Painkillers and Apixaban

[cmjoyce]

Hi all,

Those of you on Apixaban what pain killers do you use. Particulary interested in anyone who also has osteoarthrits as only one offered to me was Naproxen which is listed on Drugs sites as a no no as could increase risk of bleeding.

Thanks.

[BobD Volunteer]

Never mind bleeding it is a known cause of AF as are all NSAIDs.

[cmjoyce in reply to BobD]

Did not know that Bob. Just feel forever in a no win situation

[Hidden]

Hi cmjoyce, I’m prescribed cocodamol 500mg/30mg up to 8 per day but I’m very cautious around long term use of opioids, so I never take more than 2 per day and do a lot of groaning in lieu of medication!

[cmjoyce in reply to Hidden]

That's very interesting. Thank you. Agree with the groaning!!

[Desanthony]

I take co codamol or co dydramol and paracetamol. They are not as good as NSAIDs .

[cmjoyce in reply to Desanthony]

Are they prescription or over the counter?

[Van28]

Hi I have osteoarthritis & prescribed co codomol 500/30. Try to stick with just taking 4 a day not 8 but hard as I’ve been on waiting list 3 yrs for hip replacement. Cancelled cause of needing ablation twice & because of covid. Will get new one one day. X

[cmjoyce in reply to Van28]

Thank you. I will see if my doctor will prescibe that.

[Diddyd]

Paracetamol and dihydrocodeine (rarely)

Also other options like Biofreeze gel which is great.

boots.com/brands/biofreeze

Widely available . Boots and Amazon stock it.

I have also just invested in a mini red light therapy lamp with two wavelengths. It is brilliant. Only need 10 mins on hands every other day to keep pain at bay. Pricey but this week the Black Friday deals are offering up to 25% off which is a good saving.

Also used on the dog for her arthritis. Neighbours are asking what we have done to her as she now bounds around 🤣 It has loads of research to back up its use for treatment of all sorts. Apparently used in race horses for joints etc and is so effective that the use of it is banned so many days before a race as it is considered an unfair advantage.

It also has healed up my eczema and skin in general looks better with fewer wrinkles. So definitely a winner here. When I can afford it, I’ll probably buy a bigger panel.

blublox.com/collections/red...

There are other makes like Platinum and you can get smaller handheld devices just for hands that are cheaper. I went with the Blublox as Dr Chatterjee recommends them for other things and the lights are top quality with the correct wavelengths to give health benefits. Some cheaper models don’t have both wavelengths and may not penetrate as well.

Take a look on You tube to see how people use them and different brands pros and cons if you are interested in them.

Hope this helps

[exmouth]

Hi Like you I have osteoarthritis (almost everywhere) I had a particularly bad day yesterday I take paracetamol and was given Cocodamol which I take rarely cos of the constipation thing I’m having a really bad flare up at moment and think I will have to take regularly I take Apixaban and Bisopolol for the Afib you have to be careful what to take when on Apixaban I need a new knee but haven’t had an appointment for two years due to being cancelled You have to think things can only get better(but when) Keep your chin up

[cmjoyce in reply to exmouth]

Thank you for your reply. You sound very much like me I also am on Bisoprolol. You say you have a really bad flare up at the moment, does this mean you also have periods of less severe pain? Paracetamol does not help me at all, must ask if the doctor will give me Cocodamol to try. Hope you feel a bit better very soon.

[exmouth in reply to cmjoyce]

Hi Yes sometimes not too bad but I have arthritis in multiple joints but I tend to get on with it and not pester the Dr. Although now I feel I need a new knee I’ve taken paracetamol and Cocodamol and must say I walked better but worry taking so much medication It’s a vicious circle Lovely to speak to you Take care

[SuziElley]

I take cocodamol prescription strength

[cmjoyce in reply to SuziElley]

Thank you, will see if my doctor will prescribe it for me. Paracetamol does not touch the pain

[Tryfan]

Same question here. Went to Pharmacist and managed to get him out from behind his protective backroom. Went through it as completely as I could. Paracetamol and C- codamol. Seem the best options.

