Package Leaflet: Information for the Patient
Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris 75 mg Hard Capsules EFG
Read the entire package leaflet carefully before starting to take this medication, as it contains important information for you.
Contents of the Package Leaflet
This medication contains the active substance dabigatran etexilate and belongs to a group of medications called anticoagulants. It works by blocking a substance in the body involved in the formation of blood clots.
Dabigatran etexilate is used in adults to:
- prevent the formation of blood clots in the veins after knee or hip replacement surgery.
Dabigatran etexilate is used in children to:
- treat blood clots and prevent them from forming again.
Do not take Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
- if you are allergic to dabigatran etexilate or any of the other components of this medication (listed in section 6).
- if your kidney function is severely reduced.
- if you are currently bleeding.
- if you have any disease in an organ of the body that increases the risk of severe bleeding (e.g., stomach ulcer, brain injury or bleeding, recent brain or eye surgery).
- if you are prone to bleeding. This tendency may be congenital, of unknown cause, or caused by other medications.
- if you are taking medications to prevent blood clotting (e.g., warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, or heparin), except when switching to anticoagulant treatment, while having a venous or arterial catheter and being administered heparin through this catheter to keep it open or while your normal heart rhythm is being restored through a procedure called catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
- if your liver function is severely reduced or you have a life-threatening liver disease.
- if you are taking oral ketoconazole or itraconazole, medications used to treat fungal infections.
- if you are taking oral cyclosporine, a medication used to prevent organ rejection after a transplant.
- if you are taking dronedarone, a medication used to treat abnormal heart rhythm.
- if you are taking a combination product of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, an antiviral medication used to treat hepatitis C.
- if you have had an artificial heart valve implanted that requires permanent anticoagulant treatment.
Warnings and precautions
Consult your doctor before starting to take dabigatran etexilate. During treatment with this medication, you may also need to consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms or if you need to undergo surgery.
Tell your doctorif you have or have had any disorder or disease, especially any of the following:
- If you have an increased risk of bleeding, for example:
- If you have had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with diseases that increase the risk of having a heart attack.
- If you have a liver disease associated with changes in blood tests. The use of this medication is not recommended in this case.
Be careful with Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
- If you need to undergo surgery:
In this case, dabigatran etexilate should be temporarily discontinued due to an increased risk of bleeding during and after surgery. It is very important that you take dabigatran etexilate before and after surgery exactly at the times indicated by your doctor.
- If surgery requires the placement of a catheter or injection into the spinal column (e.g., for epidural or spinal anesthesia or for pain relief):
- If you fall or injure yourself during treatment, especially if you hit your head. Seek urgent medical attention. You may need a doctor to examine you, as you may have an increased risk of bleeding.
- If you know you have a disease called antiphospholipid syndrome (an immune system disorder that increases the risk of blood clots), inform your doctor to decide if it may be necessary to modify the treatment.
Other medications and Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or may need to take any other medication. In particular, you must inform your doctor before taking dabigatran etexilate if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Medications to reduce blood clotting (e.g., warfarin, phenprocoumon, acenocoumarol, heparin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, rivaroxaban, aspirin).
- Medications for the treatment of fungal infections (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), except if only applied to the skin.
- Medications used to treat abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, dronedarone, quinidine, verapamil). If you are using medications containing amiodarone, quinidine, or verapamil, your doctor may indicate that you use a reduced dose of dabigatran etexilate depending on the disease for which it was prescribed. See also section 3.
- Medications for the prevention of organ rejection after a transplant (e.g., tacrolimus, cyclosporine).
- A combination product of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (an antiviral medication used to treat hepatitis C).
- Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac).
- St. John's Wort, a herbal remedy for depression.
- Antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
- Rifampicin or clarithromycin (two antibiotics).
- Antiviral medications for HIV (e.g., ritonavir).
- Certain medications for the treatment of epilepsy (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.
The effects of dabigatran etexilate on pregnancy and the fetus are unknown. You should not use this medication if you are pregnant unless your doctor tells you it is safe to do so. If you are of childbearing age, you should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with dabigatran etexilate.
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with dabigatran etexilate.
Driving and using machines
Dabigatran etexilate has no known effects on the ability to drive and use machines.
Dabigatran etexilate capsules can be used in adults and children aged 8 years or older who are able to swallow the capsules whole. There are other pharmaceutical forms suitable for children under 12 years of age as soon as they are able to swallow soft foods.
