Has anyone changed from warfarin to one of the new oral anticoagulants - Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran or Apixaban

[warfarin1]

ACE is looking for people to share their experiences of changing to a new oral anticoagulant. Please get in touch by emailing

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[drumcannon]

yes pradaxa dabigatran a relief from aggravation of attending local hospital for blood tests which meant writing off a morning been ok other than pain in high part of stomach seems to be about three monthly maybe due to eating a particular food need to take zotrole and soon goes otherwise no problems expense is a issue as local doctors will only give private prescription even though suggested by my consultant

[maejane]

Yes I have been on rivoraxaban since june 2012, I am on life long anticoagulant since 2009 but was on warfarin in 1997 for 6 months also.

[Wagnerm]

Yes. Had to change from sinthrome as this was suddenly unavailable. (A manufacturing supply problem I was told). Was just about to go oversees for a month so was very apprehensive about changing, Had been very stable on sinthrome for over a year and I react badly to Warafrin. Local hospital INR clinic was very helpful, kidney function tests were done quickly and I started on Rivoroxaban. So far no adverse effects atall!

[Lf981400Q in reply to Wagnerm]

Hi Wagnerm, Just read your comments re: coming off Warfarin due to reacting badly to it. When you went on to Rivoroxaban did you have to have tests to make sure your INR was at the correct level. It would be interesting to hear your update on being on this drug. Hope all is still going well for you.

[Wagnerm]

Hi - Rivoroxaban works differently to Warfarin and Sinthrome so INRs are no longer necessary or relevant. I did have to have blood tests done to check kidney and liver function was OK and this has to be monitored every 6 to 12 months (opinions vary). Rivoroxaban works via the kidneys and blocks a protein in the blood (Factor Xa) that would normally lead to the whole clotting process and a clot being formed. .

Have now been taking it for 3 months and seem to be OK but just hoping that lousy weather is the reason why I am so hungry and putting on weight! There is no long term track record of this drug yet.

Now feel very much on my own as apart from GP muttering about the expense(£2 per tablet) neither he or my pharmacist seem to know anything about it and no one is checking up on me. I shall request a review at 6 months. Hopefully see the haematologist.

Hope this is helpful, good luck and let us know how you get on!

[maejane in reply to Wagnerm]

hi Wagnerm, I am also on rivoroxaban been on it since may last year, I was one of the first patients put on, I get my liver & kidney function tests every 6 months but they have found my liver enzymes high in the blood so have had to get a liver scan hoping this is just a blip and has nothing to do with the new drug, I too have noticed weight gain, would be nice to hear how you are getting on thanks

[squirrel21 in reply to maejane]

I am starting rivaroxaban tomorrow. Do you take it in the morning or evening?

[maejane in reply to squirrel21]

Hi squirrel, I have to take mine first thing in the morning, unlike warfarin that was taken in the evening, hope this helps

[Wagnerm]

Hi Maejane. Gosh, a long time on rivoroxaban. Have been told no checks for a year which is a bit scary! weight gain (or battling with increased appetite) also redistribution of weight i. e. fat moved from bust to tum very quickly. the imagination can run riot but my stamina level has dropped i am sure. Am concerned that there is no long track record of rivoroxaban and wondering if I should change back ti Simthrone now that it is available again. thanks for writing

[squirrel21]

I am starting tomorrow on rivaroxaban - will be happy to take part in the survey

[Kernowman]

I was prescribed Dabigatran last week. When I say I was prescribed, I have been asking for one of the new novel blood thinners for many months now. I have never been stabilised on Warfarin, and highlighted this to my doctor, who eventually prescribed me with the drug. I know of all the various issues surrounding the drug (no immediate antidote etc) but feel it's better than aspirin and equally as good as Warfarin, although more expensive.

[Kernowman]

Needless to say that I am more than willing to participate in any survey if it is still active.

[mppearl]

I am on Rivaroxaban and have been for the past 3 months. Before I started to take this drug I was enjoying going to the gym once or twice a week. Since being on the drug I have had trouble breathing when I am walking and have to keep stopping to rest. I also broke out in a rash on the lower front of each leg, along with sore cracked feet. The doctor has now changed the drug to Aplixaban, I start to take that one twice a day in 3 days. I will keep you up to date on the new drug.

[Hidden in reply to mppearl]

Apixaban fits you well ?