Dabigatran and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• January 21, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Just started Pradaxa, and on the second day, I had severe heartburn and stomach burning just 15 minutes after taking the pill. I checked with my doctor, and they suggested taking it with food. I tried taking it immediately after lunch, also using ranitidine. It seemed okay. Then, the second pill after dinner, but approximately 2 hours after eating, I had almost immediate heartburn and stomach burning. I have had stomach ulcers, so I am concerned."

• 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."

• CJ2...
• July 22, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I have been taking Pradaxa for a couple of weeks now (150 mg a day). I have had no major side effects, just some heartburn (that went away after taking it for about a week) and some stomach issues. But nothing so severe that I would stop taking it and go back to Lovenox shots every day. In the past, I have been on Coumadin (once a day for 2 years) and Lovenox injections (once a day for 1 year). Pradaxa is by far the best blood thinner!"

• 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."

• 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."

• PRB...
• October 11, 2011

"I had ablation surgery three weeks ago and have been on Pradaxa 150 mg twice a day ever since. During the first week, I had a constant sour stomach, and my surgeon suggested Prilosec. It takes a few days before Prilosec kicks in, so I took Mylanta until it did. My second and third weeks were much easier, but now that I'm starting my fourth week, the constant sour stomach is back. I still take Mylanta between meals, but it only helps a little. I take Pradaxa during meals with a full glass of water. I have to stay on this medicine five more weeks. Any suggestions would be appreciated."

• AFl...
• February 2, 2011

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I've been taking Pradaxa for a month and have had a lot of gas, sour stomach, and a metallic taste in my mouth."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2023

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "Upset stomach, 150 mg twice daily. Didn’t have this at all with Eliquis."