Stopped Rivaroxaban because of risk of falls

[hollyrobs]

Hi, my father has AF and has been on Rivaroxaban for years, he is in late stages of dementia and has been in hospital since November. We have had awful trouble finding him a nursing home that will accept him, due to risks of falls and potential bleeding because of the blood thinner (rivaroxaban). Unknown to me, they have stopped his Rivaroxaban this week and now a nursing home is willing to take him..because the fall/bleeding risk has now been eliminated, thus freeing up a hospital bed and not bed-blocking. He is obviously now at greater risk of a stroke...I feel so torn, hope someone can advice me. Thank you

[daisyd]

Difficult they should have told you I thin. To find a nursing home which cares for all his needs allowing him to enjoy a homely atmosphere or being in a hospital ward if it were me I would want to be in a nursing home.

[Hidden]

It is very difficult for you. My own father is on apixiban after a small stroke, and he is very tottery on his feet, but luckily does not have any kind of age-related dementia so is able to be careful when he stands, and the little walking he is able for. I have no advice, alas, but do discuss your concerns with the staff.

[hollyrobs]

I also posted this on the AF group and had a wonderful response...

Thank you all so much! Taking time to reply with your thoughts, advice and experiences has overwhelmed me......I was feeling so alone with dad's ongoing problems, your replies have certainly helped me look at the bigger picture.

Dad is 90, has vascular dementia and practically bedridden. Since being in hospital last November, it just seems one battle after another to find a place that will meet his needs. The NHS have decided to fund him for 6 weeks in a EMI nursing home to assess him to then see if he is entitled to Continuing Health Care. Unfortunately there are only 5 of these homes in the county, three I wouldn't put my dog in and the other 2 couldn't meet his needs....until they took dad off Rivaroxaban on Tuesday....then one of the better ones accepted him.

I think the whole experience of him being in hospital, me not being involved it lots decisions and also being expected to accept sub-standard nursing homes purely to 'move him on' has made me very suspicious.

I have a meeting with the doctor this afternoon, I'm sure he will justify his reasons for taking dad off Rivaroxaban, but I would like to know if he would have left him on Rivaroxaban it if the nursing home had accepted him on it.

Again, thank you all x

[suffolkcounty in reply to hollyrobs]

Apixaban is one of new NOAC drugs, as yet there is no antidote should there be an emergency. If your dad could be put on the older drug warfarin, vitamin k could be used.

If he is put on warfarin, then he would need to be tested regularly to make sure his inr was staying within target - this can be by a prick on the finger and test strip, otherwise it would have to be venous blood.

Hope this helps

[drumcannon]

Pradaxa similar drug now has an antidote have been on for many years no serious problems other than lndigestion