Riveroxaban v warfarin

[conrad123]

Had my second cardio-version 2 days ago - the first was 3 years ago and it appears to have worked and pulse now down to 65 after being 105 since April. Cardiologist has changed me from warfarin to riveroxaban, which will save the time wasting INR tests which were nearly always once a week. Have other any experience of the new pill and how do we know the level is correct?

[BobD Volunteer]

You don't need to. Rivaroxaban does not work in the same way as warfarin. It works. End of, as they say.

[Hidden]

Rivaroxaban and other NOAC's do not require regular monitoring with regular blood tests. Unlike Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) such as warfarin, there are no interactions with foods. NOACs have fewer interactions with other medicines compared with VKAs and they are given at a fixed dose. In short, rivaroxaban has a predictable result, therefore does not need regular testing. For further information, you can download our booklet at heartrhythmalliance.org/fil...

[PeterWh in reply to Hidden]

However all require other blood tests usually before starting, after 1 to 3 months and at least annually (for some people every 6 months).

This varies according to the NOAC. Pharmacists highlighted this to me when I was on Apixaban and she said GPs are notorious at not arranging because it often falls through the gap between GP and hospital (each thinks the other is doing) which is what happened in my case.

[Rellim296]

I give rivaroxaban 10/10. If you remember to take it at the same time each day - it needs to be with a meal - the level will be right. So easy, no hassle, no fuss. Look at a menu and choose what you'd like.

[Goldfish_]

Yes it seems to be pretty good. The dose is related to your Renal function if >50 egfr then 20mg, <50 it is 15 mg.

It is quite expensive, about £1 per tablet

I previously had dabigatran, which was twice daily dose, difficult to swallow and I developed a dvt on it, so rivoroxaban seems much better to me

[northernsoul1]

Yes moved from warfarin about 6 weeks ago. Brilliant and no fuss. Now eating rocket etc. No brainer in terms of decision and had been on warfarin for 4 years. I think the monthly cost to nhs is £46 as opposed to £1 for warfarin

[Dadog]

I'm in the early days of rivoroxaban and all going well so far. I'm still not clear on how one's dose is calculated. I'm on 20Mg. AFA document it is based on several factors assessed by the doctor. It seems it is based on renal function (see Goldfish above) and also on age and build. Also, I was told at my clinic, that if I miss a dose, to take it as soon as I remember and then take the next scheduled one at the normal time. Not to take more than one in 24 hour period. AFA say to take the next scheduled one as programmed. ( miss dose at 6pm and take next at 6pm next day). Wouldn't this leave someone unprotected for too long?

[Rellim296 in reply to Dadog]

As directed, I didn't take my dose at breakfast on the day of my ablation, and was told to have it that evening instead. I have continued taking it with my evening meal since then. I'm sure if I missed a dose I'd shift to the next meal and not wait a full day.

[Rellim296 in reply to Rellim296]

Actually now I think about it, there was no breakfast on the day of my ablation anyway!

[PeterWh in reply to Rellim296]

I wondered that and then I remembered that on the morning of my ablations I got up at 05:45 then had breakfast straight away. Got ready. Tablets at 06:00 then caught the train and at hospital at 07:00

[Rellim296 in reply to PeterWh]

I seem to remember nil by mouth from about 4 am.