A query Re Apixaban: Hi, Im new here... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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A query Re Apixaban

Jbande3 profile image
95 Replies

Hi, Im new here. I’ve recently been diagnosed with AF and prescribed Apixaban but I’m worried about taking it. The side effects seem to be horrendous. Can you offer any help?

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95 Replies

Hi. I am on apixiban and bisoprolol due to a rapid afib episode in July. For me, only symptom I have is brain fog at times( if from the tablets). Apart from that, no other issues as far as I am concerned

in reply to

Brain fog is normally associated with Bisoprolol rather than Apixaban. If it’s a problem, alternatives are available such as Nebivolol or calcium channel blockers such as Diltiazem but they may have to be prescribed initially by a specialist……

in reply to

Hi. I did wonder looking at both sets of side effects and from what people put on here. Think i may need to change meds for be sure.

Dozer5 profile image
Dozer5 in reply to

I was put on Eliqius (Apixaban) in March 2016 for a year after suffering a Pulmonary Embolism. I had no problems with the drug other than excessive bleeding if I nicked myself. I'm now on Bisoprolol for AFib and find that, like others have mentioned, I get a little dopey during the day. However, this might just be getting older and with a positive mental attitude you can conquer this....getting up and making yourself do stuff is the best cure.....mind over matter!

in reply to Dozer5

Hi yeah I find mornings are not the best for me. As day goes on it tends to wear off.

PollyDoodle profile image
PollyDoodle in reply to

I have been taking Apixaban plus other meds, for several years and have had no problems, apart from a bit of extra bleeding from the odd cut or two. Much easier than taking warfarin and having to keep testing.

in reply to PollyDoodle

Hi. Haven't noticed any extra bleeding (touch wood). If happens will remember side effect from meds.

rathlee profile image
rathlee in reply to

As I understand it, the rationale for prescribing the anti-coagulant Apixaban is to prevent stroke from the pooling of blood in the upper heart chambers as a result of AF. To the same effect I have been on Rivaroxaban for the last two years and have had the relatively common but concerning side effects of blood in the urine, nosebleeds and tooth bleeding. There is a survey financed by the makers of Rivaroxaban, Bayer, on side effects taking place in our GP surgery which follows up on side effects. Having heard my story, the interviewing pharmacist suggested that I change to the competitor Pfizer/Bristol anti-coagulant Apixaban, which is a twice daily dosage. The side effects of both are similar on paper, heavily associated with bleeding, but hopefully Apixaban may be kinder to my body which I start to-morrow. Both anti-coagulants are prophylactics for stroke-related disease but, in my case at least, has little or no perceptible impact on the regularisation of AF.

in reply to rathlee

I hope you get on better with apixiban. I am on the twice per day dosage. Haven't had any side effects(touch wood). The occasional bleed brushing teeth but think had that before taking it anyway.

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly in reply to rathlee

I used to take Rivaroxaban but that did have side effects and was difficult to take with gastro issues.

I think it’s natural to worry a bit when put on any blood thinner. The good news is that, for most people Apixaban has no serious side effects, and is much easier to live with than warfarin which needs so much monitoring. And it will lessen your increased risk of having an Afib induced stroke which would be truly horrendous! And if you do happen to have any untoward side effects, you can always stop Apixaban and try something else. The duration of its clinical actions are very short lived!

Jbande3 profile image
Jbande3 in reply to

Thank you so much - it eases my mind

in reply to Jbande3

Glad to hear Jbabde3👍

milehighlinnie profile image
milehighlinnie in reply to Jbande3

I have had the same experience. No side affects at all. I also did not want to take it but I did. I had a successful ablation 5 months ago and now my doctor wants me to discontinue it. That was my goal as well and now that I have his blessing I’m afraid to stop it.

Hms03049 profile image
Hms03049

I fought my Dr for a decade and finally had to take apixiban befor a cardio conversion. I haven't noticed a single side effect. I get bumps and scrapes at work and do not bleed more or bruise. I've been on it for 6 months.