[cmjoyce in reply to Tryfan]

Thank you. Will look into that. I think the pharmacist knows more about drugs than the doctors do.

[Lucymoo]

I have osteoarthritis in a number of joint and usually take paracetamol at night. I’ve successfully used voltarol 12 hourly on painful joint flare ups for a couple of years without problems I use it for a few days until the joint settles down. As it’s topical you don’t absorb as much hence my GP and cardiologist were ok with me using it.

[Finvola]

You are right to avoid Naproxen - it's an anti-inflammatory which can not only cause AF but GI bleeding for those of us taking anti-coagulants. I hope it wasn't prescribed for you by your physician?

For most of us, paracetamol, co-codamol, ice packs, heat packs and very sparse and infrequent use of anti-inflammatory gels help somewhat.

[cmjoyce in reply to Finvola]

Hi. Yes it was !! I knew enough to question it though so refused it. Paracetamol is not strong enough maybe I will see if co-codamol can be prescribed for me. Thank you

[Finvola in reply to cmjoyce]

Well done for being on the ball - I hope you can get some relief.

[paulypurplepants]

I specifically asked my Cardiologist whether I should continue taking Naproxen for my knee, alongside apixaban and Biosoprol......he said yes no problem. Just take with food. (like normal)

[cmjoyce in reply to paulypurplepants]

That's interesting to know of a cardiologists opinion. Thank you.

[Slidingdoors99]

It is a terrible dilemma for sure. It’s only codeine and paracetamol that I’m allowed. However if the pain is unbearable I do take 2 ibuprofen (but I know that I shouldn’t)

[cmjoyce in reply to Slidingdoors99]

Hi, think I will look into Codeine. Seems to be one a lot of people are using. Thank you

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to cmjoyce]

You’re welcome! You may have to use senna from time to time though!! 🤨

[LaceyLady]

I am a Complementary Therapis and rarely use pills. One of my modalities is Magnetic Therapy, using various STRONG Neodynium magnetic appliances to relieve pain and aid healing. I have experimented over the years with various appliances for different ailment. I've experimented with my cats, a guide dog, a rescue cat my husband, mother etc. Also me when Ive had operations and the consultants cannot believe how quickly I've healed. I know accupressure points to relieve headaches. Look for a local Complementary Therapist, who I'm sure would help you find a practitioner to help.

[Auriculaire in reply to LaceyLady]

I had a pemf mat which I used to find quite helpful for pain but read somewhere they should not be used by people with large chunks of metal in their body. So after my hip replacements I gave it to my daughter. I have a tiny pemf device that I can use on hands or knee .

[LaceyLady]

! I have a part replacement knee and use a big magnetic mat no probs. Titanium, plus I have very strong magnetic wands, use that too and when I'd just had it done. Consultant amazed at how quickly I healed! The magnets are not strong enough to unhinge the fixings. Oh and I was MRI'ed in June, only probably my head as they thought I might have had a TIA, can't remember if they'd asked me, wasn't able too. My equipment is VERY strong.

[Jspjkc6]

Hi, I am also on Apixaban (Eliquis), and face the same dilemma. I have a medication that causes a headache nearly every morning, which Tylenol (acetaminophen) doesn’t relieve. So I take 100 mg of caffeine every morning and voila, no headaches. I buy the caffeine tablets online and they are 200mg, so I cut them in half. For osteoarthritis Tylenol doesn’t do much for me, but my orthopedic doctor advised me to use Voltaren cream. He said it does not cross bloodstream to cause bleeding like NSAIDs do. E

[bayonnejoe1]

I am on apixaban and am allowed limited use of Voltaren by my doctor. I also can use caffeine and acetaminophen as needed. But the most effective drug I use is cannabis, both in edible and leaf form. It's highly effective in changing my experience of pain, thereby making it much more tolerable. Legal in my state, it's readily available in various forms. If pain is interfering with sleep, it's a definite go to.

[Gertsen]

I take co-codamol 30/500 you have to have a prescription for them

[cmjoyce in reply to Gertsen]

Thank you. I am awaiting a prescription for them so hope to get some relief too.