Eliquis

[DuckWing]

Suppose to start ELIQUIS soon, am really scared, would appreciate any and all experiences when taking this drug for AFib

[Bagrat]

If tbis is your first experience of anticoagulation I can understand your concerns. I was on warfarin then chose to swap about18 months ag as I was having an issue keeping in range with INR up and down.

As an incredibly clumsy 75 year old with a degree in falling over I have to say it has caused no issues at all. I have been cut and bruised and noticed no appreciable difference in recovery time except anno domini!! Eliquis is very short acting which is why it's taken twice a day . I would be more scared of the risks of not being anticoagulated personally.

[DuckWing in reply to Bagrat]

Thanks for your good info Bagrat, makes me feel more confident in starting this med

[Vonnieruth in reply to DuckWing]

I was terrified also at first Now it's part of my normal routine At first it was all what if I cut myself what if I bang my head No one is a bigger worrier than me believe me No going for bloods checked No watching what you can and cannot eat .I still don't like taking it but I accept it now Sure you will to

[Hidden]

No issues at all taking them.....

[DuckWing in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[wilsond]

I have had no problems with it

[malcolmwilliams in reply to wilsond]

I have not had any problems

[BobD Volunteer]

Just remember that you are NOT taking this drug for AF you are taking it to help prevent you having a stroke. AF makes us five times more at risk of stroke and those AF related strokes are amongst 80% of the least recoverable. Rather than be afraid (no reason to anyway) you should welcome it like your new best friend.

[wilsond in reply to BobD]

Yep..totally endorse this post..never so relieved to be given medication in my life..after mini stroke..and very strong family history of AF strokes..chucked my Apixaban down my neck with gratitude!!😀

[CDreamer]

No issues at all and if you read Bagrat’s recent post about AF associated dementia risk - People on oral anticoagulants have a lower risk of developing dementia - even more reason to take them.

[Finvola]

Starting Apixaban over five years ago caused me some worries too - but so far, they have all been unfounded.

Since starting I've had 2 teeth taken out, several fillings done, had cuts and just recently an ablation for varicose veins in my leg. None of these caused any bleeding problems and I didn't have to stop Apixaban at any time. I had several allergy induced nosebleeds which were scary but once the allergy was addressed, the nosebleeds stopped. If you do have a cut which bleeds, keep pressure on the cut for twice as long as before you took Apixaban as it slows the clotting process.

I am more aware of common sense safety as far as sharp objects and activity are concerned - not a bad thing I suppose as I am quite an old doll!

You'll be fine.

[Hidden]

It isn't for AF really- it is to prevent you having a stroke which might happen if you were in AF for a considerable time. It doesn't actually help prevent or lessen the AF itself- I am taking half the dose now and realise that must account for my feelings of tiredness and exhaustion but we are all different- drug dosages are based on the average male so we women are at a disadvantage in these things! God Luck!

[Countrydweller2 in reply to Hidden]

What drug has been halved for you? They all make me ill, been wondering whether I could reduce my apixaban.

[Hidden]

Been on it 3 years, nothing to report. I was on warfarin for many years prior to that and I did have problems with that due to INR jumping up and down sometimes quite dramatically for no apparent reason. It's such a relief not to have blood testing any more.