Apixaban: Thank you to all who answered... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

32,400 members38,733 posts

Apixaban

cmjoyce profile image
8 Replies

Thank you to all who answered my cry for help over my nose bleeds. Ended up having a second cauterization in 2 weeks. I am hoping to get to see my GP who runs the anticoagulation clinic at our practice next week and am trying to gather information so I can be well armed. I am wondering about changing to Apixaban as it seems to cause less bleeding events. I know it does not require constant INR monitoring but do you EVER have an INR test as I am assuming this would read higher than the normal 1. I have a coaguchek so could use. If anyone using Apixaban could tell me of any problems they have encountered it would be most helpful. Anyone with Diabetes using it as I have moderate kidney damage from this and know it can be a factor in choice of drug.

Joyce

Written by
cmjoyce profile image
cmjoyce
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
8 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Hi Joyce. The NOACs of which apixaban is only one do not work in the same way as warfarin so need no regular testing although annual liver and kidney checks are a good idea. Not sure about contra indication re kidney problems so best to ask you doctor about that.

Bob

Finvola profile image
Finvola

Joyce, before it is prescribed you will be given a kidney function test to determine whether 5mg or 2.5mg per dose is appropriate - the lower dose can be prescribed if the test indicates some renal impairment. Thereafter, at least annual monitoring of kidney function is done.

waterlady profile image
waterlady

Hi joyce, I have been on apixaban over a year now, everything is fine, but I was not monitored, I had to ask for a blood test covering anything relevant, kidneys etc. Etc. And I asked for my inr reading, which was 1.9. I just like to know. But this site is brilliant, I am slowly learning, my gp is good, but knows nothing about the drug. Hope this helps a little.

rosyG profile image
rosyG

Your kidney function would be tested before you start Apixaban and there is a lower dose if you have problems- I don't know about the protection at the lower dose- do check with your GP

- I think the lower bleeding rate refers to intra cranial bleeds but do check with your GP

I don't think warfarin has the same problems with impaired kidney function but am not a clinician so do check. if you are self testing it is easier to keep in range so hope you have sorted out the nose bleeds

Alanwilliam profile image
Alanwilliam

Hi Joyce.

Regarding your Diabetes and Apixaban. If you google the NICE recommendations for people with AF and Diabetes you will come across the NICE Appraisal Guidance Document TA275 which recommends that anyone with these two conditions should be prescribed Apixaban as an anticoagulant. The reasoning behind this is that those with Diabetes need to follow a specific dietary regime which is highly compromised by the dietary restrictions of warfarin.

As I suffer from these two conditions, I am currently trying to get Apixaban myself from my GP instead of warfarin and am coming up against very strong resistance. I am being given a run around which is obviously driven by cost. The GP I saw didn't even know anything about the impact of vitamin K on warfarin associated with green vegetables. He is in a position of great trust but doesn't even know the basics of a very common medical issue.

Incidentally, my cardioligist who reviewed my medication recently also wrote to my GP and recommended Apixaban, and yet this is also being resisted and ignored by my local practice.

Bridges4 profile image
Bridges4 in reply toAlanwilliam

Hi Alan

I am type 2 diabetic and was put on Apixaban 2 months ago after a twelve month battle with the local CCG (Essex) who constantly refused to allow my GP to prescribe. I had the support of my EP, Endocrinologist and the local consultant haematologist. In the end the CCG were FORCED to allow Apixaban as one of the most important NICE guidelines states that patients choice MUST be taken into account. You cannot therefore be refused this drug unless there are clinical reasons for so doing.

Take care

Les

Alanwilliam profile image
Alanwilliam in reply toBridges4

Les.

Thanks for your reply. Unlike you I am battling with my GP surgery and not the local CCG. I must be concerning them as I have been told my case will be discussed at their next practice meeting on the 17th March. Bear in mind I have already been refused twice by two different GP's in the practice. I have given them factual evidence in writing as to why I am a prime case for Apixaban backed up by both NICE and my cardioligist. In spite of this I am being told that they don't have to follow the recommendations of either of those bodies. They are giving me all sorts of foggy answers but quite clearly cost is the main issue. I understand that the NHS is not a bottomless pit but feel I have a prime clinical need for this drug. Watch this space. Alan

DavDug profile image
DavDug in reply toAlanwilliam

Change your practice?

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Change to Apixaban

HI all, I am back agin. Went to dr this am for INR and reading too high, so I do not have to take...
Dottilind profile image

Apixaban side effects

Hi all, I have been taking Apixaban for a couple of months now, as well as Zemtard and...
dayday profile image

New to Apixaban

Well, my first day on Apixaban today. I have been on Warfarin since 2005 but recently my INR...
Froggy profile image

Apixaban

I have moved from warfarin to apixaban today. I wasn't given a huge amount of information but told...
Dodie117 profile image

Query about Apixaban

I have been on Apixaban for four weeks and the doctor said to have an INR test today and it was 1.1...
Nelb profile image

Moderation team

See all
Kelley-Admin profile image
Kelley-AdminAdministrator
jess-admin profile image
jess-adminAdministrator
Emily-Admin profile image
Emily-AdminAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.