Jbande3 profile image
Jbande3 in reply to Hms03049

That’s so comforting to know. Thank you

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

The risk of stroke if you do not take it is five times higher than the average person if you have AF,

in reply to BobD

Yes, but what IS the risk of the stroke? If it is, for example, 0,1% then increasing by five times makes it only 0,5%! And depends on CHADS score as well.

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer in reply to

Your choice but remember the risk is per year so over five years that is five times five. I've said it many times that you can always stop taking anticoagulants but you can never undo a stroke. Whilst AF related strokes account for only 20% of all strokes they do account for 80% of the last recoverable ones. Most of us old stagers consider anticoagulants our best friend.

beardy_chris profile image
beardy_chris

I've been taking apixaban for about 7 years with no side effects - apart, perhaps, from losing my hair - but that might be just from getting older anyway! 👨‍🦲

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly

I’ve taken it for years and have no side effects I can blame on it apart from some hair loss which would be expected at my age anyway. Like most meds best to take with a glass of water.

RoyM profile image
RoyM

I have been on the anticoagulant Apixiban ( it doesn't thin the blood merely slows the clotting time) for years with no side effects whatsoever. Just ensure you have yearly blood tests for liver and kidney function. Cheers Roy

Frodo profile image
Frodo in reply to RoyM

I wasn't told this (about the tests) ?

pusillanimous profile image
pusillanimous in reply to Frodo

Doesn't your GP make you have a full blood count every year? I don't look forward to that time as you have to be starved, and although under normal circumstances, I would not think about being hungry, when I'm told that I must not eat after midnight, I become ravenous.! Luckily the little office that takes the samples for the path lab opens at 7.30pm !

Frodo profile image
Frodo in reply to pusillanimous

No, either I have to request it myself or sometimes I've seen a consultant and they've asked for me, or taken bloods themselves at the hospital if the appointment has been "live". (Still have to arrange myself with GP or it gets left as the letters seem to be filed unread and unactioned).

I'm wondering if this is usual. I know at least twice reception has put in my record that they've contacted me about stuff when they haven't, and that they've marked "actioned" on an office to-do list when they hadn't actioned anything.

pusillanimous profile image
pusillanimous in reply to Frodo

I live in South Africa, so maybe the system is different(most of us belong to Medical Aid schemes which are non profit making organisations to which you subscribe it is not medical insurance , it is different) Except for those wo are employed by the government in Hospitals, all doctors and specialists are private, so unless they leave the practice you stay with the same doctor, every visit and she or he makes sure you have your tests when due. For pathology for example she fills in a form supplied by the Lab (private) while you are with her showing all the tests she wants, You go the next day if you like with the form to the receiving depot and blood is drawn if they are blood tests or other samples are left for other tests. The doctor then gets the results a couple of days later (for blood) and phones you and tells you how your, liver, thyroid kidneys, cholesterol, sugar red and white blood cells etc. are doing !

Frodo profile image
Frodo in reply to pusillanimous

Ah yes - UK NHS - totally different!

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly in reply to Frodo

I have annual blood test re Apixaban if not needed otherwise.

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly in reply to pusillanimous

Not done here!

Alphakiwi profile image
Alphakiwi

Im on RIVAROXABAN doesnt seem to effect me. Been on it at least a year. Its a blood thinner. The one that affected me badly wasbisoprololl.I only have the blood thinner and a pacemaker now. No arrythmia but i am finding it hard to improve fitness

LT2511 profile image
LT2511

I was just diagnosed with AFIB in Aug and put on Apixiban and Bisoprolol and so far been fine with no side effects. Just seen the consultant last week and continuing on the meds as they are keeping my heart rate steady and normal so far. I'd just take it and see how you go as you need a blood thinner with AFIB as it carries a risk of causing clotting.

I’ve been taking Apixaban for almost 6 years without a problem. Having worked with stroke victims in the past, trust me when I say you should do everything possible to minimise the risk……..

