Both my mother and I have AF. The question I am asking is my mother had a text from the doctors yesterday saying that this drug is well known for causing stomach bleeds and wants her to go on another medication to combat this(Omeprazole)
Has anyone else been told this as my mum has been on this drug for over two years with no problems? She doesn’t really want to take any more drugs, she is 78.
I think it more accurate that whilst Rivaroxaban does not promote internal bleeding, if such does occur then it may be worse. My personal problem with ppis such as omeprazole is that they very often make reflux far worse if taken long term. I found this many years ago and understand the mechanics of the problem since when I refuse to take them for more than a couple of weeks.
Rivaroxaban does need to be take correctly and that means with a full meal containing fat which fact often gets missed.
I don’t take Rivaroxaban but from what we sometimes hear, it can contribute to stomach problems, particularly if not taken with a “proper” meal, not just a snack. There are alternatives such as Apixaban which do not seem to cause the same kind of problem but the normal dose requires two tablets a day. It might be worth exploring alternatives with your mothers doctor......
Whichever NOAC your mother takes it is possible she needs a lower dose if her weight is very low as she is nearly 80.
For some reason, your mum's GP must think that, owing to her health or age, she's at higher risk of bleeding in her oesophagus, stomach or intestines. Taking a stomach acid suppression drug such as omeprazole has been shown to reduce the risk of this.
So far as I understand matters, the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by anticoagulants is very low and certainly not "well known" (which implies, at least, that the risk is high). I would question your GP on the wording of the text, myself.
At the end of the day, I suppose, anticoagulants do carry risks, but it is striking a balance between such risks and the risk of stroke.
Steve
My wife was also prescribed Omeprazole when she was put on Rivaroxaban. In her case she suffers badly with acid reflux and has benefited from taking the Omeprazole.
My cardiologist is the area specialist for ACs and he said research from the States meant he switched me from Rivaroxaban to Edoxaban PIP but Apixaban appears to be the favourite here. He did not specify what the research said, sorry.
I was diagnosed with erosive gastritis and a gastric ulcer following an endoscopy in March. I was told that Rivaroxaban had caused this.
It has been a very long story for me since, but I still have the gastric symptoms.
Personally, if I could tolerate Omeprazole, I would take it to protect my stomach, but I cannot tolerate any PPI’s to aid the stomach healing. I took Ranitidine for 14 weeks until it caused AF due to a build up. I think Ranitidine has now been removed.
I started Warfarin a couple of weeks ago, as I have failed on all of the NOAC’s. Not sure if I am going to tolerate that either.
Val
I am 75 years young and take Omeprazole and Rivaroxaban. So far, so good.
I’ve been on Rivaroxaban and omeprazole for five years both prescribed together with no issues. However I already had gastro oesophageal reflux when I developed AF. , also had gastritis and duodenitis before AF too
I took Rivaroxaban for 3 months without issues.
I am 72 and I have been on this drug for 5 years. My GP told me not to cut myself as it is difficult to stop! He told me to look for unexplained bruises. I have had teeth extracted while I have been taking this without any trouble. I would be inclined to have a chat with him again and ask if there are any alternatives and mention her reluctance to add another tablet to her day.
Hi Jane--4 years ago I was put on Rivaroxaban. I have had problems with digestive problems most of my life and I was concerned when I discovered that Riv could cause gastric bleeding. I did some research on the website of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and found that Apixaban was 'kinder' on the stomach than Rivaroxaban, so I asked my GP if I could switch, and he agreed. Fingers crossed I have had no real problems in the 3 years I have been taking it. Perhaps your mum could discuss with her GP if Apixaban would be better for her. I can understand that she doesn't want to take Omeprazole. From experience I know that PPIs come with their own set of problems. Best wishes, Lizzie
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