Dabistar 150mg Capsule

DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE

Name

Brand Name: DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE Common Name: Dabigatran Etexilate (as Mesylate)

Composition

DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE contains Dabigatran Etexilate (150 mg) as its active ingredient. Dabigatran etexilate is an anticoagulant, commonly known as a blood thinner. It works by directly inhibiting thrombin, a key enzyme involved in the blood clotting process, thereby preventing the formation of blood clots.

Uses

DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of blood clots. It is used to:

• Reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).
• Treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Prevent the recurrence of DVT and PE.
• Reduce the risk of blood clot formation following hip or knee replacement surgeries.

Dosage and Administration

• DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• For adults, a typical dosage for prevention and treatment of blood clots is 150 mg twice a day.
• It can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body.
• Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsule.
• Do not stop taking the medication or alter the dose without consulting your doctor, as this could increase the risk of serious health issues such as a heart attack, stroke, or thrombosis.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Bleeding or bruising (e.g., nosebleeds, skin bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding)
• Stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea
• Anemia (low number of red blood cells)

Serious side effects, though less common, can include severe bleeding. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience unusual or prolonged bleeding, blood in your vomit, urine, or stool (which may appear black and tarry or bright red).

Precautions

• Bleeding Risk: DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE increases the risk of bleeding. Exercise caution during activities that may cause injury.
• Surgery and Dental Procedures: Inform your doctor or dentist if you are taking this medicine before any surgery or dental treatment, as you may be asked to temporarily stop taking it to avoid excessive bleeding.
• Kidney and Liver Function: Caution is advised in patients with kidney or liver problems, as dose adjustments or close monitoring may be necessary. It is generally not recommended for those with severe kidney or liver impairment.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. This medicine is generally not recommended during breastfeeding.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements you are currently taking, especially other anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), anti-platelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), certain heart medications (e.g., verapamil, amiodarone, quinidine), antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin), and antifungals (e.g., posaconazole, ketoconazole), as these can increase the risk of bleeding or alter the effectiveness of Dabistar.
• Contraindications: Do not take this medicine if you have a known allergy to dabigatran etexilate, active major bleeding, or conditions that significantly increase bleeding risk such as severe bleeding disorders or certain stomach ulcers.
• Age: Use with caution in elderly patients (over 75 years) and not recommended for children below 18 years unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.

Storage

Store DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE at room temperature, typically between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect the capsules from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and out of the reach of children. Once the bottle is opened, it should be used within 4 months; discard safely if unused beyond this period.

What is DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE used for?

Dabistar 150mg Capsule is an anticoagulant, also known as a blood thinner. It is primarily used to prevent and treat blood clots in various conditions. This includes reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), treating and preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT - blood clots in the leg veins) and pulmonary embolism (PE - blood clots in the lungs), and preventing blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgeries.

How does DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE work?

Dabistar 150mg Capsule contains dabigatran etexilate, which is a direct thrombin inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of thrombin, a key enzyme involved in the blood clotting process. By inhibiting thrombin, it prevents the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, thereby reducing the formation of blood clots and keeping blood flowing freely.

What is the usual dosage for DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE?

For conditions like atrial fibrillation or blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism), the usual adult dose is 150mg twice a day. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose if you are over 75 or 80 years old, have kidney problems, or are at an increased risk of bleeding. It should be taken as prescribed by your doctor, usually at the same time each day, and can be taken with or without food. The capsules should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed.

What are the possible side effects of DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE?

The most common side effects are related to bleeding, as it is a blood thinner. These can include bleeding or bruising more easily, nosebleeds, and stomach upset such as stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea, and nausea. More serious bleeding can occur, and symptoms like blood in vomit, urine, or black, tarry stools should be reported to your doctor immediately. Other potential side effects include headaches, seizures, allergic reactions, changes to eyesight, and tiredness.

Is DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Dabistar 150mg Capsule may be unsafe to use during pregnancy and is generally not recommended unless advised by your doctor. It is considered unsafe during breastfeeding as it may excrete via breast milk, and you should not breastfeed while using this medicine. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Can DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE be taken with other medications?

Dabistar 150mg Capsule can interact with other medications, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Concomitant use with other anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin, apixaban, rivaroxaban) or antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) can significantly increase the risk of bleeding. Certain medicines like oral antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, posaconazole), some antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin), cyclosporin, dronedarone, and antiviral medicines should generally be avoided or used with caution. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can also increase bleeding risk.

What precautions should be taken with DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE?

Due to the increased risk of bleeding, be careful with activities that may cause injury, such as shaving or using sharp objects. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, a bleeding disorder, stomach ulcers, or if you recently had an injury or surgery. If you need to undergo surgery or dental treatment, your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop taking Dabistar 150mg Capsule. Avoid consuming alcohol heavily, as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should also be avoided as they may increase the risk of bleeding.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Dabistar 150mg Capsule and remember within 6 hours of when it was due, take it as soon as you remember, and then take your next dose at the usual time. If your next dose is due in less than 6 hours, skip the forgotten dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should DABISTAR 150MG CAPSULE be stored?

Dabistar 150mg Capsule should be stored in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and light. Keep it in a cool and dry place, typically below 25°C or at room temperature, and out of the sight and reach of children.