Jbande3 profile image
Jbande3 in reply to

I know and it does scare me but I react so badly to meds.

in reply to Jbande3

I’m in fear of raising an old chestnut but here goes! Because anticoagulants are referred to as blood thinners, many people are fearful that blood will ooze from every orifice on their body but it just isn’t like that. If I cut my finger, get a nosebleed or occasional get a gum bleed when cleaning my teeth, for me, it really is no different than it was before I took anticoagulants (Apixaban). I’m mindful that I’m more vulnerable when riding a bike or using power tools so I take sensible precautions. Anticoagulant manufacturers have no option but to list every possible side effect but it’s done to mitigate their risk against legal action. Take a look at the side effects listed for paracetamol and you wouldn’t want to take them either 😉

beach_bum profile image
beach_bum in reply to

Well said. I'm on Xeralto...very similar to Eliquis, have also had plenty of mishaps involving the red stuff going outside instead of staying inside, and no noticeable difference in coagulation time. 😋

Billblue profile image
Billblue in reply to

Nice answer

I woke up during the night back in July rapid afib measured at 186 BPM. Spent 5 days in hospital in afib as it wouldn't go back to sinas rythum. Afib averaged 150bpm. Then on day 6 it flipped back into sinas rythum. Was then discharged with bisoprolol and apixiban. No exploration except ultrasound on stomach

Ticktoc profile image
Ticktoc in reply to

Same for me not had follow up not seen cardiologist or Gp have occasional flutters but usually if I'm stressed really don't want meds If I don't need them hate the bruising i get since being on Apixiban had petetchia rash and have constipation probs i already take Statins and no meds tho bp usually in range stopped one amlodipine and ppi as I 've changed diet cos they said I was over weight at 10 1/2 st im now 8 st 12 lb told me i had NAFLD as my liver enzymes were raised but I think that was steroids n antibiotics for copd over 10yrs had app with gastro consultant last July but up to now it's been cancelled 4 times impossible to see a Dr in our practice had 1 with nurse and all she said was oh prob best to wait n see consultant !!! Good luck

in reply to Ticktoc

Hi. Have got fatty liver and have suffer from bloated stomach on and off for a few years. Do have IBS symptoms, maybe it is from that. Have had the odd flutter but no afib or raised HR since been on meds, apart from when I exercise, which still don't get that high. Good luck with consultant appointment. Hope you get it soon.

EsteleW profile image
EsteleW

I recommend that you try it. For many people it works beautifully with no side effects. My sister could take it - I can't. But I did take it on and off for six months while trying to find an alternative. All the side effects reversed when I went off apixaban, and I'll take it again if I have to, short term. (I don't have afib, I've had repeated DVTs and PEs, with multiple provocations. I'm off anticoagulants at present.)

Cheddars profile image
Cheddars

Hi I have been taking apixaban for about 7 years no side effects what so ever..

Jbande3 profile image
Jbande3 in reply to Cheddars

So nice to know. Thank you

Vrouse profile image
Vrouse

I was put on Apixaban 2 years ago following a stroke caused by AF which I didn't know I had. Never had a problem and more than happy to take it to lessen the risk of another stroke. I also take Bisoprolol. Give it a go for a while, you may not have any side affects.

Jbande3 profile image
Jbande3 in reply to Vrouse

After reading all the replies I feel encouraged. Thank you

Mark_tourguide profile image
Mark_tourguide

Thanks for posting. I’m interested to know if anyone HAS noticed any significant side effects? I’ve been taking APIXABAN for some 18 months now and I find lots of aches and pains (especially first thing) and general slower mobility. This could be down to the stroke I had of course!Also taking statins.

Jbande3 profile image
Jbande3 in reply to Mark_tourguide

In my experience that’s more likely to be the statins. They affected my leg muscles very badly - could hardly walk

Mark_tourguide profile image
Mark_tourguide in reply to Jbande3

Yes I suspected that. Did you ask to come off or change them?

Jbande3 profile image
Jbande3 in reply to Mark_tourguide

No, I just stopped taking them and within 3 days I was back to normal and able to walk upstairs again without difficulty. Never had them since

Ruby40 profile image
Ruby40 in reply to Jbande3

My doctor said you can take these every other day if they affect your legs. But ask your GP first.

