Anticoagulant

[np66]

Hi everyone, are most people with AF on anticoagulants? my cardiologist has me on 1 tablet of apixiban a day is this normal? I have also been prescribed a beta blocker

[Hidden]

Good morning, below is a link to the NICE guidelines regarding Apixaban and right at the beginning there is dosing information. Whilst the normal dose is 2 x 5mg a day, there can be reasons why this can be reduced to 1 x 5mg. If you don’t think these reasons apply to you then I guess you should speak to your cardiologist.

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

Hope this helps…….

[Hidden]

I see you have not long joined the forum so welcome. AF is what is known as a mongrel condition in that it is different for everyone. Beta blockers are frequently prescribed because they help to control the heart rate which normally should be between 60 to 100 beats per minute. If you take a look at the following link it will guide you through lots of AF information which you may find helpful.

healthunlocked.com/afassoci.........

Lots of helpful folk here will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your condition……

[BobD Volunteer]

AF makes us five times more at rsk of a stroke so depending on co morbidities such as age, heart disease , high blood pressure and diabetes worked into a score known as CHADSVASC many of us are taking anticoagulants for life.

[CDreamer]

To a certain extent it is patient choice but should always be an informed choice but YES most of us would be taking anticoagulant. I take 2x5mg tablets of Apixaban daily so one tablet? I would question that as Apixaban has 12 hours of efficacy only.

[Hidden]

Hi np66, this is pretty standard for a new diagnosis. Your dose of Apixaban may be smaller. (One tablet contains 5mg) and most people seem to be prescribed two of those daily unless they have medical markers for a reduced dose. If you are now left wondering why only one Apixaban daily, then I'd ask a medical professional why. There's probably a good reason in your case.

[Desanthony]

Yes that's normal as far as I am concerned.

[splashrollandplod]

I got AF 2 years ago and had an ablation 5 weeks ago. For the 2 years I was on no medication at all, I think because it was paroxysmal AF, converting to sinus rhythm within a few hours each time and because I was otherwise healthy - RHR of 60, BP 123/82, BMI normal, no diabetes, non smoker, given up alcohol …. just a CHADSVASC point for being 65 ish. So I think the meds maybe depends on burden and risk.

[37Polly]

I recently had my dosage reduced from 5 to 2.5 but still 2x a day. It’s “half life” is only 12 hrs, according to my EP. check on line…once a day is generally inadequate for apixiban.