Apixaban monitoring

[Linkj]

Has anyone else in the UK been summoned by their GP for weight and blood tests for Apixaban monitoring, it does appear to be NICE guidelines but first for me.

[10gingercats]

Are you approaching 80?If so the dose is halved at 80 .Also the docs do not like it if you are very light weight and on the higher dose .I do not know about the blood tests.

[Linkj in reply to 10gingercats]

Only 69 and although slim not BMI 23, our surgery is very good and I hope they are just doing their checks,

[GrannyE in reply to 10gingercats]

I am being monitored with regular blood tests and I think my apixaban will probably be halved very shortly cos i am not only approaching 80 and quite light. Not sure whether to welcome the change when it comes or worry that I will be more vulnerable to stroke as I am now in A/Fib most of the time

[4chickens]

Yes I get called yearly for bp and blood test have done ever since started on apixaban

[bantam12]

Nope never been asked to go in, think my surgery has given up caring about their patients !

[Bagrat]

Always, since I started apixaban. First year I rang and asked for renal function and LFTs. Nurse said she wasn't aware and would mention. Since then I've been called annually. No weight check but I also ask for ECG annually too as on flecainide.

[gtkelly in reply to Bagrat]

Do they give the ecg when you request? Will this show up any abnormalities?

[gtkelly in reply to gtkelly]

Sorry, should have said, am also on Apixiban, Flecanide and Bisoprolol

[Bagrat in reply to gtkelly]

Yes I request annual ECG. Won't show AF unless you are actually in AF at that moment but should show if flecainide is affecting heart rhythm

[gtkelly in reply to Bagrat]

Thanks Bagrat👍

[Maggimunro]

Yes I have annual blood tests to check liver and kidney function, although I have to push to get this done since the pandemic.

[Valsha]

Yes every year since I started taking apixaban, except in 2020. Blood test and weight check.

[Linkj]

Thank you all for replying. It seems I was meant to be having these checks but this is the first time!

[CDreamer]

I’ve always been monitored - first every 12 months which was called Healthy Heart - bloods, urine, weight, BP - 2 sessions with the nurse following the test results - prior to COVID. Then monthly which dropped back to 3 monthly during COVID - but that was not just for Apixaban. BP is taken every time I go into the surgery. Since changing surgeries I’m not sure how the new surgery do it but I think the same Annual full MOT and bloods in between.

I think the weight/age is important for Apixaban to ensure you are on the correct dosage.

[oscarfox49]

Here in France regular blood tests that include all these functions are normal. Usually every three months or six months. It is important not just for anticoagulants but also for things like statins and things which control our AF. They all have potential problems on renal and hepatic function.

[DevonHubby1]

Not only has my wife had these checks annually around her birthday but if she tries to avoid them then they start being awkward on the repeat prescriptions . This has always been done by a nurse,

[Ppiman]

I think it must be in the guidelines somewhere as I have this. I did find this:

sps.nhs.uk/monitorings/doac...

Steve

[Linkj in reply to Ppiman]

Thanks Steve, that is really helpful

[Domino49]

Hi. Yep. Since starting on Apixaban nearly two years ago I get called in every SIX months for bloods and checks for kidney and liver function plus BP and weight checks

[Fullofheart]

Yes, same as above!

[Linkj]

Oh dear, i think my surgery have missed this, i have been on apixaban for nearly 3 years and never been checked

[Tombob]

Yes I am called every 6 months for the tests

[Kendalghost]

I get my bloods checked annually. This year the chemist asked the surgery for the results so my surgery did the quickly.

[Buffafly]

When I was on Rivaroxaban I became concerned about something (can’t remember what now) and mentioned to the nurse I saw that I was supposed to have regular blood checks to which she replied confidently that that was only for warfarin. I told her in the meekest tone I could manage that it was in the guidelines. She sighed and looked it up and there was a bit of a silence then she admitted I was right. It is done regularly now but my GP trusts me to weigh myself (annual email from surgery) and to check my BP. Our surgery is very good at ‘working smarter’.

[Polomad]

I have never been asked by my GP for any check up or tests since taking apixiban. I am over 80 as well.

[SingingT]

Yes I have just had my blood tests. Kidneys ✅ Liver✅ Haemaglobin 👎 now on iron pills for three months. And I thought it was the bisoprolol that was making me tired. 🙃

[Ellie-Ann]

Hi Linkj

I’m on the same drug. I’m 75. I get called in for regular blood tests to check my liver function. Be confident that if you are also called in for tests that the GP is keeping his eye on your liver for you. A good thing.

[Ellie-Ann]

Ps. Forgot to say.With regard to the annual well woman / well man check ups ….I was told by my surgery that OAPs do not get called in now annually for these but if you request one, they will do one. So watch this! Ask for your annual check ups!

[Tryfan]

Just been for blood tests. One advantage is I also asked for a PSA test. Being male of a certain age. Saved the bother of trying to arrange a separate appointment and pleading my case.

[Desanthony]

I have blood tests every year for apixaban. No weights taken though. I will be 79 in October so looking forward to dosage changes.

[Linkj]

Thinking about it, i know i had blood tests before my ablation last August so maybe that was my annual check

[dmack4646]

Yes every six months

[colourblue]

I get twice yearly blood tests plus annual weight check. I feel lucky to belong to a medical practice that cares about their patients, not everyone is so fortunate. Keep well, best wishes.

[RoyMacDonald]

I think Covid made a difference as my GP did the annual checks over the phone during lockdown. Last year though she did a full blood test, and kidney function test and BP check. That could be the reason you weren't checked over the last two years, but are this year.All the best.

Roy

[Linkj in reply to RoyMacDonald]

I think you are right Roy, I usually think very highly of our GPs but they, like all practices, have had it tough over covid and I think they are now trying to catch up.

[seniorita]

That's very interesting. I've been on Rivaroxaban for nearly 12 months, no hint of any testing needed.I fought tooth and nail against this because I bleed like a stuck pig normally, it's even on my hospital notes. I mean, a tiny cut on my finger took 45 mins to stop with pressure and elevation. (Ex first aider, know what to do.)

Since being on it I don't bleed, even with a tooth extraction. There is no test to see how well it's working, just to test the level in your blood.

It is a matter for concern from my point of view as my father died from a bleed on the brain.

[pusillanimous]

Should this apply to all anti- coagulants? I have a full blood count every year, which covers everything from Vit D levels, kidneys, full blood count, and thyroid, lipogram, electrolytes etc. I take Xarelto - should I ask for more blood tests, I saw my GP in July for a prescription renewal and she said they were due at my next six monthly visit.(January '23) I see my Cardio next month, should I ask him to send me to the path lab for tests? I'm 79 and 50kg.