Side effects

[Pugsley]

On the advice of my cardiologist I have started taking 5 mg Bisoprolol and 60 mg of Edoxaban. I was previously on 300 mg Diltiazem for many years taken as one dose daily . I was diagnosed with PAF around ten years ago and up until now I have been relatively lucky!

I had a bad AF attack two weeks ago and had to go to the ED . As a result I was told I needed to change my meds and most definitely be on a blood thinner in fact they were horrified

I wasn’t already on one ! (I’m 67)

Started the meds yesterday and I’ve been awake most of the night with stomach cramps and nausea, as you can imagine I’m loathe to take today’s dose but not daft enough not to .

Is this normal !

Absolutely no point in trying to speak to my GP , it’s near nigh impossible !

[jeanjeannie50]

Please ring your GP's surgery now and ask for advice. Does Edoxaban have to be taken with food and did you do that? I know nothing about that drug I'm afraid.

Jean

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Or you could ring the hospital where your cardiologist is and ask to speak to his secretary.

[Pugsley in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you

[CDreamer]

It’s not normal and as far as I can see, not a known common affect, however, I have had that sort of experience with various meds and found that I needed to change how and when I took them. Did you take on an empty stomach? Did you take with a full glass of water? Most meds do need to be taken with water. Read the accompanying leaflet carefully and follow - to the letter.

I am on Apixaban and had absolutely no problems but for a few years was on Dabigatran, which was notorious for causing stomach upsets and I had to be very careful and take with food but not carbohydrates whereas Rivaroxaban needs to be taken with a reasonably substantial meal which should contain fat and protein.

If I were you I would experiment with taking differently but in the meantime continue to try to contact your GP as you should report this affect and you can also ask to be switched to another anticoagulant.

I DO know what you mean about contacting a GP as I have spent the last 3 days attempting to get through as they have changed their system and it is virtually impossible as when I complained by sending an email they reacted by saying they had problems with their telephones! Patient, polite persistence is the only way. Mmmmm............ for over a week now?! A lot of not happy people and enough to strain the patience and persistence of even the most even tempered and I’m not in that category.

I do hope you get it sorted but don’t just go on as you are. Have you been referred to an arrythmia clinic or cardiologist? Can you ring them?

[Pugsley in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you

[Gowers]

I am on the 300 Diltiazam as you were (aling with Digoxin) did it suddenly stop working for you? I have found it has calmed the fibrillation/flutter/ectopics

[Pugsley in reply to Gowers]

Sadly it wasn’t as effective as it had been . Flutters, Ectopics were all making a more frequent comeback and AF episodes we’re becoming more regular, culminating in a really bad attack two weeks ago .

I had been on Diazepam for a long time and it suited me fine but unfortunately on the advice of my cardiologist it was time for a beta blocker .

[Paulbounce]

I haven't had any experience with Edoxaban. However I have taken Bisoprolol in the past without any issues.

Certainly check the leaflets that comes with your med's. Some are best taken before food and others after eating.

If you can't get through to your GP why not try your pharmacist. They tend to be easy to contact and seem to be 'in the know' about med's.

Paul

[Pugsley in reply to Paulbounce]

Thank you

[purpleswimmer]

Hi. I am on 10mg Bisoprolol a pretty high dose and it definaty gives loose movements and occasional tummy cramps but it settles down. I also have permanent a fib and just been prescribed digoxin 62.5 as kept spiking going from 55 to 155 in one reading. However, feeling better than earlier in the year and able to fo more but bisoprolol can make you tired. An aftdrnoon nap is my friend. By the way most meds make me nauseas to begin with until I build up a tolerance. Xx

[Pugsley in reply to purpleswimmer]

Thank you

[sotolol]

Hello Pugsley is your Doctor’s surgery using a system where you can book an online appointment by email called e-consult. They email you back and you chat with the GP over the phone normally the next day.

Or email cardiologist’s secretary you can find them online when you look up the hospital that you visit.

Hope you get sorted soon.

[Pugsley in reply to sotolol]

I won’t bore you with my opinion of my Dr’s surgery , let’s just say I’m appalled ... it seems ridiculous that you can go to a pub or a restaurant if you so choose but can’t see a GP! Everything has settled down for now thank you and I see my cardiologist in a couple of weeks so fingers crossed .

[sotolol in reply to Pugsley]

Good and good luck.