BOEHRINGER Ingelheim's Pradaxa (dabigatran) should always be kept in its original foil blister pack, not loaded into Webster packs or other dosage aids due to the possibility of product degeneration, according to a review article in NPS' Australian Prescriber.
The article looks at the issues surrounding the long term use of anticoagulants, including the novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs), namely Pradaxa, Xarelto (rivaroxaban from Bayer) and Eliquis (apixaban from Pfizer).
Pharmacy handling of these products is important, the article says, referencing drug-drug interactions and storage, and provides a table comparing warfarin with the NOACs.
The article offers CPD points for pharmacists and can be included in a pharmacist's CPD plan for either one Group 1 credit or, on successful completion of the assessment activity, two Group 2 credits.
Visit learn.nps.org.au for more information.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 06 Jan 17
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 06 Jan 17