Apixaban, any adverse affects from taking it?

[PollyDoodle]

Does anyone have any problems with Apixaban? I think, but not sure, that since taking it, at times I have been feeling light headed and breathless, although I'm not out of breath! I get fluttery /palpitation feelings in my chest, have a stupid little cough - which was how my AF was picked up -and generally feel below par. I was diagnosed with persistant AF back in May 2017 and had a cardioversion 29th Sept. which was successful, although according to my last ecg and echo this week, I still have the odd skipped beat but the heart chamber is back to near normal. I'm due for another 24hr monitor, and a scan after Christmas, but I still feel my problems are down to Apixaban, Maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree - or just barking!! I'm also on 12mg Candersartin at night. I would dearly love to chuck them all in the bin, but I'm terrified of having a stroke (I worked on a disabled unit, so I saw the results) I voiced my concerns to my Arrthymia nurse, but she said it wouldnt cause problems

[rosyG]

i have been fine on Apixaban- haven't heard of any problems with it

[CaroleF]

I take apixaban but apart from bruising more easily (especially on backs of hands and forearms) I am not aware of any other side effects. I can put up with the bruising if it helps to protect against a devastating stroke. That's my worst nightmare.

[RoyM]

I have been on Apixiban since March 2016 with no side effects. I also take 2.5 bisoprolol.

[Zabadak]

Have had no issues with apixaban. Was such a relief to be off warfarin.

[dmac4646]

no issues whatsoever

[Pam296]

I've been taking Apixaban for 9 months with no noticeable side effects. I've had to give up having deep tissue massages but consider that a small price to pay for the stroke protection.

[canadiananna in reply to Pam296]

I never thought about a potential problem is having a massage - nor have I read anything. Is this something you were advised to avoid or just a caution on your part.

[Pam296 in reply to canadiananna]

I had a chat with the heamatology nurse before I went off to a health spa. Massages are fine but she advised against really deep tissue ones as they could cause bruising. Also had to avoid any treatments which involved lasers for the same reason. I've had no problems with reasonably firm massages.

[canadiananna in reply to Pam296]

Thanks good to know. I have not had a massage in ages but was thinking it might be nice to treat myself during the holidays. So I will be sure to mention the non deep treatment.

[Pam296 in reply to canadiananna]

I never gave any of this a thought until I acquired AF!

[teach2learn]

Pretty sure it's not the apixiban, but sounds more like brief episodes of af or flutter. I've had two ablations and on no meds but apixiban and lisinopril (blood pressure), but occasionally get the symptom you mention when heart doing something naughty (I can feel my afib). Might be worth a 24 hour monitor, as many people aren't aware of when they are having episodes.

[Chauffeurs]

Its difficult to say what the effects of Apixaban are I find.Ive started with arthritic pain since starting taking it for paroxysmal af.The good thing is that it doesnt need monitoring but the negative side is that Ive not been able to take any ibubrofen for my pain neither have I been able to have any injections in my knees..theres no such thing as a free lunch they say.And once on it...youre on it for life..so it does curb your recovery in other health areas.

[KathFrances]

All anti-coagulants can cause side effects, and if you think it's the apixaban, you could suggest to your doc that you do a controlled experiment - stop taking it for 48 hours and see if the symptoms lessen or disappear. And if so, then start on a different NOAC - and if not, you could resume the apixaban. You need to have the new one already prescribed and ready at home, in case you need it. This is what I did at my cardio's suggestion and it was a relief to change from the troublesome anti-coagulant to one that so far hasn't caused me problems.

[Ruby40 in reply to KathFrances]

I was put into Apixaban 7 weeks ago and suffered exactly what you mentioned. Weakness and trembling legs, unable to exercise or walk anywhere. I was also put onto bisoprolol and blamed that but my doctor has reduced the dose of that to 2.5 mg. I read that apixaban can cause this. Fortunately mine is gradually improving as my body is getting used to the drugs but I have been feeling very weak and tired for several weeks. Starting to get better now. I hope you can resolve this. It might be worth asking to try stopping it for 24 hours and trying a different blood thinner.

[PollyDoodle in reply to Ruby40]

Ruby, 4 years down the line, I can safely say I don't have any problems with Apixaban - apart from remembering to take it some days. From what I've read on here, some people do have trouble with bisoprolol, I don't take it.Good luck, hope you can resolve your problem.

[Ruby40 in reply to PollyDoodle]

Thank you.

[Daffers123]

My mum has suffered dreadful nosebleeds since starting Apixaban. when they take her off it - nosebleeds stop. Really very unpleasant and quite scary. Read in rx instructions that anyone UNDER 132lbsweight would need doctor to be aware. My mum is only 108lbs. So seems smallest dose of Apixaban (2.5 twice day) is too much for her

[Ruby40]

Yes it can cause those symptoms. See my reply below.