Apixaban v Warfarin?

[dgex2010]

Hello fellow readers! A simple question for those who know ..... why are some AF patients prescribed Apixaban and others Warfarin? and what is the difference? Waiting in anticipation for responses! Thanks in advance.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi degx

Warfarin is the long standing treatement for anti-coagulation, it's been around a long time, but it needs blood tests and some dietary changes. It has however a ready reversal agent in the event of a major trauma or bleed.

Apixaban is one of the newer drugs called NOACS, which are at least as good as warfarin and potentially slightly better, needs no blood tests no dietary changes, but no immediate reversal agent, although the half life of these drugs is short and they do not stay in the body for long. A reversal agent is under final testing in the USA now.

There is an excellent post pinned to the top of the main page called FAQs anti-coagulants, which you should read

Be well

Ian

[dgex2010 in reply to Beancounter]

Thankyou so much for such a speedy response.... I will indeed have a read as suggested.

You be well too.

Dorothy

[Finvola]

The cardiologist who prescribed Apixaban for me at diagnosis explained that he preferred it to Warfarin.

[dgex2010]

Thanks for that. Dorothy.

[Rellim296]

Apixaban is much more expensive than warfarin.

[dgex2010 in reply to Rellim296]

Many thanks. Dorothy

[Basia12]

Hi was told by My EP that if you need to remain on asprin for other health issues like I do than Apixaban and other NOACS not suitable as it is still not widly known how they interact with the asprin long term .

[dgex2010 in reply to Basia12]

Thanks for that. Dorothy