After "thinking about it" for awhile,... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

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After "thinking about it" for awhile, I will be starting Xarelto tomorrow.

barbm profile image
10 Replies

Still very leary of taking any anticoagulant but will start taking Xarelto. This is once per day which I thought I could handle better than a twice a day pill. We will see.

Anyone out there taking Xarelto, here is a question. The Pharmacist said that any time I get a bruise I am supposed to call the doctor. Now that seems a bit excessive but I do understand the possibility of internal bleeding. Any thoughts?

Barb

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barbm
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Mrspat profile image
Mrspat

I started Xarelto a few days ago after similar views about taking any anticoagulant. No one said anything about calling the doctor unless I get severe side effects such uncontrollable bleeding. However, the pharmacist asked me to call back next week to discuss how I am getting on. Everyone gets bruises. What you need to look out for is anything that's unusual for you.

Ang3lc4ts profile image
Ang3lc4ts

Good morning Barb, I have been on Xarelto for three weeks after having been on Warfarin for 18 months which did not suit me as I had unstable readings. I have experienced no side effects and no more bruising than I normally have and I am always knocking myself as I am a very clumsy person! My husband calls me a walking disaster! So, I should not worry too much unless you have a serious fall or accident in which case you obviously would need to contact the medical people, then carry on as normal, I do.

I wish you well.

A

Mama48 profile image
Mama48

I have been taking Xarelto for over a year now, I have had a reconstruction operation on my breast in that time and I didn't have any problems with excessive bruising. Yes I did have to discontinue the drug for a couple of days before and after the operation. I do get more bruises than I did but no more than my husband who is on warfarin! I don't think my GP would be too impressed if I visited every time I got a bruise!

Good luck with taking it, I haven't had any side effects and am much happier than I was on warfarin (I couldn't get into the therapeutic range).

I have just returned from a 2week holiday in Ecuador and the Galapagos ,wonderful experience and no problems with bleeding or AF fortunately. Hope this helps your worries

I have been on Xarelto (Rivaroxyban) for 7 months with no problems. Doctor advised me to read the leaflet in the packet very carefully and see how I get on with it. I have experienced no problems, I take my tablet in the evening before bed.

mzoren profile image
mzoren in reply to

I've read that Xarelto is more effective when taken after a meal. That's when I try to take mine. You might ask your pharmacist or 'google' it.

sealover profile image
sealover

Hi Everyone, I live in the U.S. and have subscribed to this site for more than a year.I was diagnosed with A FIB last year although I believe I've had it most of my life. My father had it and my 34 year old son has it. In the beginning of my treatment, I was on Pradaxa but developed joint and muscle pain........I do have osteoarthritis., so my cardiologist switched me to Xarelto. The joint pain is much improved., but my liver enzymes have increased; and the doctors are monitoring this situation. Basically, my cardiology group is VERY positive about the newer anticoagulant drugs. As they say, people don't die from A Fib, but they do die from stroke! As I have referred to this site repeatedly, I am amazed at the difficulty that many in England have in dealing with their doctors.The wait time for ablations or even the far simpler cardioversion is astounding. Also the unapproachable attitude of many doctors is disturbing. They almost seem to resent a well informed patient who wants to participate in their own personal treatment. Trust and faith in doctors is most important in learning to live and cope with A Fib.Thank goodness for " Health Unlocked". This site seems to offer almost more information and comfort than the medical system..We are all in this together, and there is strength in numbers!!! Jinny

regalone profile image
regalone

I was on Xarelto for about 5 months last year. I experienced a very rare side effect, it stopped my bone marrow from producing red blood cells. So, there was no bleeding to "warn" me or any doctor about the problem. I had many problems, fatigue being the most obvious, but no doctor checked my blood cell count for a long time, I was down to less than 6 when normal red blood cell count is over 12. I had to have 3 pints of blood transfused, and of course go off the Xarelto. It took my bone marrow a while to become active again, but eventually my red blood cell count returned to normal. I had an (unsuccessful) ablation in April and am now on warfarin.

JMM7 profile image
JMM7

I've been on Xarelto for 3 months. Had stomach cramping in the beginning, but that went away so don't give up- takes the body time to adjust I guess. I was going to write no other issues, but when I read regalone's reply it gave me pause...I do get extremely fatigued. Thought it was my MS acting up (usually doesn't affect my life hardly at all), but now I'm wondering about red blood count. Going to get it checked!

barbm profile image
barbm

Thanks for all the replies. I will keep in mind all the comments made here. I am from the US also and my cardiologist and his intern are just super. They listen to all questions and were not pushy at all. Since I have other medications to take in the morning, they said I could take the Xarelto with my breakfast instead of the evening. They indicated whenever it was easier for me to remember.

Do any of you wear a medical alert bracelet?

sealover profile image
sealover

Absolutely, wear a medical alert bracelet and fill out a wallet card with all your medical information. Have faith and don't be anxious.......everything will be fine...........

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