The Basics
What is Dabigatran?
Anticoagulant used to treat and prevent blood clots and to prevent stroke in people with atrial fibrillation.
Brand names for Dabigatran
Pradaxa
How Dabigatran is classified
Anticoagulants, Antithrombins
Dabigatran During Pregnancy
Dabigatran pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Dabigatran while pregnant
N/A
Taking Dabigatran While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Dabigatran?
Preliminary data from 2 individuals indicate that dabigatran is poorly excreted into breastmilk. However, because it is orally absorbable and no information is available on the effet in breastfed infants, an alternate drug is preferred while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.[1][2][3]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Preliminary data from 2 individuals indicate that dabigatran is poorly excreted into breastmilk. However, because it is orally absorbable and no information is available on the effet in breastfed infants, an alternate drug is preferred while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.[1][2][3]
Possible effects of Dabigatran on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Dabigatran
Acenocoumarol, Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Heparin, Warfarin.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Bates SM, Greer IA, Middeldorp S et al. VTE, thrombophilia, antithrombotic therapy, and pregnancy: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2012;141 (2 Suppl):e691S-736S. PMID: 22315276
2. Vanassche T, Vandenbriele C, Peerlinck K, Verhamme P. Pharmacotherapy with oral Xa inhibitors for venous thromboembolism. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2015;16:645-58. PMID: 25554350
3. Cohen H, Arachchillage DR, Beyer-Westendorf J et al. Direct oral anticoagulants and women. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2016;42:789-97. PMID: 27706531
4. An open label, non-randomised, phase II study to determine if dabigatran and its metabolites are detectable in breast milk following oral administration to non-breastfeeding mothers. https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2014-004249-29/results.AccessedOctober27,2018
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
