My cardiologist has okayed in the past using moderate amt of IBUPROFIN when needed for inflammation. I’m not sure how to aptly follow RICE with minimal anti inflammatory when it seems the pain is mostly due to swelling.
Does anyone have experience with this or similar situation? I’ll admit I’m asking before I’ve searched the forum’s archives; I’ll do that next.
Thanks & hope everyone’s rhythm is tolerable today. SusanMarie
Ibuprofen like all NSAIDS is known to be a cause of AF so not a very bright idea. It is also contra-indicated if you are taking anticoagulation such as Xarelto . Small amounts of gel are said to be OK rubbed in but sparingly as tehy do not generally get into the blood stream.
Hi. I have a sprained ankle at the moment and like you am on anti coagulents. I can't use ibuprofen because I am asmatic so I am trying to manage with paracetamol and cold packs. I have ordered a support boot online so I am hoping ghat helps. You have my sympathy , it is painful. Hope you feel better soon.
my cardiologist allows 1 ibuprofen in the morning for my severe arthritis and to take my xarelto at night. I've had no problems, yes heat packs and electric blanket are also my saviours
Just to echo both previous posts. I find Arnica Gel as affective as NSAIDS and take soluble Paracetamol if I need for the pain. I’m recovering from broken wrist so sympathise, it’s more painful now I am using it than was in plaster and then splint.
Cold packs for acute swelling and warm for chronic I was told. The warmth helps you to mobilise the area so it does’t stiffen as the more you can walk in a normal fashion without limping, the better. Make sure you elevate your leg whenever you can to reduce the swelling.
I've read all I can on this as it's clearly a real problem if some kind of pain relief beyond that offered by paracetamol is needed. What I found was that it's clear that there are people who are taking NSAIDs and anti-coagulants. But it's also abundantly clear that there's a risk involved, even if you don't also take anti-coagulants: NSAID drugs, even at low dosage and for short periods, alter the lining of the gastric tract and in some people will cause erosion and bleeding, even after a very few doses, for some after only one dose.
For those of us taking an anticoagulant, that is quite some risk. That said, I would trust my doctor and follow his advice. Their care, training, learning and experience beats any amount of internet research in my books.
Steve
Ppiman
"for some after only one dose."
Yes, I have experience of this happening to a very young child, nothing to do with AF or anticoagulants.
I am concurrently recovering from a total knee replacement TKR and a PVI ablation, neither my OS or EP has expressed any concern with occasional Ibuprofen use with Xarelto. I have had no obvious reactions, with proven results in reducing the odd, to be expected, fluid on joint flare up. Early on in TKR recoveryI relied heavily on icing, inevitably as the recovery progresses icing is less convenient!
Thanks to each of you for taking the time to respond; we do the best we can, eh?!
I ended up in an ambulance to the hospital when I took an anti-inflammatory around the same time as my apixaban one morning. They do not mix.
Good Afternoon SMRM. I'm sorry you are suffering from pain. My mother was prescribed Xarelto, but was not able to handle the side effects of indigestion, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Regarding Ibuprofen, she has always been told to take Tylenol as it it safer and easier on her stomach, even before being prescribed any blood thinner. Mom also has severe arthritis which is controlled with Borax, biofreeze and Tylenol. I wish you all the best.
I can only have ibuprofen minimally as it once called esophageal bleeding, Therefore I avoid it as I take Xarelto
I'm allergic to all anti inflamatories so i can't help.
Xarelto and nosebleeds
An anxious drive / Inflammation 
Xarelto side effects.
Xarelto or also known as rivaroxaban
Xarelto at breakfast time.
