Dabigatran is a type of medicine known as an anticoagulant.
It makes your blood flow through your veins more easily. This means your blood will be less likely to make a dangerous blood clot.
It's used to treat people who have had a health problem caused by a blood clot, such as:
- a stroke
- a heart attack
- a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT)
- a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
It's also used to prevent blood clots if you're at high risk of having them in the future.
People who are at high risk include those who have:
- an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- recently had surgery to replace a hip or knee joint
Dabigatran is only available on prescription. It comes as capsules.
Key facts
- You'll usually take dabigatran twice a day.
- You can take dabigatran with or without food.
- The most common side effect of dabigatran is bleeding more easily than normal, such as having nosebleeds, heavier periods, bleeding gums and bruising.
- Your doctor or pharmacist will give you an anticoagulant alert card. Always carry this with you. Show it to your doctor or dentist before you have surgery or dental treatment. It's important they know you're taking dabigatran, as it may put you at risk of bleeding.
- You can drink alcohol while taking dabigatran. But heavy drinking, especially binge drinking, can increase the effect of dabigatran and make you more likely to bleed.