Pharmacology · single question
A patient taking dabigatran (Pradaxa) for atrial fibrillation decides to stop their medication without telling their doctor. What is the MOST serious risk?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Stroke or thromboembolic event
Stopping anticoagulation therapy (like dabigatran) in a patient with atrial fibrillation dramatically increases the risk of stroke or thromboembolism. Atrial fibrillation causes stagnant blood flow in the left atrial appendage, forming clots that can embolize to the brain. Dabigatran prevents these clots. Without anticoagulation, the risk of stroke in AF patients can increase several-fold. Never discontinue anticoagulation in AF patients without medical supervision.
- A. ❌ Anticoagulants do not cause physical dependence — there is no withdrawal syndrome.
- B. ❌ While the arrhythmia itself continues, the immediate dangerous consequence of stopping anticoagulation is thromboembolic stroke.
- C. ✅ CORRECT – Abruptly stopping anticoagulation in AF patients dramatically increases risk of stroke/cerebrovascular accident due to clot formation.
- D. ❌ Stopping anticoagulants would actually DECREASE bleeding risk, not increase it.