What is Dabigatran used for?

treating blood clots in the legs or lungs, after a few days of a blood thinner shot; lowering the chance that blood clots come back; lowering the chance of stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation; preventing clots after hip replacement surgery; blood clots in children.

What are the common side effects of Dabigatran?

Bruising more easily. Small bleeding, like from your gums or nose. Heavier periods. Upset stomach, heartburn, or belly pain. Indigestion.

When should I call my care team while taking Dabigatran?

Bleeding that will not stop, such as a nosebleed or a cut that keeps bleeding; Red, pink, or dark brown urine; Red or black stools that look like tar; Coughing up blood, or throwing up blood or something that looks like coffee grounds; A sudden bad headache, confusion, weakness, or trouble seeing or speaking; A fall or a hit to the head, even if you feel fine.

Dabigatran

Say it: dah-BIG-uh-tran · Brand names: Pradaxa

Dabigatran is a blood thinner capsule that helps prevent and treat harmful blood clots.

What it is

Your blood uses a protein called thrombin to form clots. Dabigatran blocks thrombin directly. This makes it harder for dangerous clots to form or grow.

Often used for

treating blood clots in the legs or lungs, after a few days of a blood thinner shot
lowering the chance that blood clots come back
lowering the chance of stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation
preventing clots after hip replacement surgery
blood clots in children

How you get it

It is a capsule you take by mouth, usually 2 times a day. You can take it with or without food. Small pellets are made for children. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

Bruising more easily. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
Small bleeding, like from your gums or nose. Press firmly for 10 minutes. Call if it does not stop.
Heavier periods. Tell your team if your periods change.
Upset stomach, heartburn, or belly pain. Taking it with food may help.
Indigestion. Tell your team if it does not go away.

Call your care team right away if you have

Bleeding that will not stop, such as a nosebleed or a cut that keeps bleeding
Red, pink, or dark brown urine
Red or black stools that look like tar
Coughing up blood, or throwing up blood or something that looks like coffee grounds
A sudden bad headache, confusion, weakness, or trouble seeing or speaking
A fall or a hit to the head, even if you feel fine

Before you start, tell your team

If you have ever had bleeding problems, stomach ulcers, or a stroke
If you have kidney or liver problems
All medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take, especially aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, other blood thinners, and fish oil
If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
If you have a surgery, dental work, or a procedure planned
If you have a mechanical heart valve

Good to know

Stopping this medicine too soon raises the chance of a clot or stroke. Do not stop it unless your care team tells you to.
If you get a spinal tap or a numbing shot in the back (epidural), there is a rare risk of bleeding near the spine that can cause lasting weakness. Tell your team you take this medicine.
Your kidneys clear this medicine. You will have blood tests to check how well your kidneys work.
Some medicines can change how dabigatran works, so tell your team before starting anything new.

At home

Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not open, chew, or break them. This can cause too much medicine to enter your body.
Keep the capsules in the original bottle or blister pack to protect them from moisture. Do not use a pill box.
Once a bottle is opened, ask your pharmacist how long it is good for.
If you miss a dose, ask your team what to do. Do not take two doses at once.
Store at room temperature, away from children. Refill before you run out.

Questions to ask

How long will I need this medicine?
Can I use a pill box, or should I keep the original bottle?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
What should I do before surgery or dental work?

Side effect guides

Sources

Quick answers

What is Dabigatran?: Dabigatran is a blood thinner capsule that helps prevent and treat harmful blood clots. Brand names: Pradaxa.
What is Dabigatran used for?: treating blood clots in the legs or lungs, after a few days of a blood thinner shot; lowering the chance that blood clots come back; lowering the chance of stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation; preventing clots after hip replacement surgery; blood clots in children.
How is Dabigatran given?: It is a capsule you take by mouth, usually 2 times a day. You can take it with or without food. Small pellets are made for children. Your schedule may be different.
What are the common side effects of Dabigatran?: Bruising more easily. Small bleeding, like from your gums or nose. Heavier periods. Upset stomach, heartburn, or belly pain. Indigestion.
When should I call my care team while taking Dabigatran?: Bleeding that will not stop, such as a nosebleed or a cut that keeps bleeding; Red, pink, or dark brown urine; Red or black stools that look like tar; Coughing up blood, or throwing up blood or something that looks like coffee grounds; A sudden bad headache, confusion, weakness, or trouble seeing or speaking; A fall or a hit to the head, even if you feel fine.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.