Edoxaban

[Cyclejoan]

I am feeling lightheaded taking Edoxaban. I am now taking it before bed but it has little effect.

I have had 3 episodes of AF this year and thought there’s a tablet I can take when I have these AF episodes. Does anyone know what it’s called.

Thanks

England.

[Teresa156]

Hi Cyclejoan,

Were you prescribed Edoxoban by a cardiologist? Are you due to see them again soon?

It’s not clear how long you’ve been taking edoxoban, but if it’s not long, perhaps you are still adjusting to it? If not, there are other anticoagulants you may be able to try but you need to discuss it with your GP/cardiologist?

The pill you mention about taking if in an episode is called a PIP ( Pill in pocket) which is additional medication on top of what you already take, to calm down the heart and help it back into rhythm. Many of us take an additional beta blocker, or calcium channel blocker ( rate control) and/or an anti arrhythmic pill. These are only prescribed additionally by a cardiologist though. After checking your heart via an echo cardiagram abd ECG etc. Have you had these checks?

Are you on anything to control your rate - or was it decided not to put you on anything?

[Cyclejoan in reply to Teresa156]

Hi Teresa I was prescribed this by a Cadiologist. In July. After my second AF incident which lasted 10 hours. My heart rate normally around 65 to 70.

Joan

[Teresa156 in reply to Cyclejoan]

It sounds like perhaps you might benefit from changing to another type of anticoagulant perhaps as I’ve seen in here that other people do try others if they don’t suit.

You need to speak to a cardiologist about medication to try and stop an episode quicker.

[Oldforge73]

Hi Cyclejoan, It is unfortunate that you are struggling with Edoxoban. I started on this drug 1st August 2023 and have had no side effects, I was also given the beta blocker Bisoprolol to control my heart rate 1.25mg daily, extra if I need to if an episode starts. The type of AF seems to denote what they give you, I have persistent AF apparently even though I didn't know this. Have they told you which type you have, I was totally unaware on diagnosis there was different sorts and found out myself then asked my doctor which one. You may have paroxysmal AF but you really need to know. I have not seen a cardiologist only my GP and it is still all quite a learning curve. Speak to your doctor, find out which AF you have and if you could take rate control meds as needed. The anticoagulant is very important to protect you from blood clots so I hope you can be given one that has no side effects.

[Cyclejoan in reply to Oldforge73]

Thanks Oldforge.

[Mugsy15]

Joan, reading your post I get the impression that you believe Edoxaban to be a drug to alleviate or stop your symptoms of AF?

Sorry if I've misinterpreted, but in case I'm right, please be aware that you have been prescribed Edoxaban to help guard against stroke caused by blood clotting. It has no effect on cardiac arrythmia.

For this you would need to be on an anti-arrythmic such as Flecainide, which in normally prescribed in tandem with a beta blocker like Bisoprolol. Perhaps this is a conversation you could have with your GP to assess your suitability.

Best wishes.

[Cyclejoan in reply to Mugsy15]

Hi yes I’m aware it’s a blood thinner. My cardiologist felt that my Af episodes (2) lasting 5 to 10 hours didn’t warrant medication for AF. If it continues he will consider ablation treatment. Tx. J

[mjames1]

Edoxaban is a blood thinner/anti-coagulant. It is to keep you from getting blood clots and strokes if you're at risk. It will not have any effect on your afib episodes.

Some people take rate control drugs like bisoprolol or diltiazem when they go into afib. These drugs can bring the rate down to safe levels until they convert. Others, take anti-arrythmic drugs like Flecainide, when they go into afib. These drugs can convert you to normal rhythm in 1-4 hours.

Best person to see about all this is an electrophysiologist (ep) or if one is not available, then a well-versed cardiologist.

Jim

[Cyclejoan in reply to mjames1]

Thanks James I’m seeing a Cardiologist/electrophysiology. I will discuss your comments. Joan