Frodo profile image
Frodo in reply to Mark_tourguide

I first noticed strange and increased visual aura, dizziness and weakness which wore off. Then about three months in, I developed new hip and knee issues, unusual stiffness, getting up and down from the floor became a problem for the first time in my life - still ongoing. But unless I go off it, I won't know if it was the Apixaban that caused this. I also had a severe dental abscess and extraction at the time this began with two lots of antibiotics so I suspected that as the cause. I also had prolonged bleeding after the extraction and had to return several times to the dentist for help. However, that was almost three years ago, so maybe it (the joint issue) is the Apixaban.

belindalore profile image
belindalore in reply to Mark_tourguide

My partner took Eliquis and had to stop after a year. He tried adjusting the dose and the side effects eased some. He was always short of breath. No energy. His legs swelled up and ulcerated. Feet were turning black. None of his Drs tested his liver or kidney functions. We are in the USA and he uses the military veterans medical system. The Drs switched him to Xarelto when they finally realized what the Eliquis was doing to him. The Xarelto plugged up his prostate. He had to be catheritized for a awhile. Dr wanted him to try a 3rd one. The side effects listed were as bad as the Xarelto and my partner said no way. Drs says take aspirin. He's now taking natural treatments and doing better. I also could not take these drugs. No Drs mentioned having my kidney or liver tested. Crummy pill pushing Drs who don't listen. Some of us just can't tolerate pharma meds. Great for those who can. Everyone is different. All you can do is see how you react to the pharmas. And hope you have good Drs who listen to your concerns. Not trying to be snarky or cause you worry. But taking these drugs are not a bed of roses for everyone. Wishing you the best on your journey.

exmouth profile image
exmouth

Hi Jbande3. I’ve been diagnosed with af through lockdown. I was prescribed Apicaban and Bisopolol I can’t say I’ve had any side affects.I’ve been having more attacks lately so they’ve upped my Bisopolol unfortunately still not great I’m also trying Magnesium and Vitamin C Take care and Keep safe

Dee5165 profile image
Dee5165 in reply to exmouth

Try adding Hawthorn Berry and Co-Q10 to the supplements. Both are helpful for arrhythmia's. However it takes 8 weeks to show benefits.

exmouth profile image
exmouth in reply to Dee5165

Thanks will give it a go

Neoneo profile image
Neoneo

I have been on it for a couple of years with no side effects. I take it at 7am and 7pm without fail. It does not interfere with any aspect of my life except to protect me from stroke. All medicines have warnings. Give it a go and protect yourself.

Jbande3 profile image
Jbande3 in reply to Neoneo

That’s encouraging - thank you

Nan1 profile image
Nan1

I changed from Warfarin to Apixiban in June last year. No problems at all apart from some hair loss which I found very worrying at first. Now I wonder if it’s just an age thing anyway. What’s lovely is not having to worry about what I eat and whether Warfarin levels are either too high or too low. I like the security of knowing it hopefully will lessen the possibility of my having a stroke.

Ascb profile image
Ascb

I felt the same when I was prescribed apixaban. But - the consequences of not taking it are far worse. That's the way I see it. X

Suebo2 profile image
Suebo2

The side effect of af is a stroke, incidence quite high. . Far worse than occasional bleeding. My advice is NOT to read about side effects. Your doctor would not prescribe a medication that was not required.

Ducky2003 profile image
Ducky2003

Ideally , none of us would have to take any medication but the risk of my not taking the Apixaban is far higher so that's what I based my decision on.

Tryfan profile image
Tryfan

Dont know anyone who enjoys taking meds. Natural to be concerned. I've been reluctant in taking Apixaban for 5 years. The anticoagulant reduces as others have written the possibility of a stroke.I haven't noticed any side effects.

Jbande3 profile image
Jbande3 in reply to Tryfan

👍

AstroFish profile image
AstroFish

I’ve been taking it for 18 months now after having similar fears - I’ve been felt absolutely fine with no problems whatsoever. If anything I’ve felt reassured to be protected against strokes - it’s removed anxiety which in turn has helped my heart rate. It’s a win win for me.

doodle68 profile image
doodle68

Hello Jbande 🙂 I have been taking Apixaban for over 4 years with no noticeable side effects except I bruise more easily.

