whether dabigatran (Pradaxa) can be used instead of heparins (Lovenox, etc) for warfarin bridge therapy

March 2011

We're getting questions about whether dabigatran (Pradaxa) can be used instead of heparins (Lovenox, etc) for warfarin bridge therapy.

It's a reasonable question for patients who need an anticoagulant "bridge" when warfarin is started...or temporarily stopped.

The lure to use dabigatran is enticing because it's oral, easier to use, and may cost less. And dabigatran usually reaches therapeutic levels within a few hours after the first dose.

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whether dabigatran (Pradaxa) can be used instead of heparins (Lovenox, etc) for warfarin bridge therapy

Get concise, unbiased advice for effective drug therapy, plus CE/CME

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