Switching from Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) to Apixaban (Eliquis)

[frazeej]

I am switching my DOAC from Xarelto to Eliquis, mainly for ease of compliance. My eclectic eating schedule/habits made it difficult to rigidly comply with the rather bizarre dosing regimen for Xarelto, and the morning/evening dosing of Eliquis will be much more convenient, hopefully leading to more consistent blood levels of this vital medication.

I have had few to no side effects from the Xarelto-save for one minor nose bleed (probably due more to my trying to set a propulsion record when blowing my nose).

My question to the forum is, can I expect the same/good side effect experience with Eliquis as I had with Xarelto. Nosebleeds, bruising, bleeding, etc. I've read the patient information summary, and it seems to be about the same/scary as was with the Xarelto.

Thanks, in advance!

[Jill13]

Hi

I changed from Xarelto to Eliquis 2 years ago because it gave me hives. I am very happy with Eliquis except I have to take it twice a day, instead of once with Xarelto. I have had very little bleeding or bruising with either. I am 82

[greatness in reply to Jill13]

Xarelto is better Overall as you only need ONE PILL A DAY compared with TWO- YOU CAN'T RELY ON MEMORY 100%. That's my OPINION!!

[greatness in reply to Jill13]

I DON'T BELIEVE THAT TAKING XARELTO GIVES YOU HIVES- THERE ARE HEAPS AND HEAPS OF OTHER REASONS FOR CATCHING HIVES.

[DawnTX in reply to greatness]

Everyone is different and sensitive to different things. If you have hives and stop having them when you stop the medication it seems to me the meds were doing it

[Jill13 in reply to greatness]

I know of other people who got hives from xarelto too land my cardiologist agreed

I also went to dermatologists and other things were ruled out. Everyone reacts differently to drugs

[Frances123]

Been on Eliquis circa 7 years now and never had a nose bleed. I don’t seem to bruise more easily but when I do bruise I think they take longer to fade but that could well be age. Occasionally bleed a little more after a blood test but only a minute or so. Hope all goes well for you.

[Nigel2000]

I’ve been happy on Eliquis. I haven’t noticed any extra bruising at all and no nose bleeds. The 2 pills a day aren’t a problem.

[DawnTX]

how did they have you taking your Xarelto? I’m curious I only take it at night at meal time. One thing I have found is that I do not bruise like I did in the beginning. I hope that’s OK. I don’t know if it’s because I was clumsier because of my a fib and hurt more or ? I think it’s some thing I will ask my doctor but even during surgery I didn’t have any concerning bleeding. The first time I took a bad fall and landed with my hand down my entire hand turned black. I fell again in the same time. And for my knee down it’s spiderwebbed with bruising then moved further up my thigh. Now I seem to bump myself etc. with few effects. I do get a small bruise when my big dog steps on me lol I try to avoid letting him do that but he thinks he’s a Chihuahua and wants to sit on my lap. I am curious about the bruising other people suffer and what is normal with the new blood thinners

[frazeej in reply to DawnTX]

Xarelto is supposed to be taken once a day, with your "big meal", in the evening. These are the instructions to ensure proper absorption-apparently absorption is better with a meal higher in fat.

Well, sometimes my "big meal" is lunch, sometimes breakfast, sometimes not at all, evening meal can vary from 5:00PM to 9:00PM........so this dosing regimen did not work out for me. Eliquis-one in morning, one at night, don't care what or when you eat........fits the bill for me!

[DawnTX in reply to frazeej]

My big meal is usually mid day if I eat one it sounds like we both eat a bit strange lol I have just continue to take it evening. I also try to avoid fats. Especially right now because I have a big gallstone that acts up with fat. Knock wood I have not had any issues taking Xarelto that way.

[JoniM]

I’ve been on Eliquis since early 2019 and have had no noticeable side effects. No bleeding, bruising, nosebleeds, etc. No nausea either. I was worried about these issues and have been pretty happy with it. I take 5 mg 2 x day with breakfast and dinner. I dont know if taking with food is necessary but works for me. I am a healthy 71 yo with no other issues and have paroxysmal Afib. I do avoid bungee jumping and other extreme sports however 😀.

[DawnTX in reply to JoniM]

Well that’s lousy you had to give up the bungee jumping and other extreme sports. I am afraid of heights so I never tried bungee jumping lol

[bayonnejoe1]

Been on Eliquis since my AFib stroke in 2018. I have been side effect free so far. In fact, I sometimes wonder if it's working. I'm being facetious, but my experience has been that good.