Xa Anticoagulants

[nigelfarruca]

Does anyone recall the two xa anticoagulants recommend by Dr. Julian Jarman at the Surrey December meeting? I think it was Rivaroxaban and Apixaban but i'm not sure. After 25 year of AF I have desided to start on a anticoagulant.

[OzLynda]

I know Apixaban is one because I've just started on it. I'm sure some googling will quickly confirm what the other one is.

[wilen]

After 25 years of AF without anticoagulation, I think you were taking a substantial risk of stroke. How often and for how long do you get bouts of AF? Weren`t you advised to anticoagolate at the outset?

[Therealsue]

The other Xa inhibitor is Rivaroxaban. Dabigatran is a thrombin inhibitor I think. I've been taking RIvaroxaban now for a month having swapped from warfarin. I'm very happy with it - no side effects at all.

[AnticoagulateNow]

Better late than never I guess but risky, to say the least. I have no problems with apixaban, an xa anticoag.

[Hidden]

I recall him saying that his mother was taking Apixaban

[deelan]

I have now been on Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for approximately 4 months; no complications or side effects at this stage.

[gemini52]

I take Apixaban....no side effects. So glad I changed from warfarin.

[nigelfarruca]

Thanks, I will be prepared when called to the clinic.

[rosyG]

I don't think Dr Jarman was recommending particular anti-coagulants but just giving his personal opinion and did mention his family, as Flapjack has said. You need to discuss each of the 4 anti=coagulants with your doctor as they have your medical history- some anti-coagulants are more suitable than others depending on the individual's history.

It's good that you are looking into this if you've had AF for so long and you can do your ChadsVasc2 score and Hasbled score on the AFA website as that gives you a good idea of your risk .

[Hidden]

My vote is for Rivaroxaban, went on it for a month no side effects; stopped as my CHADS score was 0 anyway and don't like pills!

[AnticoagulateNow in reply to Hidden]

I think you'd prefer pills to a stroke!

[valg59]

Hi I have been on rivaroxaban for 21 months had no side effects , so really pleased, I think this is the future, no regular blood tests.But everyone must decide which is best for them.Happy Christmas and a happy healthy New Year Val X

[beardy_chris]

Dr Jarman mentioned Apixaban and Rivaroxaban. He also mentioned a new drug that is due for release soon which I think is called Edoxaban - but it isn't licensed yet.

[eleanor--1941]

Hello Nigel,

I am holding my box of Xarelto in my hand as I write this,which is Rivaroxaban 20mg I am prescribed,made by Bayer,Aldridge,WS98ER,England.

I have been on this since end of August 2014,absolutely no problems with it take same time everyday AM with other medication and breakfast.

Hope this helps.

elbo.

[Di1962]

I've used Eliquis with no problems. No blood work. Easy to use.

[Bryonny]

I've been on Rivaroxaban for over a year and I have found it to be fine.

[jan-ran]

I have a slight concern with rivaroxaban. I started a few months ago, and have had no problems regarding how I feel. However, I had a liver function test last week, and apparently one of the scores is outside the normal range. That's the first time ever. My gp said i may have a fatty liver, and wants more tests, warning me that I may need an ultrasound as well. I was well shocked! I'm inclined to believe that everything is in fact ok, but this may just be me in denial! Anyway, I will keep my eye on it, obviously. I will start asking questions now I've got over the surprise.

JanR

[teach2learn]

I use Eliquis (Apixaban) and find it completely satisfactory. No side effects, no blood testing, and no problems.

[Vony]

I find that reassuring that you have had AF for 25 years and were not on anticoagulation as I have AF and am not on any anticoagulant due to low risk chadsvasc score. Do you mind if i ask how frequently you are in AF? I know that risk is calculated regardless of frequency but I am curious to know anyway as i have almost daily episodes. Have you ever worried about the risk of stroke while you were not on anticoagulation?

[mnnw7]

I was prescribed Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) by Dr. Jarman in August, ahead of my ablation at the end of October. So far, all OK.

I am currently on it but hope that after my follow-up appointment next month, I will be able to stop taking it, purely because I'd rather not have to take medication, unless otherwise advised to do so.

[mnnw7]

....I should add that we are all different, so each EP will recommend what they believe is right for their patient, even if there is a preferred anti-coag discussed on this forum that differs to that prescribed.

[Ccooksey]

-Fatty liver new symptom for me on eliquis- I know many of you don't have side effects with the new generation blood thinners but I want to reassure those who are developing curious new issues in their body that doctors say probably are not related, that you are not wrong. I am only 39 and started xarelto 4 years ago for severe deep vein thrombosis in my left arm, braciocephalic vein, and left internal jugular. As a side effect of meds, I had to have a blood transfusion of 2 units of blood on two separate occasions due to excessive blood loss during my monthly cycles. Then docs said I needed a hysterectomy, so I did it. I tried to go off blood thinner twice but both times the DVTs came back, now I'm on eliquis (due to my bad history with xarelto) for the rest of my life and I'm still supposed to have a lot of years left! Scary, especially now that my liver is showing fatty... I'm not an alcoholic so why would a 39 year old get a fatty liver?? I'm not obese either and eat no sugar and no processed foods. Doctors can say that the meds don't cause these as of now unknown side effects but they are just going on the current research. These drugs are still so new that it might be another 20 years before we know the range of side effects possible. For those of you who have been on them for 4 months, a year, I would just say don't be complacent because nothing has popped up yet. Be vigilant and your own best advocate. Challenge your doctors and have them explain what may be happening. I wish you all well!