The
media sometimes snookers even nurses when it comes to new drugs. The fancy ads,
testimonials by “doctors” on commercials and even patients can influence our
opinions. However, be warned…as a new nurse, it’s so important that you first
do a bit of fact finding before you buy into the latest new miracle drug.
Dabigatran
(Pradaxa) seems like a wonder drug, right? It has the same effect as Warfarin
(Coumadin) but without the need for weekly blood work. However, don’t throw Warfarin out the window yet!
There are important differences between these two anti-coagulants that nurses need to understand to help patients make good decisions.
There are important differences between these two anti-coagulants that nurses need to understand to help patients make good decisions.
SIMILARITIES
They
are both direct thrombin inhibitors indicated for patients with Afib and stroke.
DIFFERENCES
Costs: Warfarin costs
approximately $4 per month. Dabigatran costs $305 and not all insurance
companies cover this drug.
Indications: Dabigatran is
NOT approved for use in patients with a mechanical heart valve. These patients
still need Warfarin.
Antidote: We know that
Vitamin K is the antidote for Coumadin. But as of right now, there is no
antidote for Dabigatran. This drug lasts approximately 12 hours in the body
(twice a day dosing). If a patient is bleeding, he or she needs to wait it out.
Dietary restrictions: Because
Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables, patients on Warfarin need to eat
these foods consistently (not eliminate!) to assure consistent levels. Patients
on Dabigatran do not have any dietary restrictions.
It
is so important that you understand new drugs from a clinical perspective and
not be lured by the media. Nurses
can help guide patients through the decision making process when drugs like
Dabigtran and others are released in the market. Nurses are the best at helping patients make good
and informed decisions about their care.
Remember – Knowledge is
power!
I hope you found this tip helpful. Thanks for reading and choosing to become a nurse! I'm cheering for your success.
Take care and stay connected
Renee
For more great tips, make sure you "like" me on Facebook,"follow" me on Twitter and YouTube and subscribe to my blog. Also, check out my new book on nurse-to-nurse bullying and my new eBook titled, Survive and Thrive: A guide helping new nurses succeed!
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