My mother had a stroke 18 months and was on apixaban until recently. The apixaban caused chronic constipation so she was finally swapped to rivaroxaban in November. Since then she has had far more a-fib episodes than before and has been passing out frequently and ended up in A & E four times, the last time yesterday. Each time they find nothing and have now referred her back to her cardiologist urgently. I have been looking at side effects of rivaroxaban and reviews on drugs.com and I think it’s most likely the drug. Has anyone else experienced similar?
Victoria
Written by
Victoria156
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Sorry but I have never heard of anticoagulants such as Rivaroxaban causing increased AF burden. Make sure that she is taking it correctly in accordance with recent new guidelines EG with a proper meal containing some fat and that she is adequately hydrated at all times.
Hi Bob. Many thanks for you response. She is taking a prescribed and sees a nutritionist too. She has an Apple Watch now that shows her afib after starting the drug is much more frequent. We saw her gp this afternoon and now she is trying another another drug
AF begets AF so the more you have the more you will get. It may well be natural progression not any drugs. What anti arrhythmia drugs or rate control is she taking ?
I am wondering what other drugs she is taking? I have not heard of anticoagulants causing constipation but many heart medications do. It is dangerous to assume that all symptoms are related to AF - quite often AF can be caused by another condition. I hope her GP has done a fairly thorough check of her general health to rule out the possibility of internal bleeding etc. It's good she is getting an urgent referral. It must be terribly worrying for both of you 💜
Many thanks for your response. The apixaban I think definitely caused the constipation as after 18 months a week off and the problem was gone although I didn’t imagine the new side effects with rivaroxaban. We’ve seen the gp this afternoon and she’s changed the drug and ordered various tests including a ultrasound of her tummy as she said she may have felt something when examining her. Fingers crossed but at least tests are being done. Love to you too x
Hi Dawn. Many thanks for your response but I’m not sure I understand what you mean by watch out for accidents...? I’d be really grateful if you could clarify. Victoria x
Hello Victoria.. Rivaroxiban is an anti coagulant so if you have a fall or knock yourself hard there is a risk of a bleed. Likewise if you cut yourself it may take a little longer for the bleeding to stop. It's nothing to go in to a panic about but just be careful. You may find when you have a blood test that the "wound" takes a bit longer to stop bleeding. Inside the packet there should be a little booklet which they recommend you carry with you so if you are involved in an accident people are aware. I usually check with my dentist beforehand if he wants me to stop taking it for a short period if due any major dental work.
A bad bang on the head should be taken seriously as it can cause a brain bleed. If your mother hits her head when she falls it is best if she can have someone with her for a while to watch out for headache, nausea, dizziness or signs of confusion. I don't want to alarm you but that is the worst risk so you should be aware of it.
I have had constipation various times whether it be drugs, attempted Keto diet or poor nutrition. I solved the problem by taking a bit of psyllium husk such as some in my oatmeal in the morning.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
GP can't prescribe Rivaroxaban?
Rivaroxaban vs Apixaban 
REACTION TO RIVAROXABAN
Have you taken Xarelto (rivaroxaban)?
