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Can Vertical Double Vision Be A Side Effect Of Pradaxa?

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Posted on Fri, 10 Apr 2015
Question: Can vertical double vision be a uncommon side effect of Pradaxa?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Not likely

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

no such side effect has - according to my knowledge and internet search results - been on the summary of product characteristics (SPC) so far.
There are some scarce reports about double (or blurred vision) but the SPC is the most official and trusted guide for doctors and patients.
You should pay a visit to your ophthalmologist. If the ophthalmologist finds no problems with your eyes then perhaps a neurological cause should be sought.

If no problem can be identified then reporting it as a side-effect will help other patients in the future. Your doctor is responsible to do that.

I hope I've helped!
Contact me again, if you'd like more information or clarifications.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Thank you Dr. I have, found 2 references to one on Lawyers and Settlements.com which states"Visual disturbances like diplopia are a peculiar set of symptoms associated with Pradaxa, as observed in clincal trials ¬ed in the FDA adverse event reporting system though the incidence rate is very low." Also one on eHealthMe.com:" On Feb. 20/15 27,036 people reported to have side effects when taking Pradaxa. Among them, 26 people .10% have diplopia." I have seen an optometrist who says I have palsy of the IV cranial nerve and I have had a clear CT scan and an appt. in 3 mons. to see a neurologist. The onset of the vertial double vision came about 3 hours after I was give the first dose 150 mg of Pradaxa and a large dose of Metoprolol to rate control my atrial fibrillation. The medication did bring my heartrate to under 100 from about 150. My cardiologist is away for three weeks and I want to know what is riskier staying on the Pradaxa until he returns or having my family Dr. put me back on Warfarin and discontinue the Pradaxa or trying to see another cardiologist. I realize this is very complicated. I am seeing my family Dr. this afternoon and just wanted to go in armed with another opinion. Thank you, in advance for any suggestions. XXXXX XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There are alternatives

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Regarding the search results: I've noticed them too, but as I've told you before, the SPC is a trustworthy source of information for a drug. 10% of diplopia is too high to be true. I would be very surprised if this "side-effect" proved to be so frequent in the future, because many of my patients use it without any visual disturbances. I cannot exclude this as a side-effect but I do have doubts about random internet references.

A nerve palsy is something worth looking at. You should visit the neurologist, who is the most appropriate specialist to guide you through the rest of the investigation at this point.

I understand your concerns, so I'd like to offer a temporary alternative to you. Using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) can protect you from thrombotic complications and they are very easy to use. You just have to be trained to do subcutaneous injections to yourself. It's not hard, so you don't have to fear it. Enoxaparine would be an easy choice because of the relation between dosage and body weight. You should consult your doctor of course before doing anything because your doctor is the one that has access to your medical history and can make completely informed decisions.

Best wishes!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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Can Vertical Double Vision Be A Side Effect Of Pradaxa?

Brief Answer: Not likely Detailed Answer: Hello, no such side effect has - according to my knowledge and internet search results - been on the summary of product characteristics (SPC) so far. There are some scarce reports about double (or blurred vision) but the SPC is the most official and trusted guide for doctors and patients. You should pay a visit to your ophthalmologist. If the ophthalmologist finds no problems with your eyes then perhaps a neurological cause should be sought. If no problem can be identified then reporting it as a side-effect will help other patients in the future. Your doctor is responsible to do that. I hope I've helped! Contact me again, if you'd like more information or clarifications. Kind Regards!