I too was reluctant to take it originally but now it gives me reassurances that I have a degree of stroke protection.

Jbande3 profile image
Jbande3 in reply to doodle68

👍

Dinamite profile image
Dinamite

Look at the Statins if you have aches and pains. They are the culprits. Also gave me terrible night cramps. Apixaban hasn’t ever caused me any side effects and is perfect for most. Much easier, safer and effective than Warfarin which I had to take for 10 years until these new blood thinners arrived.

TracyAdmin profile image
TracyAdminPartner

Welcome to the Forum ! it is natural to be concerned about taking any new medication, even over the counter painkillers list lots of possible side effects, if you are concerned, especially if taking other prescribed medication, you should discuss with your doctor or pharmacist. If you would like information about anticoagulants or prescribed medications to treat AF? visit 'Patient Resources' on our website, all resources are available to download : heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

listerines profile image
listerines

Been on apixiban 2 + years and no troubling side effects so far. Yes more blood when I cut myself and you have to consider the risk factors (i. E. brain bleed) if suffer nasty fall/accident etc... But lowers stroke risk and antidote to reverse drug effects readily available in hospital. Perhaps try for month and see how it goes? That said we are all different and may have strong reaction on it so keep a daily side effects journal to discuss with health care professionals l. Antiarrhythmics/ beta blockers are probably the meds with a higher incidence of more troublesome side effects. Keep safe

Poochmom profile image
Poochmom in reply to listerines

I too have not had any side effects from Apixaban in the two years I’ve been on it. I had to laugh reading your post because I took a fall on a slippery floor in McDonalds several month back and wound up with a bruise on my hip/thigh that was huge (8” in diameter. ). It wasn’t funny then But it’s healed and no longer there. I knew it was because of the Eliquis. Better that than a stroke.

listerines profile image
listerines in reply to Poochmom

Good to hear you are in the same boat as me with no really negative side effects - and glad the slip at McDonalds was not too bad and you can laugh at it now. Did they appease you with extra nuggets ;-) Guess only thing at this moment that tickles the back of my mind is any effects of using Eliquis/ Apixaban for the long haul say 5, 10, 15 , 20 years or more as these drugs are relatively new and they do not have the benefit of longitudinal studies. Like you say though probably way better than a stroke. Keep safe out there

Poochmom profile image
Poochmom in reply to listerines

Haha! Yes they did appease me. I got my apple pies for free! Had to fill out accident report and all that. Have a great day!!!!

Hannibal1948 profile image
Hannibal1948

Hi,I've been taking Apixaban twice daily (5mg) for two years and have not noticed any side effects at all, not even when I have a cut finger.

Maybe I'm on a small dose....

listerines profile image
listerines in reply to Hannibal1948

5mg x 2 is the regular/ normal daily dose - some bleed a lot more freely than others and I believe age, other health factors and other medications being taken can also make a difference. Good to hear no side effects for you. Keep safe

manabouttown profile image
manabouttown

It's always a wonder why people take medicines after reading the potential side effects leaflet. The leaflet is written more to protect the manufacturer than inform the patient.My advice would be to listen to your doctors.

SuziElley profile image
SuziElley

I’ve been on Apixaban for a year now with no side effects. I’d rather take it than risk a stroke. I did catch my hand in the secateurs the other day, fortunately not right between the blades. It did bleed more than it would have before, but soon under control. Apixaban isn’t a blood thinner. It’s an anticoagulant so stops the clot forming. So important in the case of AF. All the best 👍🏻

Poochmom profile image
Poochmom in reply to SuziElley

I discovered a product called wound care. It’s a powder that you put on the cut and the bleeding stops immediately. I think it’s similar to styptic powder. It works wonders.

Atriljohn profile image
Atriljohn

Hi I was on warfarin was asked if I'd like to go on apixaban . I have af caused by heart failure.I suffered aches pains blamed apixaban . Went back on warfariñ no change then bladder cancer 3rd year clear. Then parkinsons. realised parkinsons cause of pains.bled on apixaban after bladder biopsies but doc told me to persevere and now all ok make sure you have nothing else going on before you blame apixaban , ì get no side effects from apixaban

Mollyfeeder profile image
Mollyfeeder

I have no side affects worth talking

irene75359 profile image
irene75359

I also dislike taking medication but Apixaban is the one they would have to prise out of my hands! Having experienced a close family member suffering a stroke I would never miss an anti-coagulant.

