Pradaxa Is a Prescription Blood Thinner Used to Prevent Strokes and Treat Blood Clots

Pradaxa (Dabigatran Etexilate Mesylate) is a prescription anticoagulant — commonly called a blood thinner — that reduces the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation and treats deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

If you've been prescribed Pradaxa or are researching it, this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, what it treats, how to take it, who shouldn't use it, and how much it costs in 2026.

What Is Pradaxa?

Pradaxa is the brand name for Dabigatran Etexilate Mesylate. It belongs to a class of medications called direct thrombin inhibitors, which are part of the broader category of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Unlike older blood thinners like Warfarin (Coumadin), Pradaxa works by directly blocking thrombin — a specific protein involved in blood clot formation. For a deeper explanation, see our article on how Pradaxa works.

Key facts about Pradaxa:

• Brand name: Pradaxa
• Generic name: Dabigatran Etexilate Mesylate
• Drug class: Direct thrombin inhibitor (anticoagulant)
• Manufacturer: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Generic available: Yes — generic Dabigatran is available
• Controlled substance: No
• Available forms: Oral capsules (75 mg, 110 mg, 150 mg) and oral pellets for pediatric patients

What Is Pradaxa Used For?

Pradaxa is FDA-approved for the following uses:

1. Stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation — This is the most common use. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heart rhythm that can cause blood to pool in the heart, forming clots that may travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Pradaxa significantly reduces this risk.
2. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — Blood clots that form in the deep veins, usually in the legs. Pradaxa is used after initial treatment with an injectable blood thinner for 5–10 days.
3. Treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) — Blood clots that travel to the lungs. Like DVT treatment, Pradaxa follows initial parenteral anticoagulant therapy.
4. Prevention of DVT and PE recurrence — For patients who have already been treated for blood clots and need ongoing protection.
5. DVT/PE prevention after hip replacement surgery — Pradaxa is approved to prevent blood clots following hip replacement procedures.

How Is Pradaxa Taken?

Pradaxa comes as oral capsules that you swallow whole with a full glass of water. Here's what you need to know about taking it:

• Typical dose: 150 mg twice daily for most adults (stroke prevention in AFib, DVT/PE treatment)
• Reduced dose: 75 mg twice daily for patients with reduced kidney function (CrCl 15–30 mL/min) or those taking certain interacting medications
• Hip replacement dose: 110 mg on the first day, then 220 mg once daily
• With or without food: Either is fine
• Do NOT break, chew, or open capsules — Doing so can increase drug absorption by up to 75%, raising the risk of side effects
• Missed dose: Take it as soon as you remember on the same day, but skip it if your next dose is less than 6 hours away
• Consistency matters: Take Pradaxa at the same times every day

Your doctor will determine the right dose based on your kidney function, the condition being treated, and any other medications you're taking. Learn more about Pradaxa drug interactions.

Who Should Not Take Pradaxa?

Pradaxa is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• Active pathological bleeding — If you're currently experiencing abnormal bleeding
• A mechanical prosthetic heart valve — Pradaxa has been shown to cause harm in patients with mechanical heart valves
• A known serious allergy to Dabigatran
• Severe kidney impairment (CrCl below 15 mL/min) — For the atrial fibrillation indication

Additionally, Pradaxa carries two boxed warnings (the FDA's most serious warnings):

1. Premature discontinuation risk: Stopping Pradaxa early increases the risk of stroke and blood clots. Never stop taking it without your doctor's guidance.
2. Spinal/epidural hematoma risk: Patients who receive spinal anesthesia or spinal punctures while on Pradaxa are at risk of blood clots in the spine, which can cause permanent paralysis.

For a complete overview of risks, read our guide on Pradaxa side effects.

How Much Does Pradaxa Cost?

Here's what you can expect to pay for Pradaxa in 2026:

• Brand Pradaxa (cash price): $394–$530 per month for 60 capsules of 150 mg
• Generic Dabigatran (with discount card): $45–$200 per month
• Generic Dabigatran (retail): Around $394 per month without discounts
• Insurance: Most commercial and Medicare Part D plans cover generic Dabigatran (Tier 2–3). Brand Pradaxa is typically Tier 3–4 and may require prior authorization.

Ways to save:

• Ask for generic Dabigatran — This is the simplest way to lower your cost significantly.
• Manufacturer savings card — Boehringer Ingelheim offers a copay card for commercially insured patients taking brand Pradaxa.
• Patient assistance program — The Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation provides Pradaxa at no cost to qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients. Call 1-800-556-8317 or visit boehringer-ingelheim.com to apply.
• Discount cards — GoodRx, SingleCare, and other platforms offer significant savings on generic Dabigatran.

For a detailed breakdown, see our complete guide to saving money on Pradaxa.

Final Thoughts

Pradaxa is a well-established, effective blood thinner with over a decade of real-world use. It offers important advantages over older anticoagulants like Warfarin — no routine blood monitoring, no dietary restrictions, and a specific reversal agent (Praxbind) available for emergencies.

If you've been prescribed Pradaxa, take it as directed, keep your follow-up appointments, and don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor with questions. If you need help finding Pradaxa at a pharmacy near you, search Medfinder to check real-time availability.