When I was first diagnosed with Afib about 6 months ago the cardio prescribed 15 mg rivaroxaban amongst other things as a blood thinner. It certainly worked well! Every shaving nick bled profusely and even the slightest knock produced spectacular bruises.Then it suddenly stopped. Scarcely any bleeding and I haven't had a bruise for many weeks.
Should I worry? Does this mean it's not doing its job?
Have you changed the time you take it? It is most effective when taken with a full meal. On the other hand I wouldn’t want it to be quite so effective - I changed to Apixaban partly for that reason, was affected by extreme bruising after a fall.
Unless you have changed your habbits and are not taking it with a proper meal, ideally containing some fat, this drug just works.
I've had the opposite ,I never had any problems with rivaroxaban until recently I've had a routine blood test in the left hinge bit of the elbow,and I've had horrendous bruising and swelling also pain since,,I just don't know what's happened maybe it's never worked and it is now.
Or maybe the nurse couldn’t get a clean draw first time. You don’t need to bleed profusely or bruise to know that it is an effective anticoagulant. I occasionally get bleeds from the blood draws but always put it down to the skill of the nurse.
Yes ,to be honest my arm looks like ive been in the ring with mike tyson,just for a routine blood test...maybe its because im getting older.
I got to know the nurses that can go in & out without a mark & avoid the others who cause that sort of bruising at our clinic.
I have rubbish veins and have had some nasty experiences with blood draws . I always used to ask for a specific person at my local lab. She always managed to draw first time in with minimum pain. The lab has just changed hands after the owner's retiral ,the personel have changed and she has gone! Last draw not so good.
My first blood test after starting edoxaban left my arm very bruised. When I told my physio she said that first I should press the gauze/cotton wool very firmly down immediately after the needle was withdrawn and then when I went out to sit in the car or waiting room and press the same area very firmly for up to 10 minutes. Usually there is a piece of cotton wool taped to the site. Since I did this there is minimal bruising. Dont know if age matters - I am 75.
It happens when a vein "blows". Can be internal thus mega bruise, or external blood everywhere. Just because it's happened once doesn't mean it will happen again. Often nothing to do with nurses skill or anticoagulants, just luck of the draw, (no pun intended - well maybe a little bit!)
I have very prominent veins in the crook of my elbows. I was PA to a highly regarded periodontist and we had a number of medical doctors as patients. I would often talk to them while they were waiting, and because I was wearing short sleeves, my veins would be exposed. Other girls are admired for their beautiful eyes, I was admired for my beautiful veins! I do get superficial bruising when blood is taken as I have very pale thin skin !
Yes I've got big veins too. The best vein for most as it doesn't jiggle about is one just to left or right of big one in antecubital fossa. Often not seen but can be palpated (felt).Still say, as one who used to take bloods, bruising or lack of it, does not equal skill. Finding a decent vein first time well, that's a horse of a different colour.
I’ve got a strange vein in my right elbow and it hurts like hell when they’ve been in there and it bleeds and bruises profusely. As juicy as it looks, I won’t let them use it anymore. They pop it into my left elbow vein with no problems at all.
I'm on apixaban and do bruise easily but through 4 covidd jabs and many blood tests not a bit of blood spilled.
Hi
You need to discuss with Dr and heart specialist as it may mean that you are bleeding internally.
But a blood test brings blood on the surface particularly as I have not long had it.
cheri JOY
Hi I've been on rivaroxaban for 7 years never had any problems i have regular bloodtests for my lung condition every 6/8 .weeks sometimes I get bruises but this depends on which nurse does it usually none at all.
This sounds normal as you body adjusted to the dosage, but your doctor will know for sure. I recall more bleeding at the start but now I really can't tell that I have taken it. My elderly friend, who takes warfarin, bruises very easily, in contrast.
Have you always taken the tablet at the same time and, as it above the 10mg dosage, always with a meal? I take mine with a breakfast of cereal, fruit and toast.
Steve
I guess if it’s extremely excessive eg small shaving nicks and many bruises from not much ask your doctor
A few years ago I took Riveroxaban for a DVT (strangely can no longer tolerate it) I never had the experiences to the extent you’re having! Now on Apixaban and still not a huge issue, main one is blood tests when they finish it looks ok then I put my coat on and the dam bursts! Same when taking drip out post op - all’s well till they just get out the room and it looks like a crime scene!
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