Changing from Rivaroxaban to Edoxaban

[Cally53]

I knew this was on the cards, having read similar stories recently.

The Clinical Pharmacist in my surgery has written to tell me that they are changing my medication from Rivaroxaban to Edoxaban. No, consultation of course, they have just altered my prescription for my next lot of tablets.

This a 'cost' only decision, based on pressure from the Government to save money. Whether it is in the patient's, (my best interest) is of course another matter!

I always research look carefully at any new medication I am prescribed, shouldn't we all?

There is no way that I am prepared to take a different medication which could potentially leave me at a greater risk? Because, as yet, there is no licensed reversal agent for Edoxaban. Therefore, any accident could leave me at risk of serious bleeding, and we all know where that can end up!

A conversation with my GP will be arranged tomorrow, I'll let you know what she says when I tell her I'm refusing it.

[sassy59]

I’m wondering if hubby and I will be changed from Rivaroxaban then? Like you, we will be refusing or at the very least look closely at the alternative offered.

Can’t wait to hear what your doctor has to say. A consultation beforehand would have been nice.

[Cally53 in reply to sassy59]

Indeed it would.

[BobD Volunteer]

To be honest Cally the lack of reversal agent is a red herring. Unless you happend to be in a large regional hospital I very much doubt it would be available in any case. As I was once told normal first aid treatment is usually sufficient to deal with any bleeds and if it were catastrophic enough to need it quite likely not surviveable anyway.

That said I agree that changing is not something that should be forced upon patients. I never intend to stop my warfarin any day soon.

[Cally53 in reply to BobD]

I understand where you're coming from Bob. I suppose any of us could be in the wrong place at the wrong time when an accident happens. However, I don't want to be in the right place at the right time, where there is absolutely no licensed reversing agent for me. Especially if an available one could make a difference.

[Nick1957]

I will be very interested in hearing what your doctor tells you. I will wait and see your answer because I too have to have that very similar conversation altho vi's a text message telling me this is happening when I run out of rivaroxaban. . Didn't know about reversal treatment for Edoxaban too. Very interesting.

[wilsond]

Good for you keep us posted xxx

[ozziebob]

As I replied to a similar Post today, I will give a link to an article that explains the decision to switch users to Edoxaban ... pharmaceutical-journal.com/...

Knowledge is power. Good luck.

[Cally53 in reply to ozziebob]

Yes, I read this yesterday. As you say, knowledge is power.

[Cally53]

I spoke to my GP this morning, she accepted my reason for not changing, and has put rivaroxaban back on my repeat prescription. Result! 😀

[sassy59 in reply to Cally53]

Thank goodness for that. X

[Lakky12]

thanks very much for your reply. I’m going to request a call from our pharmacist but I really can’t imagine he will be able to persuade me to change. I’m quite happy on Apixaban. Good luck with your conversation.

[Lakky12]

just realised it’s already happened! Pleased they’ve done as you asked.