Changing from Adoxaban to Apixaban … what to expect?

[Rainfern]

Good morning forum. While waiting for a second cardioversion the medics have decided to change my anticoagulant from Adoxaban to Apixaban (the low dose Adoxaban I was on until this morning could be a bit borderline if I put on just a pound or two weight). A bit fed up as this delays the cardioversion for a few weeks.

So I’m just wondering if there’s anything I should know about Apixaban and the difference between this and Adoxaban in peoples experience. I believe they work in pretty much the same way, so I doubt there’s a lot of difference, but it would still be good to know in advance what to expect.

Thank you, Jo

[BobD Volunteer]

Edoxaban is the newest of the DOACs and is being widely used due to supposedly being cheaper. Apixaban is generally considered by most doctors to be the safest of the bunch.

Sorry but I do not understand what you mean by marginal if you put on weight? DOACS have no testing like warfarin.

[Rainfern in reply to BobD]

Edoxaban dose is linked to body weight more than other factors. I would have to double the dose if I put on just a couple of pounds, and they don’t trust me to stay within my limits! Too much strawberries and cream around this time of year I guess.

[SuziElley in reply to Rainfern]

Really? 😳

[Rainfern in reply to SuziElley]

That’s what EP and cardio nurse tell me … though obviously age and fitness etc must be taken into account.

[Barb1 in reply to Rainfern]

I have been on Edoxaban since it came out and weight has never been mentioned, even when I put on nearly a stone of fluid (later removed in hospital.)

[meadfoot]

I was to be switched to edoxaban, the lower dose as I am of slight build. I read that it was good regarding lower chance of bleeding but the lower dose was not as good on the stroke prevention front. After a visit with my GP last week I am not changing to edoxaban.

[Rainfern in reply to meadfoot]

Thank you that helps to clear things up for me.

[Silvasava]

After a bout of flu in January that nearly finished me off I lost so much weight my dose of Edoxaban was lowered. My pharmacist has said I need to be over 60kg to go back up. I've been on Edoxaban since a stroke in December 2019, no issues with the drug whatever. HTH

[2learn]

Hi, I found when switched from warfarin to apixaban my arthritis got much worse. muscle ache is a side effect.

[Rainfern in reply to 2learn]

unfortunately Adoxaban can also cause joint problems … sorry to hear you’ve had a nasty side effect

[RoyMacDonald]

Never had any issues with Apixaban.

All the best.

Roy MacDonald

[Uniform96]

Hello, I have been on apixaban for five years and no problems.

[wilsond]

Apixaban the first choice of my EP Proff Osman. I'm staying on it forever! Absolutely fine since 2017

[Afibflipper]

I’ve been on this one for over 12 months, suits me fine. Good luck with the 2nd CV

[Rainfern in reply to Afibflipper]

Thank you, that’s good to hear 😀