New to Apixaban

[genorm]

I am due to start 2 x 5mg Apixaban on Monday. It feels like a big moment for me. My other drug is bisoprolol 1.25mg daily. Apart from the concerns over side effects/bleeding, I noticed that the dose changes if you are 60kg or under. I am 60.5kg and my GP never asked my weight. Should I be worrying about this dosage amount? I absolutely know that stress is bad, but messages/info on this group do help reduce it!

Thank you

[Finvola]

You need to meet two of three criteria to be advised to take a reduced dose. As you say, weight is one factor but you must also either have poor renal function or be 80 or over.

Apixaban needs to be taken on time twice daily and you should have renal function tests on starting it and at six monthly intervals. The only minor restrictions I know of are no NSAIDs, nothing with St John’s Wort in it and avoid grapefruit juice. I’ve taken it for 5 years without problems.

There is a useful leaflet on the main AFA website. Don’t worry - you’ll be fine!

[genorm in reply to Finvola]

Thanks, Finvola Just to have someone respond who knows this tiresome AF, is a big help.

[cycleman75]

I really cannot advise you genorm except to say I was on 1.25mg bisoprolol daily.

Then I weaned off 4/5 months ago because of side effects. Feel a lot better now.

I must say as a cyclist I tend to tick my own boxes and ride 150 miles weekly.

The medicine seems to work for me. Long may it continue.

[genorm in reply to cycleman75]

Thank you, cycleman75

[MydogBrandy]

I am 70kg and take 2 x 5mg a day and have have no side effects , I get a little gum bleed when I brush my teeth but not every day, also I get small bruises and little tiny tiny blood spots , bit like pimples around the breast area, but none are troublesome. Hope this helps.

[genorm]

Thank you, MydogBrandy. Encouragement always helps

[fogducker2]

I can tell you that 2 x 5 apixaban will stop almost 90% chance of a stroke...Its great . I also am a commercial fisherman and am carving myself up on a daily basis ...You do not bleed any more than you would if you were on asprin. I believe less. ... I was on bisopronol and moved to Sotalol .I cant voice an opinion on it . With Sotalol. I moved from 80 x 2 daiy to 40 x2 as I need my heart rate at least 65 for my work. At 80 x2 I was at low 50,s. If you get hyped get up fill your mind with anything constructive so you dont allow yourself to be taken over by thinking to much. Remember a fib wont kill you

[genorm in reply to fogducker2]

Thank you, fogducker2. That is reassuring and good advice for me.

[Hi-1964]

Hi

I too am on same doses of medication you are taking 1.25 bisoporol and apixaban 2x 5 mg I have been on for 4 years and my weight is 56kg and I’ve had no problem and my Dr isn’t concerned.

[genorm in reply to Hi-1964]

Thank you Hi-1964. Sometimes I just need that reassurance from someone who knows

[Leonardo3]

Hi Genorm, I was taking 10mg bisoprolol, got on very well with it but as I have asthma/copd had to change now on digoxin and verapamil, as well as furosemide need this as the verapamil is causing fluid retention, if you can stilck with the bisoprolol I definitely would

[Leonardo3]

I also take xarelto as a blood thinner

[genorm in reply to Leonardo3]

Thank you Leonardo3.