dabigatran (warfarin alternative) approved for afib/stroke prevention

That's the new oral anticoagulant that's been making its way to FDA approval, which was finally given today. No INR monitoring, no food interactions. But cost might be $10/day rather than 10 cents.

https://us2.ixquick.com/do/metasearch.pl?query=dabigatran+afib+stroke

[sweetsue]

Are any studies in progress to determine if Dabigatran is as effective as Coumadin for bi-leaflet heart valve protection? It should prove cost effective for those requiring weekly INR testing with Coumadin even at current costs..

[DeltaDawn23]

I read that Pradaxa (Dabigatran) causes more gastrointestinal bleeding, but less intercranial bleeding issues.  Anyone know about this?