NOAC approved!

[Dadog]

Saw the GP in charge of AF clinics and he has happily approved of my going onto Rivaroxaban. On balance, he could see no drawbacks that would outweigh the advantages of my switching over. So - one more INR check in a week's time and if it is within range, I go straight onto the new pill. Here's trusting all will be well...and I'll reort back.

David

[Rellim296]

I had no problems. You need to decide which meal you'll take Rivaroxaban with as it has to be taken with food. I opted for breakfast but altered when I had an ablation and now take it with my evening meal. It's not quite as easy if you get invited out and food isn't at the regular time.

Good luck!

[jeanjeannie50]

That's interesting to hear David. I would have gone on to Rivaroxaban ages ago, but I often need cardioversions and at first I was told if I was on Rivaroxaban I'd have to go back on to warfarin for a while. Then after having a cardioversion a few months ago I asked again and was told, that being on Rivaroxaban would be fine, but they would do a TOE every time before the cardioversion. I had one of those before my very first cardioversion and I just feel that for me the less invasive treatment of my body, the better.

My INR result is always up and down and I would love to go on Rivaroxaban, so I will be interested to hear how you get on with it.

Jean

[seasider18 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

If they do a TOE prior to the cardioversion is that because they think that you may have a clot? If so why if you are on a NOAC?

[AvrilB in reply to seasider18]

Hi, I had a TOE before my first Cardioversion as although I was on an anticoagulant, rivaroxaban, I hadn't been on it very long. When I had my second cv, I didn't need a TOE as I had been on rivaroxaban for long enough. I understand that should I be unfortunate to go back in AF that I wouldn't need a TOE if I remain on rivaroxaban. I wish you well

[Dadog in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I've only had two CVs, Jean and each has lasted well (13 months and currently 18 months). I didn't have a TOE either time; and quite honestly, I'm pleased I didn't. It doesn't sound very pleasant! What do you think they were looking for? It seems that it is purely a means of checking the condition of the heart - and can also be done by other and simpler means.

I'm new to these NOACs but i gathered from my GP that when stopping Rivaroxaban, bridging (whatever form that takes) would be used and Riva started again when suitable. Not very helpful but I will see how it all goes.

David

[seasider18]

I wonder if NOAC's are now costing the NHS more than Statins?

[3killeens]

Hi David I was at barts this week and they have suggested I change from warfarin to Rivaroxaban that was the second time it was suggested to me by barts but my GP wasn't having it I would think it must but more expensive then warfarin ,I will go back to him again and ask for it as that is two doctors from barts have suggested it ,the only think I'm worried about is who monitors you when you change over ,cheers Brenda

[Dadog]

Hi 3killeens. I think it is that old problem of some doctors looking at the drug cost but not taking a broader view, which would include all those INR checks and nurses time, etc, My GP indicated that NOAC costs are coming down a bit - but it was my wish to use them and cost wasn't a consideration. It must vary over the country as a whole but you really shouldn't be turned down because of cost. It's your well being that is important and I would pursue this and ask that you follow what the specialists at Barts recommend. Good luck.

David.

[Annekw]

NICE guidelines are recommending these drugs as safer than Warfarin!

Also no testing required!

Apixaban seems to be the favourite in my area,taken 12hourly.