Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.

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sautee 08/29/2012

I've been on Pradaxa for about one month, and I am still having pretty much all the stomach-related side effects. My PCP advised me to take an extra 20mg (preseciption) Omeprazole. I've tried Gaviscon and Tums - to no avail. I do take the Pradaxa after breakfast and dinner. Any advice from the Pradaxa users? I would really appreciate any input. Thanks!!

pacyetep 08/29/2012

sautee: Pradaxa contains an acidic base since it requires acid for absorption. Because you take it at night (as well as during the day) just before you lay down, it passes to the stomach slower. So, for over one in ten people, Pradaxa can cause stomach pain and reflux symptoms. I take Pradaxa. My doctor said to take Prevacid if I had a problem. Maybe the first week my body had to adjust. No problems since March of 2011. You might want to take your dose as soon as you get up, like 6 a.m. and then at 6 pm. Don't go to bed till after 9. If that doesn't work, there is Xarelto (Rivaroxiban)... or Coumadin (Warfarin), petey

deleted_user 08/30/2012

I started out on Pradaxa and did't think I had any problems with it until i got the worst heartburn of my life. I really thought that I was having a heart attack, it hurt so bad. And with the Sotalol that I'm on, I couldn"t take antacids for 2 hours after. The Dr. prescribed omeprazole for me also but before I could start taking it I was switched to Warfarin for my ablation.

I have to say that since I'm on the Warfarin I have had no stomach trouble. I don't think I realized how much the Pradaxa was bothering me because now I feel fine.

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