Prodaxa versus Warfarin?

I have a pacemaker and recently had a ablasion.  Just had my first followup visit with cardio doc and he switched me from warfarin to Prodaxa.  Anyone have any experience with Prodaxa?  It sounds too good to be true!  No blood tests, no food interaction, etc.  Thanks for any info
Cincink

[cherylv]

I was dx with afib back in Feb 2011, and was put on Pradaxa and Multaq. I was on Pradaxa for about 2 months. I have never taken Warfarin, but I do work in healthcare and am very familiar with coumadin (warfarin). I do check patients PT/INR levels. The only problem I had while taking Pradaxa was my gums bleeding. It was not a significant amount. I did let my EP guy know about it, and he said just one of the side effects. So I just monitored it and had to not brush my teeth so vigorously. But I ate what I wanted to, no PT/INR checks.
Pradaxa works by directly inhibiting the clotting factor thrombin, the amount of vitamin K in the diet does not matter.
Pradaxa is taken twice a day, shorter life in the body and is cleared from the body quicker than coumadin (warfarin).  With warfarin, Vitamin K is used to reverse overanticoagulation in patients, there is no antidote for Pradaxa. Warfarin a lot cheaper than Pradaxa.
Good luck with your ablation. Hope you do well on Pradaxa! Best wishes!!
Cheryl

[cincink]

Thank you for the good info. Since I last posted I am having horrible heartburn. I read online that it is a known side effect.  I just  hope it goes away!
This forum is very helpful!

[cherylv]

you are most welcome!! Try taking Pradaxa after breakfast and supper with copious amount of water. Lots of water!