Pradaxa is a prescription drug primarily used to prevent blood clots and strokes, especially among people with atrial fibrillation caused by factors other than heart valve problems. A registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim, Pradaxa is marketed as such in the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia, but its generic name is Dabigatran.
As an oral anticoagulant, Pradaxa is taken in the form of capsules and is effective in making the blood thinner, thus preventing it from coagulating or clotting. Asking about Pradaxa cost would be a familiar question for those with atrial fibrillation, a disorder characterized by an irregular heartbeat. This happens when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles) no longer beat in sync and the beating of the atria is erratic. Those with this condition are at greater risk of a stroke, because the heart can no longer pump blood normally and blood clots could ensue. This can cause not only a stroke but a variety of related problems like heart failure, diabetes, hypertension and others.
Pradaxa Cost Information
The total Pradaxa cost that you need to pay for will depend on dosage and quantity. The recommended dose for those with a creatinine clearance >30 mL/min is 150mg taken twice daily, although the dosage could be adjusted depending on renal function and other factors. You can get a lower Pradaxa price if you have insurance and prescription discount cards from pharmacies, but you can also get a good price with online pharmacies and online discount coupons. Depending on all of these factors and where you buy it from, the Pradaxa price of 30 pcs could range from around $148-$150. As you buy in bulk, the price per piece decreases. The Pradaxa price of 60 pcs is a bit cheaper at $291-$295 and 90 pcs are at $434-$439.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 75mg | 30 capsules | $147.24 |
| 150mg | 30 capsules | $149.24 |
Kmart |
| 75mg | 30 capsules | $148.63 |
| 150mg | 30 capsules | $150.63 |
Kroger |
| 75mg | 30 capsules | $148.90 |
| 150mg | 30 capsules | $149.90 |
Publix |
| 75mg | 30 capsules | $147.79 |
| 150mg | 30 capsules | $148.79 |
Rite Aid |
| 75mg | 30 capsules | $150.31 |
| 150mg | 30 capsules | $152.31 |
Target |
| 75mg | 30 capsules | $147.90 |
| 150mg | 30 capsules | $150.90 |
Walgreens |
| 75mg | 30 capsules | $151.31 |
| 150mg | 30 capsules | $153.31 |
Walmart |
| 75mg | 30 capsules | $145.16 |
| 150mg | 30 capsules | $144.00 |
Side Effects
Aside from just the literal price that you pay for, the Pradaxa cost of using this medication can better be understood if one takes a look at the side effects. All medications come with their corresponding short term and long term side effects, and knowing what to expect with Pradaxa will make it easier for people to adjust. Here are some of the side effects that you should watch out for:
Because Pradaxa is a blood thinning agent, those who use it are also at risk for bleeding. This means that even if you get a minor bump in the head or if you have an accident that normally would not have been a big deal, you could bleed. Menstrual bleeding becomes extra heavy, and there will be unusual bleeding either in the gums, nose, rectum or vagina. Sometimes, the bleeding turns fatal. This is why when taking Pradaxa, you should avoid activities that make you at risk for injury and bleeding. You should also not take this medication if you have an active wound, bleeding from surgery, and others.
Don’t be surprised if you suddenly have pink or brown urine, because another side effect of Pradaxa is having blood in the urine and stools. This means that your stools might also appear black and tarry.
You’ll find that when you take Pradaxa, your skin will easily bruise and you will have purple (or sometimes red) spots under your skin.
Another side effect is an unexplainable feeling of weakness, as if you might want to pass out any time. This comes together with joint pain and swelling, as well as stomach pain, indigestion, nausea or diarrhea.
Interaction With Other Drugs
Before you pay for the Pradaxa price, you should be aware of its interaction with other drugs so that you can prevent problems from happening:
- Other drugs that can cause bleeding or bruising
Pradaxa may interact with antiplatelet drugs like clopidogrel as well as other anticoagulant like warfarin and enoxaparin. Medications that are used to treat or prevent blood clots should also be reported: argatroban, fondaparinux, abciximab, tirofiban, dalteparin, cilostazol, eltrombopag, ticagrelor, reteplase, urokinase, and others.
- Aspirin and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
If you are also taking aspirin and NSAIDs, your risk of bleeding with Pradaxa increases.
- Dronedarone or Ketoconazole tablets
These medications that are used to address kidney problems may also increase the risk of bleeding.
How It Works
Pradaxa works by inhibiting thrombin, whether free or bound to fibrin. Since thrombin is crucial in making blood coagulation happen, inhibiting it will prevent the blood from clotting altogether. By inhibiting thrombin, Pradaxa works as a blood-thinning agent and should therefore be used by anyone suffering from atrial fibrillation, except those with artificial heart valves.
Generic Or Alternative Medications
The generic name of Pradaxa is Dabigatran, and you can opt for the generic alternative or go for warfarin, which is another blood thinner that’s available in the market today.
Share This