Follow the administration instructions for this medication exactly as indicated by your doctor. If you are in doubt, consult your doctor again.
Take Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris as recommended for the following situations:
Prevention of blood clot formation after knee or hip replacement surgery
The recommended dose is 220 mg once daily(administered as 2 capsules of 110 mg).
If your kidney function is reducedby more than half or if you are 75 years of age or older, the recommended dose is 150 mg once daily(administered as 2 capsules of 75 mg).
If you are using medications containing amiodarone, quinidine, or verapamil, the recommended dose is 150 mg once daily(administered as 2 capsules of 75 mg).
If you are using medications containing verapamil and your kidney function is reducedby more than half, you should be indicated a reduced dose of dabigatran etexilate of 75 mgbecause your risk of bleeding may increase.
In both types of surgery, treatment should not be started if there is bleeding at the surgical site. If treatment cannot be started until the day after the operation, dosing should be started with 2 capsules once daily.
After knee replacement surgery
Treatment with dabigatran etexilate should be started 1-4 hours after surgery, taking a single capsule. Afterward, 2 capsules should be taken once daily for a total of 10 days.
After hip replacement surgery
Treatment with dabigatran etexilate should be started 1-4 hours after surgery, taking a single capsule. Afterward, 2 capsules should be taken once daily for a total of 28-35 days.
Treatment of blood clots and prevention of blood clot formation in children
Dabigatran etexilate should be taken twice daily, one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening, approximately at the same time every day. The administration interval should be as close to 12 hours as possible.
The recommended dose depends on weight and age. Your doctor will determine the correct dose. Your doctor may adjust the dose during treatment. Continue using all other medications unless your doctor tells you to stop using any.
Table 1 shows the single and total daily doses of dabigatran etexilate in milligrams (mg). The doses depend on the patient's weight in kilograms (kg) and age in years.
Table 1: Dosing table for dabigatran etexilate capsules.
Weight/Age Combinations | Single Dose in mg | Total Daily Dose in mg | |
Weight in kg | Age in years | ||
11 to less than 13 kg | 8 to less than 9 years | 75 | 150 |
13 to less than 16 kg | 8 to less than 11 years | 110 | 220 |
16 to less than 21 kg | 8 to less than 14 years | 110 | 220 |
21 to less than 26 kg | 8 to less than 16 years | 150 | 300 |
26 to less than 31 kg | 8 to less than 18 years | 150 | 300 |
31 to less than 41 kg | 8 to less than 18 years | 185 | 370 |
41 to less than 51 kg | 8 to less than 18 years | 220 | 440 |
51 to less than 61 kg | 8 to less than 18 years | 260 | 520 |
61 to less than 71 kg | 8 to less than 18 years | 300 | 600 |
71 to less than 81 kg | 8 to less than 18 years | 300 | 600 |
81 kg or more | 10 to less than 18 years | 300 | 600 |
Doses that require combinations of more than one capsule:
300 mg: two 150 mg capsules or four 75 mg capsules
260 mg: one 110 mg capsule plus one 150 mg capsule or one 110 mg capsule plus two 75 mg capsules
220 mg: two 110 mg capsules
185 mg: one 75 mg capsule plus one 110 mg capsule
150 mg: one 150 mg capsule or two 75 mg capsules
How to take Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
Dabigatran etexilate can be taken with or without food. The capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water to ensure release in the stomach. Do not break, chew, or open the capsule to take only its contents, as this may increase the risk of bleeding.
Instructions for the bottle
Changing anticoagulant treatment
Do not change your anticoagulant treatment without specific instructions from your doctor.
If you take more Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris than you should
Taking too much of this medication increases the risk of bleeding.
In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately or call the Toxicology Information Service, phone: 91 562 04 20, indicating the medication and the amount ingested.
There are specific treatment options available.
If you forget to take Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
Prevention of blood clot formation after knee or hip replacement surgery
Take the remaining daily doses of dabigatran etexilate at the same time the next day.
Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.
Treatment of blood clots and prevention of blood clot formation in children
A forgotten dose can be taken up to 6 hours before the next dose.
A forgotten dose should be omitted if the time remaining before the next dose is less than 6 hours.
Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.
If you stop treatment with Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
Take dabigatran etexilate exactly as prescribed. Do not stop your treatment with this medication without consulting your doctor first, as the risk of developing a blood clot may be higher if you stop treatment too soon. Contact your doctor if you experience indigestion after taking dabigatran etexilate.
If you have any other questions about the use of this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse effects, although not all people suffer from them.
