A question for the ladies about Apixiban and ridiculously heavy cycle...

[Jfib]

Hi all,

Kind of an off-putting question, sorry. Just wondering if any of you have found your periods to be insanely heavy, and if so, what did your Dr do?

My Gynecologist had prescribed me some Transexamic acid, which is a coagulant. I haven't taken it yet, as it seems like that is a bad idea. I will consult with my pharmacist... Though I think he is sick of me at this point, lol!

[Hidden]

Do you have AF which puts you at risk of clot formation. Can't answer re periods but if on anticoagulant and now taking coagulant unsure of how this works. Must be other ladies can help but pharmacist or doc definitely

[Hidden]

I wouldn't take both until fully discussed check patient information leaflet

[Jfib in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I am taking the Apixaban for a possible TIA as related to Afib.

I agree it seems counterproductive, if not dangerous to take a blood clotting agent, but I definitely could be wrong. Just wish there was another option!

[Hidden in reply to Jfib]

Check it out and keep us posted others may be able to shed light on it. Did you check patient info ?

[Hidden in reply to Jfib]

Hysterectomy. That's the final answer, I had one.

[Jfib in reply to Hidden]

Well, that would definitely be a solution!!

[Hidden]

I have long-standing persistant AF, am not on meds/anticoagulation (despite being quite symptomatic) and have also been prescibed Tranexamic Acid 500mg, take two, three times a day for up to four days. It realy was a case of needs must. This is a slightly different scenario to yours and I was a little (well, quite a lot) concerned about taking them. Now, I just wish I'd got it sooner. It was wonderful being able to cope rather than feeling out of control - if your with me :@

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Why are you not on anticoagulants? Is it personal choice?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I would have been worried about coping with unmanagelably heavy periods if I did take them as that was already a problem. Last appointment with cardiologist he thought I should be on them. Previous appt with EP said not as I'm considered "low risk" at under 65. The appt before that again, with the same EP, said I should be on them. He'd just treated a 28-year-old in A&E who'd had a life-changing stroke as a result of AF and felt it was mad not to be anticoagulated.

I have always felt rather confused about this, as the answer on whether to take them seems to depend on which way the wind is blowing. I obviously don't want to have a stroke of any kind, let alone a serious or fatal one. I also don't want to take unneccesary meds if the benefit doesn't outweigh the risks (statistically). The answer isn't clear, as the CHA2DS2-VASs scoring system is a poor predictor of stroke risk (according to quite a few articles I've read), with only a slightly better predicition rate than flipping a coin. I'm not very good with unknowns and that seems to be what this is all about, perhaps like many other health issues.

[Jfib in reply to Hidden]

I can certainly understand your hesitancy about anticoagulants. If it hadn't been for the possible TIA ( not yet confirmed and possibly never confirmed at this point), I'm sure I wouldn't have been offered them as I was only a CHADSVASC 1 for gender. Also, since your periods are so bad you already needed the meds?? Wow, I would be nervous too. That being said, I've just done some research and it may be possible to control heavy periods with progesterone only injections, and certain IUDs.

Really aside from the period trouble, Apixaban has been fine for me, so If in the future you need to go on it, it may not be so bad ?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I'm 62 been on anticoagulants for five years since AF diagnosis. Read around the subjects to make informed decisions. AF website NICE guidelines etc keep us posted

[Jfib in reply to Hidden]

Hi Frills,

The word from the pharmacist is that the Tranexamic acid is safe for limited time use, which is how it would be used in this case - as needed. Good to know. I'm playing it by ear at this point and only going to use it if I absolutely have to. Quite frankly I'm sick of all these drugs (even though I really do appreciate that they help).

[Hidden in reply to Jfib]

It's a pain taking drugs and sure most of us would rather not. However if they keep us well worth it I suppose. Assume pharmacist says ok with anticoagulant then?

[Jfib in reply to Hidden]

Yes, my pharmacist says the they can be used with the anticoagulant, as long as it is used on a short term basis

And I really do appreciate my drugs... It's just that there are now so many! I'm sure I'll get used to it. Small price to pay for better health.

[Hidden in reply to Jfib]

That's how I used it and although I have always been fairly anti-pharma unless it makes a true difference for me, I really appreciated the huge difference this made. I hope you do too

[Jfib in reply to Hidden]

Thanks :). I'm glad at least I have an option, for sure.

[Vony]

Hi Jfib. I did find my periods much heavier when I started Apixaban but this only lasted a few months and then it settled down for some reason. I now find that I will have a really. heavy first day but my period only lasts 2-3 days before completely stopping which never used to happen for me. So bonus! Hope it gets easier for you xx

[Jfib in reply to Vony]

Thanks Vony

I guess this will be the test! So far I had two horrendous days, and it seems to have nearly stopped (fingers crossed). Maybe I will be lucky like you

[Mrip]

I was on rivaroxiban for 3 months pre and post ablation. Period was shocking. I knew it was time limited and that I'd stop medication post ablation so put up with it. Very heavy and all the problems that go with that re working and living. I got a referral to gynaecologist to see about getting a uterine ablation but did not need to go ahead with this as returned to normal off meds. Do you have to stay on medication long term?

[Jfib in reply to Mrip]

Thanks! Glad you were able to get off the drugs and that all returned to normal. I assume at this point I will be on the drugs for life, so I hope it will work out.

[lyssa252000]

I am on xarelto, and had my first period. Oh my... the horror, it was more like a massacre down there. I even went to the E/R because I had never in my life bled like except for when i had my miscarriage. My cardiologist recommended going to an obgyn to have an utrine ablation done. However, I am waiting on that. I am not having any more children and if I go the cardio ablation and don't have to be on blood thinners for the rest of my life then I won't do the uterine ablation. However, if I am going to be on blood thinners then I think I will just see if I can have a hysterectomy. I don't need my uterus any more, done with having babies, plus all the women on my mom's side of the family have had hysterectomy so it is just a matter of time anyways. There is my thoughts on the matter for what it is worth.

[Jfib in reply to lyssa252000]

Hi Thanks for the response. I understand why you went to the ER for sure! It was scary, a massacre was an appropriate comparison, lol...I was calling it Armageddon! I have been VERY lucky this time as the crazy only lasted 2 days and is now just spotting (phew!). I am on Apixaban, I don't know if that makes a difference?

However, since it happened, my resting pulse rate has dropped a couple of points and I have been dizzy, so I went for blood work yesterday to see if I am now anaemic. Fun times!!

[lyssa252000 in reply to Jfib]

Sorry your dealing with that... I should know in a few days how this goes !! I already told my boss i will not be at work if its as bad as time. I hope that you are not anemic,,, good luck !!