January 12, 2013: Brand Name Change for Dabigatran: Pradax Is Now Pradaxa
In 2011, ISMP Canada published a safety alert (based on voluntary reports received) to highlight the potential for confusion between the brand names Pradax (dabigatran etexilate) and Plavix (clopidogrel)1. As an update, the brand name for dabigatran etexilate has recently been changed from Pradax to Pradaxa. As of January 2013, the new brand name will appear on packaging and labelling; however, any products labelled “Pradax” that are still in stock may be distributed and used as directed by a physician until the expiry date stated on the package. For additional information about the name change and transition, please visit the manufacturer’s website at: http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.ca/content/dam/internet/opu/ca_EN/documents/humanhealth/Pradaxa_name_Change_HCP_Letter.pdfReference
1. Drug name alert: potential for confusion between Pradax and Plavix. ISMP Can Saf Bull. 2011 May 27;11(4):1-2.
Available from:
http://www.ismp-canada.org/download/safetyBulletins/ISMPCSB2011-04-DrugNameAlert_PotentialForConfusion_PradaxAndPlavix.pdf
