Best Anti-coagulants

[Tapanac]

Hi Everyone,

I know I've written on here once before, but I went to St Georges, Tooting, for the results of my 5 day heart monitor after my cardioversion last December and the ablation in March. The Registrar was new and somewhat behind so the questions I meant to ask got lost in my gabbling to get it all out without wasting any more of his time. He said he thought the ablation was a success although I don't get the tremendously irregular fast 240-250 heart beats any more (touch wood) I do still get almost permanent palpitations and ectopic beats. He didn't seem to be too worried about those?????

I know you can only give your opinions and not advice on medical things, but does anyone have any idea as to which is the best anti-coagulant (I know Bob I kept calling them blood thinners at the time and you put my mind at rest then)??? I only have one working kidney and every so often it decides to have a little bleed since I've been on Rivaroxaban. I'm told they are all more or less the same (except Warfarin of course), but I also have a lot of hair loss since I've been on them. My GP wanted to change me to Edoxaban and the Registrar said he was happy with all of them and suggested Apixaban. I just want to go on the one that is the best all rounder for stopping blood clots (strokes, tia), bleeding/urinary tract infections, hair loss.

I am on morning 1.25 Bisoprolol, 75mg levythyroxine, low dose furosemide, then after evening meal 15mg Rivaroxaban, then bedtime low dose losartan and low dose pravastatin.

My hair has only started thinning since I've been on the rivaroxaban.

I'm sorry this is such a long post, but I would be grateful for any opinions

Thank you x

[BobD Volunteer]

I can'r recall off hand which DOAC has a reduced dose if kidney function is impaired but this might be worth looking into. I was told that side effects are pretty common across the whole range of DOACs but sicne I ma a warfarin man can;t comment from personal experience.

[Tapanac in reply to BobD]

Thank you BobD

[jedimasterlincoln]

I've had much better luck with Apixaban than Warfarin. No regular blood tests no mystery bruises.

[Tapanac in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Thank you

[Finvola]

Apixaban is the one Bob is referring to, I think. It has a half dose for those who may be unable to take the full dose. I have taken it for 5 years without problems (at the full dose of 2 x 5mg).

[Tapanac in reply to Finvola]

Thank you

[Tapanac]

Thank you all. I am at present on Rivaroxaban half dose (15mgs) and don't find it a problem taking it with food, it's just that with only one functioning kidney, I do have a problem with the kidney not the tablet if you know what I mean. Maybe I will have a problem with any anti-coagulant and I was also worried because I have just had brain tumour surgery and it's so easy to panic about sensitive areas. Thank you again. Ooooh and my hair!!!! That was one thing I thought I would never have to worry about as it was always so thick....WAS xx

[wilsond]

Some people cannot take anticoagulants for various reasons,and there is a proceedure called thw Watchman,where the atrial appendage is sealed off.Apparently this is where most of blood clots form in us AF people.Irina had it done and posted about it.May be useful.Hair thinning is depressing I agree,mine is definetly thinner.Im female,58.

[CDreamer]

As per Wilsond reply - another option.

heartrhythmalliance.org/fil...

There are currently trials in the UK and this procedure is now coming on line and it is hoped several centres will be approved to fit these devices for people in the UK very soon - we were told at the Patients Day.

Personally I take Apixaban - Which ever A/C you take ensure you have regular bloods for kidney function, I have monthly tests.p but some GP practices only seem to do them 6 monthly.

Best wishes

[Pacific in reply to CDreamer]

I take Dabigatran and Atorvastatin. I have 2 medical reviews a year, and lab work annually with a nurse at the surgery. The review without lab work comprises the nurse talking about regular exercise and my weight. It a size 10 and not underweight. I’m 65 and I still do jazz ballet and Pilates, and I reiterate this every time I see her! I have normal BP. But she still asks if I do gardening, and I have to remind again her again that we live in an apartment.... I live in a 1 mile woodland park, with a heron, swans and ducks, 4 coots ((3 ponds), which we walk around every day. I now include ALL of this information. Should also I energetically leap around her office? !!

[Tapanac in reply to Pacific]

Go in doing somersaults! Trying to be kind (although I know what you mean) I expect she is busy with so many people it's a natural to her to go through the same questions again and again with everyone. You sound good though, keep it up

[Tapanac]

Thank you wilsond and cdreamer