Anticoagulants cause back pain?

[Geonome]

I've been doing a lot of research on whether anticoagulants can cause back pain. What I've found is that if you look hard enough, any drug can be reported to cause any side effects.

So, realistically, I'm asking those who have experience with anticoagulants. I've been on apixaban for approximately 2 years. Recently I've started having approximately 1/2 hr episodes of severe lower bilateral back pain. Doesn't seem to be related to any activity. Improves when lying down.

Has anyone had similar experiences with apixaban, and did a change to another anticoagulant, i.e. Edoxaban or Warfarin make any difference?

[Jalia]

If that was me I would be making an appt with my GP.

There can be so many causes of back pain but I think you would be wise to seek medical advice as this is sudden onset.

[Geonome in reply to Jalia]

Thank you. I've been considering this, but I know the cause of back pain is very hard to diagnose, so thought I might just be wasting my time and the doctor's time.

[CDreamer]

No, not had anything that I would attribute to Apixaban. I do have lower back pain, but had that a long time before taking Apixaban.

I’m wondering about the logic of believing it has anything to do with anti-coagulants? My first thoughts for lower back pain is poor posture, muscle strain or vertebrae misalignment so I would be booking a Chiro appointment, especially if it eased when lying down.

[Geonome in reply to CDreamer]

The reason I suspected medication side effects, is that this is a different sort of pain. I've had chronic back pain due to an inflammatory condition for years, but this is lower, and both sides simultaneously, and at times can be too painful to touch. I've thought kidneys but not likely. Maybe muscle spasms?

This pain started when I changed from flecainide PIP to daily, and added first diltiazem, then switched to digoxin. So I surmised it was the diltiazem, but when I switched to digoxin, no change. Couldn't tolerate digoxin either, discontinued it. Back pain continued intermittently. So I thought it was the increase in flecainide, and I discontinued it for a few days, but no change.

So I'm back on flecainide as PIP. (seeing EP again in 3 weeks)

I might just need to stop visiting Dr Google, and see my family doctor!! or a chiropractor!!

Although it was through visiting Dr Google that I came across this website. Thanks, Dr Google!!

[Peony4575 in reply to Geonome]

I would advise GP before chiropractor. Try and find out what you are dealing with before attempting to do anything about it

[BobD Volunteer]

I agree with CDreamer here. Why do we all blame anything we are taking for our problems?

Unless this were a kidney issue I very much doubt that the drugs are responsible after this length of time.

[Peony4575 in reply to BobD]

To be balanced Bob. Sometimes it CAN be what we are taking that is causing our problems. Not commenting on the origin of the problem in this case

[Finvola]

Low back pain can have so many causes and triggers but I've never connected back pain with Apixaban which I have taken for nearly six years. Heat and cold packs and a good chiropractor are always my first line of attack.

[Geonome in reply to Finvola]

Thank you for your replies. They all make a lot of sense.

I guess I'll just have to continue with the anticoagulant....:))

Chiropractor might be a good idea.

[Peony4575 in reply to Geonome]

I have currently got bilateral lower back pain. My job involves a few hours a day sat at the computer. Last few months I have been working in a different room /chair etc and have no doubt that is the cause . Have been doing some yoga exercises a few times a day and they are starting to make an impact. I second physio over chiropractor as your problem sounds like it may be muscular

[MarkS]

I would suggest a physio rather than a chiro. Your problems may be due to weak muscles and physios are best at suggesting exercises to correct that.

[Geonome in reply to MarkS]

Interesting...I'll consider that. Thanks.

[Pearipile-55]

Si eu am dureri de spate in zona lombara! Am facut testul DEXA pt determinarea densitatii osoase si a iesit ca am la coloana oase fragile -2 din cauza asta ma doare coloana.Durerea cedeaza cand ma relaxez in pat la la orizontala si se accentueaza cand stau in picioare sau car greutati. Se numeste osteopenie ,si precede osteoporozel. Si barbatii fac aceasta boala!

[PICCASO]

Yes my cardiology guy change my warfarin to riveroxaban and halved my bisoprolol so 2.5 a day as was having ectopic beats after about 3 weeks developed severe back pain had to sleep on floor saw physio and did exercise for 3 weeks. Saw warfarin clinic nurse and went back to warfarin. It is one of the side effects.