Eliquis and Meloxicam

[suenygaard]

I have just started on Eliquis 5mg twice a day because my episodes of AF have increased in frequency lately. I used to have 1-2 episodes per year, but I have had 7 or 8 since the end of November. I have taken Meloxicam (Mobic) for arthritis for a couple of years and it works great - once a day with food and it really relieves my arthritis pain, plus I believe that the overall anti-inflammatory effect of the drug will hopefully slow down the arthritis progression. Now I feel I have to stop the Meloxicam because of the increased risk of bleeding with the combination of the two drugs. I don't want to!! Does anyone else have arthritis and/or other reasons for taking NSAIDS/Meloxicam and had to stop since starting on a DOAC? What do your respective physicians advise?

Thanks,

[CDreamer]

Meloxicam Is a NSAID and is contraindicated for AF - long term use is known to cause AF. I don’t think it has anything to do with increasing the bleed risk but someone else with more knowledge may correct me.

Apixaban (Eliquis) is a an anti-coagulant, essential for us AFers but will have absolutely no affect on the AF.

I know there are a few people on here with arthritis and AF who may chip in with alternatives. I have a degree in my hands - my doctor says I have roofer hands - but it is wear and tear, not RA so I don’t take anything other than 1g a day if Glucosamine, as advised by my doctor.

I’m sorry I can’t give you any suggestions as I know how effective the NSAIDs can be for some arthritis sugferers. I worked for a drug company on some of the trials for one of the NSAID gels - I don’t think that has the same affect as taking orally - would that be an option for you? It would be for me but as it is only in my hands and is rarely painful I don’t take anything.

Best wishes

[rosyG]

Yes, I have the same problem as you are right that NSAIDs would increase the risk of bleeding. I take paracetamol for pain but you should check with your doctor.

[Annekw]

Hi I have Rheumatoid Disease and take drugs for this as well as AF drugs!

My medical people are quite happy with me taking Meloxicam, no problems so far after taking it with AF drugs going on three years now!

Have had RA for 17yrs.

[suenygaard in reply to Annekw]

Thank you so much for your reply. I just want to clarify - are you presently on an anticoagulant for your AF, such as Eliquis, Pradaxa, Xarelto, or Warfarin?

[Annekw]

Hi, yes I am on Eliquise with full approval of my Cardiologist and Rheumatologist also my Pharmacist !

[Annekw]

I’ve just remembered I also take a stomach protector _ as I know non steroidals can irritate your stomach it’s called Pantoprazole I’m sure your GP will prescribe it for you!

[suenygaard in reply to Annekw]

Thanks, I am on Omeprazole now and have been for years.

[Bud5]

I have Anklosing Spondilitis, diabetes, and AFIB. I am not allowed to take any type of Anti-inflammatorys. I am not a Dr so can't advise but my understanding is anti-inflammatory can cause heart attacks. I also read comment from somebody else that their Dr was ok with them taking a NSAID with their blood thinners. I would defer to your Rheumatologist about that as can be dangerous but, like everybody says on this forum we are not medically trained. I do take pain meds when I get bad, watch diet and try and exercise and lots of ice. I am religious so praying and looking for the bright side is important to me. Hang in there!

[Missd111]

I too am on Eliquis for pulmonary embolisms and was also taking Meloxicam

[Missd111 in reply to Missd111]

Oops didn’t get to finish... I was told to replace the meloxicam with Tylenol!! Sound right??

[Tippit76 in reply to Missd111]

i was also told to take Tylenol and stop the Meloxicam. Tylenol does nothing for me. I'm miserable but I'm sure the Eloquiz is worth it

[misspriss]

ART Tylenol does not help my oseroarthritis like Meloxicam does. I'm on Eliquis. Not happy.....