Apixaban

[Ayenwaters]

Hi! I’m new here.. I’m 34 years old and was diagnosed with Pulmonary Embolism in February this year and I’ve been on Apixaban for 3 months. And stopped Apixaban for a month. Doctor told me I’m at risk of having another episode of PE and it will likely in my lungs again. Now, I’m back on Apixaban today. I’m just worry to be on Apixaban for long term and side effects and at the same time worried if I stop it and the risk. I’m just so stressed now ☹️

[Hidden]

What side effects do you think Apixaban might be causing. I’ve been taking it for around 6 years and I’m not aware of any and we don’t get many posts about it but we are all different. It would also help if you mentioned any other medication you are taking.......

[Ayenwaters in reply to Hidden]

Hi Flapjack.. There is no other medication. Just Apixaban. Also, I’m waiting for my date for gall bladder surgery. I heard the side effects is bleeding easily and has to be careful about not banging head. Sometimes can’t think to be careful when you have a 4 years old running and jumping around.

[Hidden in reply to Ayenwaters]

I thought you were referring to physical side effects which might get from medication such as beta blockers. I can understand why you would be concerned, especially being young with a young family. As far as normal everyday cuts and scrapes are concerned, I noticed hardly any difference in stopping blood flow. Contrary to what people often think, anticoagulants do not thin the blood although contain chemicals which help to stop dangerous blood clots from forming. Most of us old geezers take normal common sense precautions when using machinery or working in the garden but as you rightly say, very often we forget but life has to go on. Spontaneous internal bleeding is not caused by the anticoagulant, it is generally caused by trauma or a reaction to some other medication. Of course serious traffic type accidents can cause a problem but we are told that in such cases, the outcome is likely to be the same whether or not they are taking an anticoagulant.

So I guess it’s a balance of risk and for most AF patients, as BobD says, anticoagulants tend to be our best friend. I have added a link below which shows the NICE guidelines for a variety of different situations regarding the management of Apixaban, including dealing with medical procedures and dental work which you should find helpful.....best of luck, your 4 year old can still have some fun with his Dad!

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anti...

[Ayenwaters in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the link. It really helpful. Thank you for your time and energy to respond. Really appreciate it.

[BobD Volunteer]

Many many of us here are on anticoagulants like apixaban for life. I have so far been on warfarin since 2004 with zero problems.

Seriously, Apixaban is your best friend right now.

[Ayenwaters in reply to BobD]

Thank you for your advise.

[CDreamer]

I have no problems on Apixaban, I’ve been taking it for 5 years now and will be for the rest of my life. No side affects, no excessive bleeds and I feel very confident taking Apixaban - wouldn’t touch Wafarin.

The very real risk you carry of another PE is far greater than a very small possibility of any side affects from Apixaban. I absolutely agree with Bob - it’s your best friend.

Take care.

[Ayenwaters in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you so much. Appreciate all the advise. It makes me feel calm down. X

[rosyG]

many of us have taken Apixaban for several years since it came out and have had no problems . PE is serious, as you know, so important to protect yourself with anticoagulant. I asked an eminent speaker at a medical conference, when I'd just started Apixaban, which AC he would take ( conference was on AC) and he said Apixaban That was before edoxaban had come on the market so not included. I wouldn't be concerned about being on Apixaban.If you have a tendency t clot easily, Apixaban probably just brings you to same level as those not on Apixaban.(guessing here- I'm not a doctor!!)

[Ayenwaters in reply to rosyG]

Thank you... this website is really helpful.

[Tryfan]

Like most I start with I'm not medically qualified. But after more than 2 yrs on Apixaban. I'm not aware of any side effects.Like a large number on this site I dont like taking drugs. It's a balance between the likelihood of a stroke, clot and any side effects.

I did for a while take chance on a stroke but after talking with my retired GP friends, I re started and have continued

It is of course yours and anyone else's choice. Balance the risk of serious in capacity against possible side effects. For me it became a no brainer. No observed side effects against serious incapacity.

Just avoid if you can bangs to the head. That is the most serious risk, bleeds to the brain. I'm active and carry on my life as normal.

[Ayenwaters in reply to Tryfan]

Thank you for the respond and advise.

[Desanthony]

No problems at all with apixaban been on it for just over 4 years now and have not noticed any difference when I cut myself. I am lucky and have always stopped bleeding quickly and still do. If this has changed it is not noticeable.

[Ayenwaters in reply to Desanthony]

Thank you for taking time to respond x

[Auriculaire]

I have been on Apixaban for over 2 years now. I do notice that if I cut or scratch myself when gardening I bleed for longer and the scratches take longer to heal but this is not serious. Just a bit unsightly. I have noticed hair thinning too and this has been reported by other female posters on Apixaban. But again this is not important in the context of clot prevention.

[Adalaide2020]

Hello. I have been Apixaban for more years than I can remember. I'm very active with my grandkids my dog and just generally quite accident prone! I am 65 and have fallen over that invisible matchstick but I have not caused myself any real harm. Cuts and scratches do sometimes take longer to stop bleeding, but they will. Dental work may need some thought , so make sure your dentists knows, as I'm sure you have. Carry your medical alert card. Enjoy your 4 year old and watch out for invisible matchsticks 🌻