Edoxaban and Gaviscon

[Jennywren52]

Hi everyone. I was started on Apixaban but it had quite severe side effects so I have as of yesterday started on Edoxaban. I am booked for an ablation at the end of April. I was just wondering how others get on with Edoxaban - I have noticed indigestion and reflux and am going to ask the pharmacist if it is safe to take some Gaviscon as long as it doesn;t interact or interfere with the Edoxaban before I go to bed each night.

[Sixtychick]

I was switched to Edoxaban from Apixaban too. I think it was cheaper, that’s why the GP’s were switching you. I’ve had no problems and you only have to take it once a day. I take mine about 7 ish in the evening after my dinner.

[BenHall1]

Its okay but I prefer Warfarin. Edoxaban and Nebivolol are making me far too tired and lethargic

[richard_jw in reply to BenHall1]

It's the Beta blocker not Edoxaban which is making you tired

[BenHall1 in reply to richard_jw]

Thanks. Yes I knew about beta blocker ( been on them long enough ) but NHS advise Edoxaban can have same side effects. I recently ( late 2023 ) moved from Warfarin to Edoxaban so I can't see any value in continuing with Edoxaban, back to Warfarin.

[Bagrat]

Good idea to consult pharmacist. If I need gaviscon I try to take it 2 hours before or after other meds ( something to do with absorption of other meds as gaviscon provides a barrier)

[bean_counter27]

Beware, I suspect Gaviscon tablets as a trigger for some of my AF episodes. I have GERD and associate a spike in use of Gaviscon with some of my episodes. I have stopped Gaviscon and only using Mylanta. The Gaviscon tablets I was using contain calcium carbonate which can cause arrythmia. I suspect i was using too often and caused or contributed to some episodes. YMMV.

Note they also contain artificial sweeteners, in case that's an issue for you. I know it is for some.

[PansyCat]

that's really interesting. I'm on Edoxaban, and get huge amounts of gas. I take Gaviscon, and never thought to check if it was OK, but my husband has AF and heart failure, and after an abdominal procedure was told to take liquid Gaviscon Advance, so I assume it's OK. He's on Apixaban.

[CDreamer]

I use Gaviscon with no problems but now only have occasional indigestion, usually caused by what I have eaten rather than Apixaban which I found to be the best a/c for me. I found that eating smaller meals in the evening at least 3 hours before bedtime, sleeping with head of bed very slightly raised and reducing carb intake, especially baked goods all helped. Sipping warm water after taking Gaviscon all improves the efficacy.

As Bagrat says - best taken different times to usual meds.

[Tykelady]

I was put on Edoxaban 60mg when first diagnosed and for seven months I took 60mg tablets. After a hospital stay in Jan/Feb this year for pneumonia I was told that because of my weight which had dropped to 51kg I was told I should have been on half that dose. I have not had any problems with the lower dose

[Sixtychick in reply to Tykelady]

I was given 60mg of edoxaban and when I read up about it, I realised I should only be on 30mg, as I weighed less than 60kg. I don’t think the GP’s always read all the info on the drugs they prescribe. Best to always check these things yourself. I have been prescribed medication on occasions, that would cause reactions with the Sotalol I’m on. I have the NICE list of drug reactions, for the Atorvastatin, Edoxaban and Sotalol, I take. Useful to have these lists to check it against anything new you’re taking.

[Ppiman]

I think that is a know effect. Gaviscon is fine. There's a much cheaper non-branded version available, so that will be cheaper and is identical (it's called "alginate", if I recall). It does nothing for me for some reason. It's supposed to form a thick layer of gel-like gooey froth on top of the stomach contents and slow or prevent any acid getting into the oesophagus. I'm a touch dubious about it, but clearly it's popular.

I suffer with acid reflux thanks to a small hiatus hernia, but I had no symptoms extra at all when on either rivaroxaban or apixaban (and I am thinking of changing to Edoxaban since it's once a day).In general, acid reflux is most quickly solved by neutralisation with an alkali. Typically, this would be an antacid such as calcium and magnesium carbonate (e.g. Rennies) or magnesium hydroxide (i.e. Milk of Magnesia). There are stronger drugs such as cimetidine, ranitidine or esomeprazole, available that work extremely well, but it's said to be far better to avoid them unless truly needed and your doctor will then advise.

Steve

[TopBiscuit]

I switched to Edoxoban by choice (because it's only once a day) but my digestive system wasn't at all happy with it. The pharmacist confirmed to be that all the anticoagulants can have a negative effect on your stomach/digestive system unfortunately.

[Singwell]

Taking Gaviscon away from other meds should be fine as the main ingredient is an alginate- seaweed. Don't take at the same time as the alginate will inhibit adsorption by creating a barrier over the stomach contents so the acid doesn't come up in the night. I'd think if you take it last thing at night and the Edaxoban at mealtimes then I think you'll have no issues.For most effective use of Gaviscon use the Advanced formula and no food or liquid after at nighttime. You want to keep the barrier intact. It also helps to raise the head of your bed using a couple of house bricks.

I'm an acid reflux warrior- hence all the info 😉