Warfarin side effects.

[Cavalierrubie]

Not posted for a while but have run into a problem which someone might be able to help please. I have been prescribed Warfarin for 5 years. I am unable to tolerate the new anticoagulants, so this is my only option. I keep getting chills every couple of months. I have good diet with plenty of vitamin C and D. I have just visited Dr. Google and it said chills and feeling cold can be a side effect. It feels like a cold that goes inwards and doesn’t come out, like the normal runny nose ets. Has anyone experienced this whilst taking Warfarin? Thanks in advance.

[BenHall1]

Hi Cavalierrubie,

Not with Warfarin, which I've been on since the beginning, 13 years now. Your description certainly reminds me of some of my initial experiences with Bisoprolol, also been on for the same length of time.

John

[Cavalierrubie in reply to BenHall1]

That’s interesting. I don’t take Bisoprolol regularly, only as a pip and thankfully at the moment that is only every few months. My episodes of AF are not so frequent since taking supplements and changing my diet. I don’t take any other medication only Warfarin and so l am questioning that, as to the mystery, why l keep getting chills. Thanks for your reply and help.

[GranmaWendy in reply to Cavalierrubie]

mim interested to hear that you have reduced your AF episodes with diet and suppliments. what do you eat/take?

[Cavalierrubie in reply to GranmaWendy]

See my reply to Threecats further down. Ok.

[Florence-Nightingale in reply to Cavalierrubie]

I am quite surprised that you use Bisoprolol as a PIP as it’s a beta blocker that usually builds up in your system and does cause coldness of the periphery of the body.

[Rosie1066]

I’ve been on Warfarin fourteen years abd, apart from my INR levels never stabilising, I have never had any side effects.

[BobD Volunteer]

Not in the 18 years I've been taking it.

[jeanjeannie50]

The only time I've ever felt chilly was when my thyroid was underactive. I've taken Warfarin for many years with no problems.

[rubyr61 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

i have beenon warfrin for 20 years my only problems is bruising and coming off them when i need a op

[Cavalierrubie]

Thanks everyone for replies. I had my annual check up in May and the thyroid was normal then. Looks like l may have to see my GP. if ever l can get an appointment.

[mrgwair567 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

I don’t take Warfarin but have you been checked for aneamia . I have experienced symptoms that you have described and on those occasions blood tests showed that my haemoglobin count was low .

[Cavalierrubie in reply to mrgwair567]

l have had bloods checked recently and they are all ok. Thanks for your reply and help.

[Jalia]

I've been taking Warfarin for 20 years....no problems

[pottypete1]

been taking Warfarin since 2007 and took it 34 years ago for a couple of years.

I have had no problem with it.

Pete

[Tarikor]

Hi there!

You take C and D, but are you taking K2? Specifically the MK7 variant?

You see, doctors and media always go on about Vitamin D3, which we absolutely do need and most of us are deficient in, but did you know that without a corresponding amount of Vitamin K2, that D3 is not doing ANYTHING AT ALL for our calcium and bones? You see, it is Vitamin K2 that puts the calcium in our blood into our bones. It also does some other stuff, but that is one of the most important parts.

Now, whether or not this has anything to do with those chills and colds, I cannot say, but never take D without K2 as well. There are some great combos out there, I recommend always taking MK7 variant of K2. And please, do not confuse K1 (blood clotting) with K2 (nothing to do with blood clotting and mostly comes from MEAT, veggies do NOT have any K2 unless fermented).

Hope this helps!

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Tarikor]

Thanks for your good advice. I didn’t think we were allowed any vitamin K whilst taking Warfarin so l am thankful to you for pointing out the difference between KI and K2. I am sure it will help. I have reduced my AF episodes by supplementing vitamins and a healthy diet so l am very grateful for your advice.

[Threecats in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Hi Cavalierrubie

Great advice from Tarikor, there. I’ve also read somewhere that K2 can help stabilise Wafarin but I’ve no personal experience as to whether that’s true or not. I would be very interested to know your supplement regimen, if you’re happy to share of course. I’m in persistent AF controlled with a small amount of Verapamil but am always interested in supplements that might help. I’m currently on magnesium, vitD/K2 and hawthorn tea.

I hope you find an answer to your chills problem.

All the best, TC

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Threecats]

Thanks for your reply. I take Vitamins B12, C,D and magnesium. I have the magnesium spray as pills give me diarrhoea. I do not eat sugar only a teaspoon in porridge oats for breakfast. Sweeteners must NOT be a substitute as they can cause my AF to be worse. I do not eat late at night as this puts pressure on the heart. I use plant based spread instead of butter. I use olive oil when necessary for cooking. I eat lots of fruit. Have good quality food. Eat small and often. I don’t eat fatty foods. I keep my weight to the same level. I get a moderate amount of excercise. I have the odd glass of white wine. I go to bed early and get plenty of sleep. Having told you all this, we are all unique and there is an old saying “what’s good for the goose, is not for the gander.” It’s trial and error with everything. I can only speak for myself. It took me a long time to find out the best for me. It’s not a cure, but following my regime l have managed to give myself a better quality of life and my AF episodes have lessened considerably. All the best to you. P.S. l forgot l have decaffeinated tea. No caffeinated drinks.

