Pradaxa. Benefits and problems

[Rsb417]

Been on Pradaxa since 2016. Seems to do the job, but having started on 150mg found that bleeding from the anus was very unpleasant. The doctor reduced the dose to 110mg and that solved the problem. Taking the tablet gave me a lot of wind, but drinking plenty of water solved that.

Pradaxa terrifies dentists and most will not even do a filling while taking it. Recently had a biopsy in hospital and they would not touch me unless I had stopped taking Pradaxa for three days.

I cannot say that Pradaxa has made me put on weight, but even at 82 I play tennis twice a week and go to the gym regularly. Regular exercise is recommended and if permitted by the doctor you should get out of breath at least four times a week with a minimum of five hours of medium intensity training or sport. This keeps the weight down.

When I first started with Pradaxa I noticed that my VO2 rating slipped as if the blood could not carry the oxygen as well as it did, but this recovered slowly, but not completely. I get the impression that Pradaxa and the Q10 that the heart needs do not go together well, but I am not medically qualified.

[CDreamer]

I switched to Apixaban in about 2017 and been much happier with this A/C. None of the gastric issues I got with Pradaxa and the bleed risk profile seems to be better than Pradaxa.

I have taken CoQ10 supplements since having AF - I think depletion is as much from ageing than from meds unless you also take statins which are known to deplete CoQ10. I have never taken nor will ever take statins but do notice a difference in energy if I miss a few doses.

[offtherecord in reply to CDreamer]

I so wish I could give up these anticoagulants. Currently I am on a half dose of Pradaxa..but not sure how long I will be able to hold a full dose off,!

I'm afraid I have come to see it as aan endless battle rather than a potential victory. The weight gain is depressing, and I shall have to try to compensate for that by giving up minor treats like coffee with milk ...there little else I can eliminate. A little less of the small amount of bread I eat.

Thank you for your responses. Just off to use the inhaler needed after my two A and E post covid vaccine visits ..both times leaving me in breathless crisis and now requiring this asthma medication for life..

Not easy is it. J

[CDreamer in reply to offtherecord]

There is some discussion in US that breathlessness caused by COVID and the vaccine maybe a coagulation problem in the tiny vascular system in the lungs rather than respiratory - which is helped by anticonvulsants.

If you had asthma prior to COVID then of course there may be a conflict. Hope things improve for you.

[mjames1 in reply to CDreamer]

CD: There is some discussion in US that breathlessness caused by COVID

Yes, I was short of breath, not during, but shortly after having COVID. Did all the PFT tests, etc, and passed -- but one pulmonologist said he's seen this a lot and hopefully it will resolve within a year. If not he was going to do a CT scan of my lungs. It did resolve within a year.

Jim

[offtherecord in reply to mjames1]

Hi mjames,

Good to hear that your breathlessness has abated. I am just into my third year with the breathing problem so may not have a similar condition. Generally I am not affected by it, yet, other than when exercising in one way or another...when I allow myself to sit out or rest when necessary. Steep stairs not easy, but ..to discard the inhaler medication would be a plus!

Best wishes J

[offtherecord in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for this information . CDreamer...I did have asthma as a small child...no recollection of it after age 7 .

I shall certainly bear this mind in my next conversations with the powers that be.

Best wishes, J