PRADAXA VS. COUMADIN: JUST THE FACTS MA’AM!

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.

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION: DO NO HARM?

It’s been said that hospitals are one of the most dangerous places for patients. Although we provide great care, we can also do great harm – especially when administering medications. We all know the 5 rights, but even if we comply, mistakes are made.  Potassium is given to a patient with a level of 5.5mEq or Dilantin is given to a patient with an existing level of 30mcg/ml (normal is 10-20). By not doing our due diligence prior to administration, we put our patients at risk.

Making sure you give the right drug to the right patient isn’t enough. We have to truly understand how every drug we give will affect the individual patient. Mastering that is quintessential way we can provide “great care” to patients.