5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Bleeding: Dabigatran etexilate can cause serious and fatal bleeding ( 5.2 ) Bioprosthetic heart valves: Dabigatran etexilate use not recommended ( 5.4 ) Increased Risk of Thrombosis in Patients with Triple-Positive Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Dabigatran etexilate use not recommended ( 5.6 )
5.1 Increased Risk of Thrombotic Events after Premature Discontinuation Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including dabigatran etexilate, in the absence of adequate alternative anticoagulation increases the risk of thrombotic events. If dabigatran etexilate capsules are discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant and restart dabigatran etexilate capsules as soon as medically appropriate [see Dosage and Administration (2.6, 2.7, 2.8)].
5.2 Risk of Bleeding Dabigatran etexilate increases the risk of bleeding and can cause significant and, sometimes, fatal bleeding. Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss (e.g., a drop in hemoglobin and/or hematocrit or hypotension). Discontinue dabigatran etexilate capsules in patients with active pathological bleeding [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. Risk factors for bleeding include the concomitant use of other drugs that increase the risk of bleeding (e.g., anti-platelet agents, heparin, fibrinolytic therapy, and chronic use of NSAIDs). Dabigatran etexilate’s anticoagulant activity and half-life are increased in patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. Reversal of Anticoagulant Effect: In adults, a specific reversal agent (idarucizumab) for dabigatran etexilate is available when reversal of the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran is needed: For emergency surgery/urgent procedures In life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding In pediatric patients, the efficacy and safety of idarucizumab have not been established. Hemodialysis can remove dabigatran; however the... [See full FDA label]