I have been scheduled for my first Cryo Ablation in March for my paroxysmal AF and my EP wants me to start taking Pradaxa 30 days before. My Cardiologist has had me on Aspirin for the past 2-3 years. My ChadVas score was 1 but for the past year is 2 and I've never taken a blood thinner before. My question is what has been the experience of folks here with Pradaxa vs. other blood thinner like Warfarin, Eliquis, etc? I know Warfarin is the older/original thinner and I thought I read that there is less reported bleeding with Eliquis.
Also, I hear that Cryo Ablation takes much less time than the RF (heat) ablation which is good news. Nervous but hoping for the best. Thanks.
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willec49
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Pradaxa is not the most popular option as it can cause gastric issues - I was on it for a few years but gave me acid reflux and that seems to be a common issue. I much prefer Apixaban - (Eliquis) been on it for some 5 or so years now with no issues. Wafarin you would have to get stable INR range and that is unpredictable and it’s thought higher risk for brain bleeds.
The other choices are Edoxaban or Rivaroxaban (once a day but you need to take with substantial meal and that is problematic for some).
Thank you for that feedback which I should take seriously as I have been on Protonix for acid reflux for years. I already have the Pradaxa so I guess I'll try it and see what happens and ask to switch if it doesn't work.
My husband still takes it, but always with a snack - I found carbohydrates didn’t work so kept to fruit or yogurt - something acid whichI know is a contraintuitive, but the gel casing of Pradaxa requires acid in the stomach to break down the casing in order to dissolve so can be absorbed effectively. Good luck.
I take Pradaxa since a couple of years and so far I am fine with it. Also no problems with reflux. We all are different and what works for one may not work for another.
Wish you good luck for your cryo.
And the aspirin for AF is stuff from the past. Maybe your cardiologist needs some brushing up. Aspirin is not an effective treatment for Afib.
Are you by any chance a Kaiser patient in Hawaii? I ask because your story is precisely, word for word, the same as mine. If you're not, I'm figuring that the electrophysiologists have all agreed on the same plan of action. I'm even storing the Pradaxa, waiting for the 30 day warning. Really don't want to switch off aspirin but don't have a choice.
Hi. Yes, I am in Hawaii on Oahu and am with Kaiser. The EP, Dr. Wang said I have to be on Pradaxa for those 30 days and I started it today so we'll see how it goes. I read that Xarelto is better than Pradaxa with less possibility of bleeding, etc. and asked my Cardiologist why I'm not on it. Perhaps it is cost or I guess they have their reasons. I'm trying it and will see how it goes.
Right! Otherwise too much of a coincidence. I live in Kona and Dr. Asad is my local cardiologist but Dr. Wang is doing the procedure and ordered the MRI I just returned from. Consider yourself fortunate you don't have to fly for your MRI or your procedure. It makes it at 12+ hour ordeal.
Let's stay in touch. If I can figure how, I'll send you a private message with my contact info.
Yes, I am in Hawaii on Oahu and do have Kaiser. Dr. Wang said I have to be on the Pradaxa for the 30 days prior. I just started it today. I heard that Eliquis is better and asked my Cardiologist why I'm not on it instead. Perhaps it's the cost or they have their reasons for choosing it. At least it's not Warfarin.
I've been taking Pradaxa for a few years without a problem. Pradaxa has a reversing agent called Praxbind for serious bleeds, but that's only held by hospitals.
I’ve been on eliquis quite happily for around a year now. I take one at 9 am and one at 9 pm. Easy. Nothing frightening happened and during that time I had two bad falls but was ok. As Lao go for acupuncture regularly and no bleed afterwards. Good luck.
Thank you so much for this. It is really reassuring. I'm afraid I've been giving my Cardiologist a bad time complaining about the "possible" side effects of Pradaxa.
Never had problem with bruising or bleeding with pradaxa and I do a lot of physical work (drywall, remodeling) so i do tend to get small cuts and minimal bruising). I was given option of discontinuing because ablation "fixed" afib. I chose to stay on it as stroke "insurance" since it doesnt seem to affect me otherwise.
That's great to hear. I appreciate that. My Cardiologist has given me the option of switching to Xarelto in case the Pradaxa causes my GERD to flare up as it is known to cause gastro-intestional issues in some people. Thanks!
Thank you. I have the 150 mg capsules twice a day but I've been getting terrible headaches, head pressure, and unstable gait/dizziness from Pradaxa. I read that this is one of the side effects to report to the Doctor. I told him I won't take this and maybe one of the others will work. I hope so as I already have my Ablation date set.
Hi. Reduce it down to 110mg x twice. You are same age as myself. PRADAXA is reversible and it is an amazing feature if you are involved in a bleeding accident or bruising.
Thank you. I can ask my doctor about this. I already wrote him I won’t take this but am unsure about stopping abruptly although I’ve only taken 3 doses so far. It’s not like I’ve been on it for years and am stopping.
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