[GranmaWendy in reply to Cavalierrubie]

thanks!

[Threecats in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thank you very much for setting out what you do, as well as the supplements you take, I appreciate the trouble you have taken doing that, not to mention the sound advice, thank you. Some of the things you mention I already do - I’ve cut out caffeine and alcohol for instance. Sugar is a work in progress but I’m getting there! I was eating my last meal of the day earlier than I used to do but that has slipped back a bit lately, so I need to address that again. I agree that there is no “ one size fits all” approach to this AF malarkey but none of the things you mention are harmful in any way and certainly worth a try.

Thank you again.

Kind regards, TC

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Threecats]

Best wishes and hope you find a regime that works for you and helps to make your quality of life better. I started to feel much better when l started to take B complex and B12. I have had some good advice myself on here. Thanks everyone.

[Threecats in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thank you 😊 x

[StuJ019]

Taken Warfarin since 2015 ,with no issues .

[MarkS]

I've been on warfarin for 14 years without problem. However as you age, so the body's heating/cooling system goes a bit awry. With exercise, you can keep things a little more under control. For instance, if I've eaten too much at tea I tend to burn up at night, and too little then I can get chilled. If you do get chilled then some vigorous exercise will soon get you warmed up, particularly if you use the large muscles in the leg - such as going up and down stairs a few times or doing squats.

I also agree with Tarikor's comments about K2. I take it every day and it helps to stabilise my INR.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to MarkS]

Thanks for that good advice. I have been trying to lose weight so perhaps not been eating as much. I have osteoporosis in my legs which limits me in my excercise, but l do as much as l can. The joys of old age.

[MarkS in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thanks. If you have osteoporosis then K2 is a must. My wife's osteopenia has cleared up once she started taking it. The K2 plus D directs calcium to the bones rather than the arteries. Weight bearing exercise also strengthens bones, so as much as you can get away with really.

[MummaSoap in reply to MarkS]

Hi MarkS

Please can I ask what K2 is? Osteoporosis is on my mum’s side of the family and I haven’t been the kindest to my body over the years so I would like to try and give my bones the best possible chance. Especially as I have hyper mobility so tend to put a lot of stress on my skeleton to stay upright!

Best wishes

Soap 🧼

[MarkS in reply to MummaSoap]

Hi Soap,

There are two types of Vitamin K: K1 and K2. K1 is found in broccoli, kale, etc. It is an essential vitamin which forms part of the clotting process. K2 is involved in heart and bone health. K2 plays an essential role in bone metabolism, and studies suggest that it can help prevent osteoporosis and fractures.

I buy mine from Nature's Best: naturesbest.co.uk/vitamins/...

There is also a D3/K2 combo, though I prefer to take them separately as I get enough D3 from the sun in the summer months.

For more details on K2 see:

healthline.com/nutrition/vi...

and trial results:

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/360...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/168... (reduced spinal fractures by 60%, hip fractures by 77% and non-spinal fractures by 81%)

Mark

[MummaSoap in reply to MarkS]

Brilliant, thank you for this thorough response. I will take a look at the links, much appreciated! 🙂

[Cavalierrubie in reply to MarkS]

Thank you for that important piece of information. I have learnt a lot on here today and l certainly will take that on board. I am going to add it to the list a.s.a.p.

[southkorea]

i have been on warfarin for 17 years. You do feel the cold more than those not on warfarin but not noticeably so.

[Neil2020]

I had to go back onto Warfarin two years ago because I had another DVT whilst taking Apixaban. I also take Bisoprolol and Ramipril. Like the others who’ve replied I have not noticed feeling cold, quite the opposite really but that could be due to Polycythaemia. The main issue I seem to have is that my INR fluctuates for no obvious reason which was why I was prescribed Apixaban for a while. Good luck, I hope you find an answer.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Neil2020]

Neil l am sorry to hear of your DVT. Hope you are now ok. It’s interesting to hear that they put you back on Warfarin. That speaks volumes to me. I was told by my doctor it’s the best one, but l can’t tolerate the new anticoagulants. Stick with the Warfarin. My INR goes haywire at times but they adjust it. It’s a very sensitive medication in that respect. I don’t worry about INR however many times l have to get checked, l am just thankful l am on it. Take care and thanks.

[RoyMacDonald in reply to Cavalierrubie]

My Dr. told me Apixaban was the best one statistically. Maybe they are just trying to reassure us? The best medication is the one you think will work. We have to take something to protect us from the dreaded strokes.

All the best.

Roy

[Cavalierrubie in reply to RoyMacDonald]

l have heard that Apixaban has had good reviews. In my case it’s the best medication that suits me, l can’t tolerate the new anticoagulants. I have tried them all. Thanks for reply.

