 4 weeks and am fairly miserable on most days."

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and put on medicines, including Pradaxa. I have never been on any other blood-thinning medicines, so this is all new to me. Almost immediately, I noticed a severe increase in gas, followed a week later by loose bowels. Yesterday, I developed heartburn that will not go away even with Tums and Zantac. I appreciate the suggestions about taking it with food and lots of water. I take 150 mg twice a day. I was trying to take it 12 hours apart, at about 8 am and 8 pm, but it looks like taking it at breakfast and dinner is better. I have had an ulcer, hiatal hernia, and GERD about 10 years ago that was finally improved by surgery. Sure hate to go back to heartburn again!"

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2018

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "We live in the wine country, and I developed severe AV fib after the fires. I was put on Pradaxa 150 mg bid. I was told to take it with meals and often there was too much time between breakfast and dinner. So, I have been taking it at 6/6:30 am and pm. Recently, I started having loose stools and sometimes have to limit our local travel. Our diet hasn't changed, except for minimal outside grilling due to the cold weather since Dec/January. My wife prepares and cooks the Mediterranean diet with me, a little heavy into the Paleo side. This evening, I will go back to taking it right before/with meals. BP and pulse rate are good with a low dose daily beta blocker. Still not able to walk quickly up our local hill as I was before the AV episode. The loose stools started after 3 months on the drug and a new RX of the brand name."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "A bit too early for a full review. I started on Nov 14. Doctor said to take with meals, and I've had none of the stomach issues, except for gas. I've noticed loose bowels, and they may also be a side effect. I would rather not take this, but I understand from others that it's much better than warfarin. But it's very expensive. For me, it's $230 monthly, and insurance doesn't cover it. Wish we could get the price reduced."

• Jac...
• November 14, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I've been taking 150 mg x 2 per day for 5 weeks. I started it prior to a right-side A-flutter ablation, and then a month later, a left-side A-fibrillation ablation. I was on Coumadin for about two years while we got to the root cause of my cardiac issues, and I do not miss bi-weekly sticks, etc., when adjusting medicines up or down depending on INR results. The only downside for me is the slight nausea and daily loose bowel movements. I do a bit of traveling for work, and it can make the flying portion of travel rather nerve-wracking."

• whe...
• April 17, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been taking Pradaxa for approximately 6 weeks and have noticed a significant increase in gas, flatulence, and loose bowels. Otherwise, it sure beats Coumadin."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2017

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Not really diarrhea, but a little fecal leakage at times. Loose stools a lot."