I Need Help

[LadyZee]

I haven't taken my apixaban for nearly 2 weeks, I'm afraid to inform my GPS, what should I do?

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi LadyZee

Was there a reason you stopped taking your Apixaban?

Jean

[NickiC]

I've been a watcher on here for some time and have taken much comfort from the knowledge and wisdom. This is my first post. Please seek medical advice and soonest. Don't be scared of your GP; they've seen every human condition and will just want to help. I take Apixiban and it doesn't particularly please me so doing but I see it as insurance. Take care.

[checkmypulse]

If you wish to start taking Apixaban again it's quite in order to just resume the dose you have been prescribed. There is no monitoring of bloods with this NOAC as there is with Warfarin. The only test that is needed is a annual liver function test.

[LadyZee in reply to checkmypulse]

I wasn't even aware about the liver function test, my GP never told me neither the hospital thanks so much for making me aware

[doodle68]

Hello Ladyzee of course it is your choice what you put in your body but if you decide not to take medication like an anticoagulant whatever your reason for doing so you really must tell your GP so the details can be added to your notes. If you have an accident or are ill what you are or are not taking can affect your treatment.

[Hidden]

What you do is up to you not your gp. They just advise you what they think is best. It’s your body and your choice. But they need to know for the records if there was an accident or whatever.

Itake Apixaban and before that Warfarin for years. I found it worrying until BobD on here exlained that they don’t thin your blood they just slow down the coagulation.

Sorry about the typing. I’m on my phone!

Koll

[LadyZee in reply to Hidden]

Kill thank you for your response, I was taking warfarin and changed to apixban, as I told Ian no follow up and very limited information given to me from the GP, also the hospital who discharged me from the warfarin clinic. Which was nearly over a year ago 👀

[doodle68 in reply to LadyZee]

Hi LadyZee, you say...

[''quote =I was taking warfarin and changed to apixban, as I told Ian no follow up and very limited information given to me from the GP, also the hospital who discharged me from the warfarin clinic. Which was nearly over a year ago 👀]

...one thing that would concern me was if I had been taking an anticoagulant for years and suddenly stopped would that make me more susceptible to an ischaemic stroke. I fear it might and I would not withdraw from any anticoagulant without supervision and then only gradually.

When it was suggested I should take an anticoagulant I was given no information about them at all , I thought it was down to me to do my own research rather than relying on GPs anyway they can't know everything. I chose Apixaban having read as much as I could about it and the alternatives.

[LadyZee in reply to doodle68]

Sorry for the late response I did speak to my doctor regarding this matter and it was suggested I speak to the consultant, well that was impossible because I was discharges from the clinic. And yes one can have concerns regarding any medication given!!!

[doodle68 in reply to LadyZee]

Hi Ladyzee, I don't understand this, you may have been discharged from the Warfarin clinic but as someone with a chronic condition surely you will continue to be monitored by an arrhythmia team under a consultant.

If you are having problems with your medication the first call is with your GP and he will liaise with your consultant who will originally have prescribed the Warfarin .

The management of people with AF is set out in the NICE guidelines...

nice.org.uk/guidance/cg180/...

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Ladyzee

Of course the first question is why haven't you taken it, and the second why are you scared of your GP.

But in your position, just re-start at the dose prescribed for the usually twice a day tablet.

Don't panic about your GP as someone has said they are human like you and me, they have seen it all before, and they are unlikely to be a problem at all.

Remember if you have AF your stroke risk is increased, taking apixiban reduces that risk, take the tablets please

Be well

Ian

[LadyZee in reply to Beancounter]

Thank you Ian for your advice I will start it back immediately, I stopped taking it because I wasn't being monitored and after constantly asking my GP why were their no regular follows up for people taking apixban I wasn't being given any answers. What is AF?

[Beancounter Volunteer in reply to LadyZee]

Hi Ladyzee

There is no monitoring for Apixiban, it's not like warfarin with regular blood tests.

Why are you on Apixiban?, this is the AF (Atrial Fibrillation) forum, and most of us will be on some form of anti-coagulant.

Be well

Ian

[LadyZee in reply to Beancounter]

Ok I had 2 blood clots hence I was put on warfarin then onto apixban. This forum has actually given me more information than the GPS, so I am really glad I joined

[LadyZee]

Thanks for everyone's replies and advice, I learnt somethings that not even my GP neither the Clinic discussed at all I'm am definitely going to make sure I take my medication properly from now on...