[Murdy1 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Sorry but I thought Apixaban was one of the new anticoagulants. Best regards, Tom

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Murdy1]

If you read the post to me before from Roymacdonald you will see that my reply is in relation to Warfarin being the only one that suits me. Ok?

[BaileyC57]

ask your doctor to put you on ELIQUIS , I have been on this for 3 yrs , so far no problems! Everyone I happen to know with AFIB is on this blood thinner!

[Cavalierrubie in reply to BaileyC57]

Unfortunately l can’t tolerate the new anticoagulants. I have tried them all and they make me very sick. Thanks for replying.

[Chuyueling]

Yes, my mum felt the cold on Warfarin, but it is still the same now she's on edoxaban. She is a bit underweight, but, this is a different level of cold, as you describe.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Chuyueling]

Thanks for your reply. I suppose it is a case of some do, some don’t. Some things, l don’t think, we will ever know. Maybe l should put more clothes on in future. Look after your Mum. I wish l still had mine she is irreplaceable.

[Ern007]

I have never had Warfarin - I take Rivaroxaban 20mg with my evening meal, and no problems thus far,

A side effect of Warfarin can cause chills and I am posting a link that will say ----

"Call your provider if you have:

Fever and chills for more than 2 days"

uihc.org/educational-resour...

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Ern007]

Thank you Ern for your reply and time. I have read the link and yes it’s something l need to watch and mention to my doctor when l next see him. I know someone that had leg problems on Warfarin and had to get off, but he also had diabetes. It does have side effects. I don’t have a fever just feel like a bad chill and ill in myself for a few days. It’s kind of you to look it up. Hope you are well. I just read your profile as haven’t met you before! Best wishes.

[Daisyblu]

Hi. I've been on Watfarin for 25 years and do experience cold hands and feet but no chills. X

[Murdy1]

👍Thanks for reply

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Murdy1]

Take care. 😀

[Jimmy1944]

Hi. I have been on Warfarin with Bisoprolol and Simvastatin for more than 10yrs and yes I believe I do feel the cold more than others but apart from that I don't seem to have any other problems with it.

[stamelos]

What is a PIP strategy. Pip?

[stamelos]

What is Pip?

[Cavalierrubie in reply to stamelos]

Hi stamelos, pip means pill in the pocket. It is medication you take when you have an episode of AF and is not taken on a regular basis.

[stamelos]

Thank you, understand now Cavalierrubie. Thankfully my AF is permanent, has been for 20yrs. I know where I stand, don’t have to worry about it going in and out of AF. Don’t mean to sound flippant, but it’s true. Of course, rather not have it at all, no meds, and get back my missing 25% exercise ability. Wish you well.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to stamelos]

I wish you well. Lots of people say they feel better with permanent AF than in and out all the time. It is something we just have to live with and it's not life threatening so thankful for that. The most important medication is the anitcoagulant as you will know. Happy days.

[solarjdo69]

Cavalierrubie - While I can't answer your issue relative to warfarin, I was on it for a few months and didn't tolerate it well. It made me lethargic. I weaned myself of of warfarin and now use nattokinase as my primary blood thinner. I also take "E", "D" and turmeric which all are mild blood thinners in their own right. I've been on this regimen since January 2015.

Good luck with a solution to your issue.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to solarjdo69]

Thanks for your reply. I know some folks don’t tolerate Warfarin. We are all so different. Do you take vitamin K2 with your D vitamin? You will see above l was advised to take this with the Vitamin D as they work together and Vitamin D needs this addition for absorption. Has the supplements help your AF? Thanks.

[solarjdo69]

Yes I take Vitamin K2. I just started doing so middle of June with my D3.

I also take Hawthorne and an Ayervedic heart formula from Banyan Botanicals/

banyanbotanicals.com/heart-...

[Cavalierrubie in reply to solarjdo69]

Has all this helped you Solar? I found Vitamin B complex and especially B12 made a big difference. I also use magnesium spray. Has it improved your AF? I am curious to know because l feel we are lacking in something to make the heart do a tango. I don’t think there is a cure but l think we can calm things down a lot. We have to find what suits and helps us and that takes time. 😀

[solarjdo69 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Yes it helps. I rarely if ever feel breathless or strained with my regimen. Something I have been researching is the vagus nerve. It connects to many internal organs, particularly the heart so if the vagus nerve has issues/pinched, etc.. it can potentially cause these heart issues. I am experimenting with a new item I bought off of Indiegogo, "Pulsetto" which stimulates the vagus nerve. Seems to be helping. pulsetto.tech/

[Cavalierrubie in reply to solarjdo69]

Yes, l agree with you. I think the vagus nerve is my problem. I have stomach issues. Everyone with AF seems to have some sort of digestive problem. There is something that is the culprit for this condition. If you find the answer let us know. Thanks for all the information you have given to me. It has been very interesting to meet you. I am glad you are feeling better on your regime and wish you well. 😃