Afogatran 150mg Cap

AFOGATRAN 150MG CAPSULE

Afogatran 150mg Capsule, manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd, is an anticoagulant medication designed to prevent and treat blood clots.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Afogatran 150mg Capsule
  • Common Name: Dabigatran Etexilate

• Composition:

  • Each capsule contains 150mg of Dabigatran Etexilate.

• Uses: Afogatran 150mg Capsule is primarily used to manage and prevent the formation of blood clots. It is prescribed for:

  • Reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm).
  • Treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
  • Prevention of blood clots in patients who have undergone knee or hip replacement surgeries.
  • Reducing the risk of heart attack.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Afogatran 150mg Capsule should be taken orally, exactly as directed by a doctor.
  • It can be taken with or without food, but it is advisable to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent medicine levels.
  • The capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water; it should not be chewed or crushed.
  • Do not alter the dose or stop taking the medicine without consulting a healthcare provider, as this can increase the risk of serious complications like heart attack or stroke.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, skin bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding).
  • Nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Anemia (low red blood cell count).

  More serious, though less common, side effects can include severe bleeding (indicated by weakness, dizziness, headache, or unexplained swelling), allergic reactions, and changes in eyesight. If severe bleeding occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

• Precautions:

  • Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to Afogatran 150mg Capsule or any other medications.
  • Exercise caution and consult a doctor if you have severe kidney or liver conditions, a stomach ulcer, high blood pressure, active bleeding problems, or an artificial heart valve.
  • Afogatran 150mg Capsule is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their doctor before using this medicine.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
  • Inform your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery or dental treatment, as temporary discontinuation of the medicine might be necessary to reduce bleeding risk.
  • Regular blood tests may be suggested by your doctor to monitor kidney function, hemoglobin levels, and blood cell counts.

• Storage:

  • Store Afogatran 150mg Capsule in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Recommended storage temperature is typically between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP, manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., contains the active ingredient Dabigatran etexilate, which is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It is prescribed to prevent and treat various conditions related to blood clot formation.

What is AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP used for?

AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP is primarily used to prevent and treat blood clots. This includes reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack in patients with irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation), preventing deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in leg veins) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lung), and preventing blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgeries. It is also used to treat existing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and to prevent their recurrence.

How does AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP work?

AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP works by blocking a substance in your body called thrombin. Thrombin is a key enzyme involved in the coagulation cascade, which is a series of reactions that lead to blood clot formation. By inhibiting thrombin, this medicine prevents the conversion of fibrinogen (a soluble protein) to fibrin (an insoluble protein), thereby reducing the formation of blood clots and allowing blood to flow more easily.

What is the usual dosage for AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP?

AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. It is typically taken twice daily, ideally at the same time each day, to maintain a constant level of the medicine in your body. The capsule can be taken with or without food. It is crucial to swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water and not to chew, crush, or open it, as this can affect its absorption and increase exposure.

What are the possible side effects of AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP?

The most common and serious side effect of AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP is an increased risk of bleeding, which can manifest as nosebleeds, easy bruising, or bleeding from the gums. Other common side effects may include indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and anemia (low red blood cell count). More serious but less common side effects can include headaches, seizures, allergic reactions, changes in eyesight, and fatigue. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, or any signs of severe bleeding (e.g., red/black tarry stools, coughing up or vomiting blood, severe headache), consult your doctor immediately.

Is AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy, and its effects on a developing baby are not well-established. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication. Similarly, it is not recommended for use during breastfeeding, as it is uncertain how the medicine might affect a breastfed infant. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.

Can AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP be taken with other medications?

AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP can interact with several other medications, which may increase the risk of bleeding. It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Medications that may interact include other anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin, rivaroxaban), anti-platelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like ibuprofen), and certain antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), antivirals, and dronedarone.

What precautions should be taken while taking AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP?

You should not take AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP if you are allergic to it, have active bleeding problems, severe kidney or liver impairment, or a history of conditions that increase bleeding risk (e.g., stomach ulcers, recent brain or eye surgery, antiphospholipid syndrome). Be careful with activities that could cause injury or bleeding. Inform your doctor if you are undergoing surgery or dental treatment, as you may need to temporarily stop this medication. Regular monitoring of kidney function may be advised. Avoid alcohol consumption, as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, as this can increase your risk of blood clots.

What happens if a dose of AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP is missed?

If you miss a dose of AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 6 hours before your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of bleeding. Consistent intake is important to prevent blood clot formation.

How should AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP be stored?

AFOGATRAN 150MG CAP should be stored at room temperature, typically between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), in a dry place and protected from moisture. Keep the medicine in its original packaging (e.g., blister pack or tightly closed bottle) and out of the reach of children. Once the bottle is opened, the capsules should be used within 4 months, and any unused capsules after this period should be safely discarded.