NOACs affected by urinary infections? - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

32,397 members38,732 posts

NOACs affected by urinary infections?

13 Replies

I had unpleasant effects when I started taking apixaban after a stroke. I didn't know at the time that I had a urinary tract infection. Now that the infection has been cleared, there are none of the confusion, lethargy, muscle and joint aches, and night sweats and that I had associated with starting apixaban. I'm currently taking clopidogrel and gastro-resistant aspirin as a short-term course.

I passed a lot of blood following thrombolysis for a stroke. That required investigation and the Urologist mentioned that I'd had a urinary tract infection at the time of the stroke although there were no symptoms. The cystoscopy caused a re-run of the infection with all of the ill-effects particularly confusion and lethargy.

Conclusions: 1) if your NOAC is apparently making you feeling down and unwell, check with your GP whether you have a urinary tract infection; 2) when I end my present course of medication I will give apixaban another try.

Read more about...
13 Replies
rosyG profile image
rosyG

Apixaban has been great for me- so far!! ( 2nd year)

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

My wife is a carer and often has to call doctors when people become confused etc as it is almost always a urinary infection. OK some may be dementia but generally UTI. Well know symptom!

dgex2010 profile image
dgex2010 in reply toBobD

Hi Bob, just read your response to this one (always find your input invaluable and informative, you are commonly known in our house as 'Bob the Knowledge')! I frequently suffer from pesky UTIs and carry with me antibiotics to take at the onset. Am waiting for Hospital appointment to investigate. Does your wife have any idea why I have so many? Ps Hygiene is very high on the list here.

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer in reply todgex2010

Sorry I can't help there although I do know that ladies have more problems than gentlemen in general. Many of her service users have some measure of incontinence so of course the possibility of infection is much higher.

dgex2010 profile image
dgex2010 in reply toBobD

Many thanks Bob - onwards and upwards then :o)

PeterWh profile image
PeterWh in reply todgex2010

I read an article in the paper, probably getting on for a year ago now on this. I remember a few things (there were more). One was adding too many fragrances to baths -plain water is much better!!! Another was just cleaning with plain water and not soap, body wash, etc. Also not cleaning too often. Reason was that all these make the body loose its natural oils and natural protection. Obviously it did also talk about people who were incontinent having a higher incidence.

dgex2010 profile image
dgex2010 in reply toPeterWh

Thanks for taking time out to reply ... Much appreciated

Peddling profile image
Peddling

My only problem with apixaban is remembering to take it at the right time and to carry it with me when not at home. Getting better though.

PeterWh profile image
PeterWh in reply toPeddling

Set a daily phone alarm reminder.

Peddling profile image
Peddling

Yes, I have done that, but it's twice a day, plus I don't always have the phone on me. I suppose the Apple Watch might be an answer but I'm loathe to buy another gadget.

PeterWh profile image
PeterWh in reply toPeddling

I have set multiple alarms permanently/weekdays as appropriate at different times of the day. The iPad allows me to do that.

Peddling profile image
Peddling

Will look into that. Thanks Peter

JuliaJa profile image
JuliaJa

Regarding UTI.....D Mannose, a natural way to keep UTI's away. Just take 3 caps if you feel one starting, or take once a week. Buy mine on Amazon. You can google it.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Pradaxa and urinary tract infection

I am experiencing my 5th urinary tract infection since starting pradaxa. Infections started 10 days...
Kgkgkg13 profile image

Can Apixaban and Edoxaban cause urinary retention ?

Hi everyone , i am Jean -François a 62 years old french Canadian and i have had atrial...
Oursfou1 profile image

DOACs

I have just read a 'Healthline' publication dated January 2023 about the long term effects of blood...
Karendeena profile image

Managing NOACs

Hi all, I'm shortly changing over from Warfarin to Apixaban and this will be the first time I've...

Apixaban double-edged sword?

Any comments please on whether I should be taking Apixaban after AF ablation? I had a successful...
Melchet 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.