Tryfan profile image
Tryfan

Further to my earlier personal view on Apixaban. Serendipity led me to You Tube. I think its fair to say one of this groups favourite cardiologist Dr Sanjay Gupta from York has done a video. It is named "I have Afib but don't want to take blood thinners'. I suggest viewing this will answer all your questions. More importantly reassure you and many of us.

Mollyfeeder profile image
Mollyfeeder

not at all I found no difference only heart has eased its racing

Offcut profile image
Offcut

I have been on Warfarin since 1992 and moved to Apixaban a few years back and to be fair I have had no real issues with it at all. I am complicated and still suffer AF, I agree that a lot of the issues are more the treatment to control the AF not the thinners? I moved from Bisoprolol to Nebivolol with Digoxin both at high doses. I had a very bad reaction to Diltiazem! But as I said I am complicated.

Be well

momist profile image
momist

Over four years in and the only side effect I have seen was an annoying itch on my back for the first six months or so. It has long since stopped.

Ruby40 profile image
Ruby40

Hi Jbande, I was taken to hospital and diagnosed with AF a month ago and put on Apixaban and Bisoprolol, in addition to the Ramipril I was already taking. I haven't had any problems with the Apixaban apart from diarrhoea at first, that seems to have reduced now. It's the Bisoprolol I'm having trouble with as it makes me very tired. I woyuldn't worry too much about Apixaban apart from being sure to tell your dentist!

Enobarbus profile image
Enobarbus

I've been on Eliquis for about 9 months with no noticeable side effects at all, other than a bit of extra bruising with venesection (I have haemachromatosis). When first diagnosed with Afib I was given Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) which gave me abdominal pains after two weeks, so I was taken off it and put on the Apixoban, and there were no more problems. I also take Sotalol. A couple of other people I've spoken to, both my age (74) or older, are also on Eliquis .for Afib and have reported no problems. One has been on it for about four years.

Wum1t1gs2s profile image
Wum1t1gs2s

Hi, I too was concerned about the reported side effects of Apixiban. I have been taking it for about a year now, sometimes get a little light headed, but, no other issues.

Jdunk profile image
Jdunk

It boils down to a matter of which are you afraid of most a blead that could cause death or a stroke. Percentages indicate stroke is much more prevalent. Good luck to you. I have been taking Apixaban for five years with no mishaps so far. One of my doctors warned me tremendously about stroke. That scared Warren

plopper profile image
plopper

4 years, no side effects.

djmnet profile image
djmnet

I've been taking it for 4-5 years, not a single side effect ever.

JP56 profile image
JP56 in reply to djmnet

My husband had paranoia for a few weeks but he was on lots of other meds for A FHe soon settled down and apart from getting very tired sometimes he is

doing well

One thing I would mention is they are not blood thinners they are anticoagulants ,the blood is the same it just does not clot as quick as people not on them

Husband and I both cut our arms on brambles and I bled longer and more than him but the normal blood loss such a cut

RoyMacDonald profile image
RoyMacDonald

No side effects for me. Age 77. No way do I want to risk another stroke.

DGET1 profile image
DGET1

Been on Apixaban for 4-5 years with no noticeable side effects 🙂

Badger2 profile image
Badger2

Hi I was originally put onto Rivaroxaban a couple of years back and moved to Apixiban about 6 months ago as the consultant felt that the chances of "bleeds" would be somewhat less. Apart from the slight inconvenience of taking two pills a day instead of one I have had no problems with it so far. I take statins and also esomprazole to protect my tum against the blood thinner. Maybe your problems are being caused by other drugs that you are taking reacting with Apixiban??? Hope it settles down for you soon

Jbande3 profile image
Jbande3 in reply to Badger2

Thanks so much

coghlins profile image
coghlins

On Eliquis with no side effects except occasionally the bruising

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