Apixaban, bloodshot eyes and easily obtained bruised

[Lindabob]

My AF has been quiet for 5 years now apart from a couple of very short bursts. My consultant wants me to continue taking Apixaban, but I’m worrying about the bruising and bloodshot eyes that now seem to be occurring. Any views?? My doctor agrees that I should come off them now, I’m 68 now, healthy and active.

Thanks 😊

[Hidden]

What you have been told by your Consultant reflects the opinion of most, if not all EP’s and the majority of Cardiologists. GP’s may be less well informed and not fully appreciate the reasoning behind remaining on anticoagulants once diagnosed with AF. However, if you or your immediate family have a history of spontaneous internal bleeding, you need to be more cautious. Burst blood vessels behind the eye are not uncommon. I take Apixaban and it has happened to me twice in 6 years, probably due to aggressive sneezing in the hay fever season. I had it checked out with my Cardiologist and he saw no cause for concern and within a week, the eye had returned to normal.

However, I suggest you make sure you are having regular blood tests to check your kidney function as this is the means by which excess chemicals leave the body. Your decision of course, but you need to decide whether or not bruising is preferably to increasing the risk of stroke which as I understand it, remains regardless of ANY treatment for AF.

[Lindabob in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your comment, I feel so well and my AF is quiet, Apixaban feels so unnecessary but I think it’s a temporary wobble on my part. I won’t be stopping the Apixaban 😊😊

[BobD Volunteer]

Your EP is the expert NOT your GP.

[Lindabob in reply to BobD]

Very true, I have no argument with that, however, is the risk of a ‘bleed’ becoming greater than the risk of an AF stroke?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Lindabob]

Your choice I'm afraid but the most common "bleeds" as you call them are gastric . Occasional blood shot eyes and bruises are transient whereas a stroke is permanent.

[Lindabob in reply to BobD]

I know you are right, but I do worry about it. My mum had a catastrophic stroke so I am very aware of the alternative. Just having a wobbly morning I think. Thanks for stating the obvious at me😊

[Dee5165 in reply to BobD]

What does it mean that bleeds are gastric?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Dee5165]

The most serious bleeds to worry about Dee are usually internal in your intestines or stomach. It is these that are most serious as they often go undetected .

[Dee5165 in reply to BobD]

Thank you for your quick response! Sorry to bother you but are bleeds from Blood thinners? If I am on Eliquis, How would I know if I was having gastric issues that can cause bleed?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Dee5165]

Anticoagulants are not blood thinners, they just slow the clotting process. This common misnomer often makes people think that they will bleed spontaneously which of course is nonsense. The problems with gastric bleeding is that any internal weakness or acid errosion such as ulcers can bleed more easily.

Please don't worry about these things. If you are fit and healthy apart from AF get on with your life. I would only worry of I had uncontrolled reflux or constant stomach pain which needs investiagtion.

[Dee5165 in reply to BobD]

Wow! Thank you so much for this information! I do have Afib even after Cardioversion. I am otherwise healthy so I have decided to reduce meds, except for Eliquis, and take supplements. Besides Magnesium, Vitamin D3 and Wild Alaskan Fish Oil, I take Hawthorn Berry which I read can also interfere with blood thinners. Now that I know Eliquis is an anticoagulant, I am no longer concerned. I am doing well on these supplements as they have improved my quality of life with Afib! Again, thank you for responding.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Dee5165]

Id avoid teh Hawthorn berry as it may mess with the anticoagulant. Alwasy discuss any herbal or supplements with you GP or pharmacist.

[MarkS]

I take warfarin. I had a bloodshot eye after an exercise session which involved leaning down quite energetically (swinging a kettle bell between my legs to strengthen my back). I was also taking curcumin at the time. I stopped the curcumin (a known antiplatelet) and my eyes improved. I have resumed the exercise with no recurrence. Are you taking any supplement like that?

[Lindabob in reply to MarkS]

Thanks for your comment, always good to hear different experiences 😊

[RoyMacDonald]

My optician told me that a bleed into the white of the eye was harmless and always looked more alarming than it was.

[Lindabob in reply to RoyMacDonald]

Thank you!! Good to hear😊

[doodle68]

Hi Linda I take Apixaban and have occasionally had blood shot eyes and I do bruise more easily but count that as a small price to pay to avoid the possibility of an AF induced stroke .

[Lindabob in reply to doodle68]

It’s true I know, but when AF is silent and I feel so well I sort of question the necessity. But I am still taking the damn things😊. Thanks for your comment😊