Can I stop taking rivaroxaban?

[expences]

I have had PAF for several years and I know as soon as my AF occurs, usually about once a year .I went 4 years with none, then had 4 at 2 month intervals.

Since being on xarelto, I have tripped 3 times for various reasons eg. getting the dogs extendable lead caught in my sandal! Twice I had a bit of a bleed into my knee and once into my thigh which added to the pain. I worry about bleeding in a worse accident ie MVA.

Does anyone know if you can take rivaroxaban as a dose when required, or maybe even a clexane injection?

I'm a retired ambulance paramedic so a bit paranoid about serious bleeds.

Thanks

[10gingercats]

As I understand it. You have to continue anticoagulants continuously and unless a cardio.EP/ says not to. The whole point of them is to prevent a stroke which AF disposes us to , at any time of our life.

[BobD Volunteer]

Anticoagulants are not suitable drugs to use on an ad hoc basis. Stroke is much more of a risks with AF as I am sure you know and I seriously doubt that you are aware of all your minor AF events. Many people are in blissful ignorance until the stroke hits them.

Your choice obviously .

[Hidden]

The direct answer to your question is YES, of course you can, provided you are prepared to accept the consequences and maybe expose your family to the responsibility of having to care for you should you succumb to the increased risk of having a life changing stroke.

This may sound harsh, but no one wants to take an anticoagulant unless it’s necessary and only you can decide what’s best for you. I have been taking anticoagulants since 2014, first warfarin and then Apixaban for the last 7+ years. Although more aware of the risks, in truth, my lifestyle activities have not changed and I can honestly say that reactions to cuts and scrapes etc are no different now to what they were before. Of course, exposure to a serious car accident could have serious consequences and being a retired paramedic, it’s not surprising that you are concerned but try to be realistic when considering the risk. I am 76, based on a rough calculation , I have driven 1.2 million miles and have (so far🤞) never drawn blood. As far as I can recall, I can’t think of anyone I know who has had serious injuries due to a road traffic accident.

Having worked for 6 years in patient transport, I have seen first hand the consequences of having a life changing stroke, but of course, it’s only a decision you can make……

[expences in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Flapjack, that is the dilemma isnt it, which is the greater risk?

[Hidden in reply to expences]

I’m not medically trained but those who are, seem to suggest that unless a diagnosed AF patient has any knowledge or experience of a close family member having had a spontaneous bleed, the risk of stroke is greater regardless of any treatment or frequency of events.

We hear from some USA members, that there is a trial underway in the States to establish whether or not it would be safe for some AF patients with a low AF burden to take an anticoagulant as a pill in the pocket. However, it will take at least 5 years to reach its conclusions. UK medics are highly sceptical and the fear is that due to the high cost of medication, if encouraged, some patients might be tempted to take the risk with the possibility of disastrous results.

I have no idea of what the situation is in Australia.