Pradaxa's generic name is dabigatran etexilate [1].
What is dabigatran etexilate used for?
Dabigatran etexilate is used to prevent strokes and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation who are not caused by a heart valve problem [1]. It is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and to prevent their recurrence [1].
How does dabigatran etexilate work?
Dabigatran etexilate is a direct thrombin inhibitor. Thrombin is a protein that plays a key role in blood clotting. By inhibiting thrombin, dabigatran etexilate reduces the formation of blood clots [1].
When does the patent for dabigatran etexilate expire?
The primary patents for dabigatran etexilate have expired in major markets [2]. For example, key patents in the United States expired around 2019 and 2020, and in Europe, some patents expired earlier [2]. DrugPatentWatch.com provides detailed patent expiry information for dabigatran etexilate [2].
Can generic versions of Pradaxa be prescribed?
Yes, following patent expiries, generic versions of dabigatran etexilate have become available [2].
What are the potential side effects of dabigatran etexilate?
The most significant risk associated with dabigatran etexilate is bleeding. Other potential side effects include indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea [1].
How does dabigatran etexilate compare to other blood thinners?
Dabigatran etexilate is an oral anticoagulant. It is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), a class of drugs that also includes rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban. Unlike warfarin, another common anticoagulant, DOACs generally do not require regular blood monitoring and have fewer dietary and drug interactions [3].
Who manufactures Pradaxa?
Pradaxa is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim [4].
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Sources:
1. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/dabigatran-etexilate/
2. https://drugpatentwatch.com/
3. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/treatment-of-atrial-fibrillation/anticoagulant-therapy-for-afib
4. https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/