Dabigatran etexilate acts on blood coagulation; therefore, most adverse effects are related to signs such as bruising or bleeding. Episodes of major or severe bleeding may occur, which are the most serious adverse effects and can cause disability, be potentially life-threatening, or even cause death, regardless of their location. In some cases, these bleedings may not be apparent.
If you experience any episode of bleeding that does not stop by itself or if you experience signs of excessive bleeding (exceptional weakness, fatigue, paleness, dizziness, headache, or unexplained swelling), consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may decide to keep you under close observation or change your medication.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience a severe allergic reaction that causes difficulty breathing or dizziness.
The possible adverse effects are detailed below, grouped according to their frequency.
Prevention of blood clot formation after knee or hip replacement surgery
Frequent(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
Rare(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
Frequency not known(frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
Treatment of blood clots and prevention of blood clot formation in children
Frequent(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
Frequency not known(frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
Reporting of Adverse Effects
If you experience any adverse effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect not listed in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Medicines: https://www.notificaram.es. By reporting adverse effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiration date stated on the carton, blister, or bottle after "EXP". The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.
Store in the original packaging to protect from moisture.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Return the packaging and any unused medicine to a pharmacy for proper disposal. This will help protect the environment.
Composition of Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
- The active ingredient is dabigatran etexilate. Each hard capsule contains dabigatran etexilate mesilate, equivalent to 75 mg of dabigatran etexilate.
- The other ingredients are tartaric acid (E334), hydroxypropylcellulose (E463), talc (E553b), and hypromellose (E464).
- The capsule shell contains titanium dioxide (E171) and hypromellose (E464).
Appearance and Package Contents
Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris 75 mg are hard capsules approximately 19 mm long with an opaque white cap and an opaque white body, containing light yellow to yellowish pellets, with "VTRS" and "DC75" printed in black ink on the cap and body.
Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris is available in packages containing 10, 30, or 60 capsules in aluminum-OPA/aluminum/PVC blisters.
Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris is available in packages containing 10 x 1, 30 x 1, or 60 x 1 capsules in precut unit-dose aluminum-OPA/aluminum/PVC blisters.
Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris is also available in packages containing 100 or 180 capsules in HDPE bottles with a child-resistant screw cap. The bottle contains a desiccant (silica gel).
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Viatris Limited
Damastown Industrial Park
Mulhuddart
Dublin 15
Ireland
Manufacturer
Mylan Hungary Kft.
H-2900 Komárom
Mylan utca. 1
Hungary
Mylan Germany GmbH
Zweigniederlassung Bad Homburg v. d. Hoehe, Benzstrasse 1
Bad Homburg v. d. Hoehe
Hessen, 61352
Germany
You can request more information about this medicine by contacting the local representative of the marketing authorization holder:
Viatris Pharmaceuticals, S.L.
C/ General Aranaz, 86
28027 - Madrid
Spain
This medicine is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:
Germany Dabigatranetexilat Viatris 75 mg Hartkapseln
Austria Dabigatranetexilat Viatris 75 mg Hartkapsel
Belgium Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris 75 mg harde capsules
Bulgaria ?????????? ????????? ??????? 75 mg ?????? ???????
Cyprus Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
Croatia Dabigatraneteksilat Viatris 75 mg tvrde kapsule
Denmark Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
Spain Dabigatrán etexilato Viatris 75 mg cápsulas duras EFG
Slovenia Dabigatraneteksilat Viatris 75 mg trde kapsule
Slovakia Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris 75 mg tvrdé kapsuly
Estonia Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
Finland Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
France DABIGATRAN ETEXILATE VIATRIS SANTE 75 mg, gélule
Greece Dabigatran Etexilate/Viatris
Hungary Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris 75 mg kemény kapszula
Iceland Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
Italy Dabigatran etexilato Viatris 75 mg capsule rigide
Latvia Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris 75 mg cietas kapsulas
Lithuania Dabigatran etexilate Viatris 75 mg kietosios kapsules
Luxembourg Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris 75 mg gélules
Malta Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris 75mg hard capsules
Norway Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
Netherlands Dabigatran etexilaat Viatris 75 mg harde capsules
Poland Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
Portugal Dabigatrano etexilato Mylan 75 mg Cápsulas
Czech Republic Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
Romania Dabigatran Etexilat Viatris 75 mg capsule
Sweden Dabigatran Etexilate Viatris
Date of the last revision of this leaflet:December 2024.
Other sources of information
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/.