[opal11uk in reply to LadyZee]

I would also advise that you start asking questions whenever you see your GP/Cardio or any medic for that matter as everything needs answers but you don't always get them unless you ask the pertinent questions so take a notebook with you with questions you want answered and then write the answers down as an aid memoir. As for being frightened of your GP remember he is there to serve his patients and if you find you cannot relate to him then change GP's. Good luck

[LadyZee in reply to opal11uk]

Opal11uk, no I'm not frightened to speak to my GP they only give you a certain amount of time to address certain issues they are very quick to download paper off the internet so it can be very frustrating also you are only give 10-15 mins to aďdress any concerns. And if you belong to a group practice the likely good of getting to see the same doctor each appointment can be difficult.

[CaroleF in reply to LadyZee]

I do understand the difficulties in getting the sort of explanations one would wish for in the limited time allocated to each patient at the average GP surgery (usually 10 mins. I think). I have found it helpful to ask for a 'double' appointment when I'm anticipating the need for a lengthier conversation. (and I always try to see the same GP). I also write down a bullet point list of everything I'd like to ask about/discuss. I make two copies and give the GP one right at the beginning of the consultation. She reads it through first so she knows what my concerns are then we go through the list together. She says it's helpful and it certainly keeps us/me on track and ensures that I don't forget anything I intended to ask about. I make brief notes of her answers on my copy.

At my GP surgery one can always get an urgent appointment 'on the day' by phoning first thing in the morning, but a double appointment with a named GP usually means waiting several weeks.

If you are not in a rush to explain to your own GP about why you haven't been taking the prescribed apixaban and about your concerns then maybe what I do would work for you?

I take apixaban and have experienced no adverse side effects and to be honest I am way more scared about a serious stroke than I am about a bleed. I had a blood test about 3 months after I started to take it and if you have decided to start taking the medication again as a result of the answers you have received here, then you do need to ask about that.

Good luck and do let us know how you get on, won't you?

Carole

[LadyZee in reply to CaroleF]

Thanks Carol I've actually been taking axpiban for over a year, I was discharged from the Warfarin Clinic who were very helpful but since being under the care of my GP things are very different. In order to get a same day appointment you have to ring at 8am sometime by the time you get through all appointments have gone. I have been at my surgery for many years and the Doctor's keep changing hence if the GP is very supportive everyone what's to see that particular Doctor as it's a group practise.

I did address my concerns regarding the medication and basically told go online or read the guideline paper that came with the medication sometimes that's not enough.

[CaroleF in reply to LadyZee]

Mmmmmm .... I see your problem but it sounds as if your need to discuss taking apixaban isn't urgent so maybe you can wait a while so you can get an appointment with the most supportive GP?

Or ..... have you thought of changing to another practice where they don't just give you a hand out off the internet?

Or .... you could try phoning the Atrial Fibrillation Association support line? I haven't used them myself but I feel sure they would be helpful and willing to discuss your concerns/offer advice.

Or .... what's your local pharmacy like? I have found the pharmacist at mine *really* helpful if I've had a general question about any of the medications I take. Of course they are not doctors and I guess professional etiquette means they can't discuss your medical condition/s in any personal detail, but they are the experts on pharmaceutical matters and can explain all about the medications you take (eg. possible side effects, whether blood tests are required). Furthermore you can generally just pop in and have a word when you're up at the shops. Mine is my 'new best friend' LOL

[Mazza23]

If you have had blood clots get back on apixaban ASAP I am no medic but stroke scares me to death I have been on ot 4 years no problem

[LadyZee in reply to Mazza23]

Mazza23 Since you've been on it for 4 years how many tablets do you take daily, and have you had follow up appointments?

I've not come across anyone outside this forum who takes Apixban. It was by doing a search I found it online and I'm actually glad because I've been given so much information and support.

[Mazza23 in reply to LadyZee]

I take two 5mg a day a

and will for the rest of my life have not had any problems the risk of blood clots from AF is high

[resqme1065]

I think it's the kidney function they check every year while on eliquis, not the liver. I have no problem with taking this because a stroke could be so debilitating.

It's your choice so I wouldn't worry about what the DR. has to say.

[Globe-J]

Hello LadyZee,

Please find a GP with whom you feel comfortable. My GP understands perfectly well that I make the final decisions about my body. That allows me to hear what he says, and he too listens

J (-: