flecainide and eliquis

[yzmd]

flecainide was prescribed 50 mg bid when afib episodes became more frequent when taking pill in the pocket. eliquis was also started then 6 months ago. Haven't had any afib episodes since taking flecainide bid. Before asking cardiologist, is eliquis ordinarily continued for the elderly when there are no afib episodes and no hypertension.

[BobD Volunteer]

You have AF so you have raised stroke risk regardless of how much or how often you think your events may be. I haven't had AF for more than twelve years (that I know of) but will never stop my anticoagulant. (not very far short of 79 y.o.)

[mjames1]

There is no "ordinarily". The decision to take AC's should be a shared decision between you and your doctor. It starts with your CHADS risk score. However other factors that may be considered are how well controlled are some of those risk factors, your afib burden; bleed risk due to medical conditions, occupation, hobbies or from falls; and of course, your preference.

Jim

[Tapanac]

I’ve been taking flecainide and apixaban since 2018 and I’m 79

[Vonnegut]

I am 79 and stopped taking anticoagulants some time ago as the 100mg of Flecainide I take am and pm have virtually put an end to AF episodes and I’m still here!! I found all the anticoagulants I was prescribed came with unpleasant side effects and the flecainide adds to the fatigue I have so don’t want any more!

[AAJJTt]

As mjames1, it should be a decision made with your Doctor. In the UK they will use the CHA2DS2-VASc score to determine your risk profile and bring that into the discussion.

For me personally, I was on Flecainide and Edoxaban (another NOAC). I was initially on the anticoagulant as a precaution for newly onset PAF for a few years. However, on a subsequent review last year, we discussed it. My condition is very stable and since I was below the threshold (score), it was removed.

I am 57, my profile will alter as I can get older and I may well require antecoagulation again.

[Raft]

Your post raises a side issue re apixaban which is how long canI can stop taking it when due for a tooth extraction without raising the stroke risk? My dentist wants me to stop for 3 days prior to the extraction and perhaps a day or g two afterwards

[Bagrat in reply to Raft]

My dentist didn't think it necessary to stop apixaban for extraction but I chose to omit my morning dose and dentist said it was probably a good thing!. I left out the evening dose and started again next morning. My next extraction I did the same but this time was asked not to take the next day then recommence.The change in risk if you consider you take it 365 days a year is minimal. Think of all the peeps that don't know they have AF

[Bagrat]

I think the decision should follow discussion with your HCP. I have not had a long episode of AF since 2013 but would insist on continuing my anticoagulant. ( I'm 79) How do you know if you are having short episodes of which you are unaware. ?I would return to warfarin happily if I had issues with the newer anticoagulants.

[Raft]

Thanks Bagrat, I have not experienced any episode of AF,but my cardiologist says I will have but not been aware!

I have contacted his PA as he is on holiday and she is checking with other cardiologists, but your comment abou taking it for 365 days suggests a stop for 3 days is minimal .

Thanks for your help

[Morzine]

it’s a great helper avoiding strokes, I’d never want to give up mine….i haven’t had afib for ages since ablation but how do you know if you’re getting short ones in the night? That’s what the monitor showed I was and I never ever realised so the elequis is essential I’d say.

Sue