Apixaban

[nigelfarruca]

I have been prescribed apixban and I am thinking about starting to take them! Because I know when I go into AF I was considering using as a 'pill in the pocket' approach. Has anyone used in this way? I don't think the medics would approve and I am sure no research would have been carried out.

[BobD Volunteer]

Please don't play Russian Roulette. If you have AF you have a five times greater risk of stroke than one who does not. That risk exists regardless of CHADS score or how often. how symptomatic etc your AF may be,. Just the diagnosis is enough.

Bob

[Perwin in reply to BobD]

However, there are some people, like me, who cannot take blood thinners/anticoagulants despite having atrial flutter and/or atrial fibrillation. There is not always a one-size-fits-all. I have ITP.

[beardy_chris]

I understand any anti-coagulent takes time to build up effect and to "dissolve" any existing clots. That is why you usually need some weeks on anti-coagulent before any procedure. For this reason, it probably wouldn't be effective to use apixaban (or any other anti-coagulent) as a "pill in the pocket". A clot doesn't form or dissolve instantly. I'm not a medic but your idea doesn't sound sensible to me.

I've been taking apixaban for more than 6 months without any side effects. Small cuts stop bleeding quite quickly - it is difficult to notice any appreciable difference. I guess a life-threatening injury might be a little more life threatening but, fortunately, I don't get too many of them. It really isn't a major problem! My advice would be just to take them as advised - sorry!

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Nigelfarruca

I have to say that sounds not very sensible, you are NOT merely at risk of stroke when having an AF attack, but potentially both before and after.

I can understand anyone not wanting to take drugs, and of course it's a personal choice, but with anti-coagulation, as Bob says, you are playing Russian Roulette, but potentially worse as you have no idea when a TIA or a really big stroke might strike

Just take them as prescribed, you will forget about them very soon afterwards

Be well

Ian

[rosyG]

I agree with the comments above. I'm in my second month of Apixaban and have found it excellent.

It is not for pill in the pocket as takes some hours to work by which time you could have a clot from AF- it is thought 6 minutes in AF is long enough for a clot to form.

[Pdotg]

My EP said that many episodes of AF go unnoticed, while asleep, for instance, so taking an anticoagulant as a PIP is not sensible.

[gemini52]

I am not an expert by any means but why would you want to take Apixaban for that purpose? It is a brilliant anticoag and is far too serious a drug to mess around with. Take as prescribed - and don't be silly. Good luck - I have been taking it for a few months now with no side effects. Patricia.

[AnticoagulateNow]

You can't use anticoagulants as a pill in the pocket! When would you take them? After you lose control of your facial muscles? You might find them hard to swallow......