Brain bleeds: Has anyone on Apixaban... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

32,305 members38,577 posts

Brain bleeds

Myflowers2 profile image
10 Replies

Has anyone on Apixaban had a brain bleed if so what were your symptoms ?

Written by
Myflowers2 profile image
Myflowers2
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
10 Replies
CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

I had a TIA because I WASN’T taking Apixaban.

Have you had a problem?

Peony4575 profile image
Peony4575

An elderly lady I know did . She had headache for some days and felt “off” got fibbed off by her GP a couple of times. They called an ambulance at the point she started vomiting . If you have any suspicion that you or anyone you know has a brain bleed you should be seeking proper medical attention rather than asking this forum . Doubtless presentations vary

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat

No but if you have unexplained symptoms that make you concerned, consult your health care provider or at least phone111 for guidance as if in UK it's a bank holiday

Desanthony profile image
Desanthony

No I haven't had one and no one I know has but if you have any worrying symptoms then either call 111 for advice, or call 999 if you are really bad and get yourself to A&E. Even if it isn't a bleed you are better off having any symptoms investigated as soon as possible.

ozziebob profile image
ozziebob

It's easy to say "have any symptoms" investigated, but, if I recall properly, my only concern, prior to (3ish) instances of intermittent 5 minute hand paralyses that necessitated an A&E visit and a diagnosis of spontaneous (ie. unexplained) acute bilateral subdural haematomas, I can only recall a small sore spot on my scalp, something I associated with the irritation of a pimple and best left alone to resolve by itself. I did wonder about a GP visit but my symptoms were so "vague" I couldn't face the potential opprobrium of wasting my GP's time.

While I am pleased to report my bleeding had stopped by the time of the diagnosis and consequently a conservative non-intervention procedure was possible (10 days of steroids) which resolved the matter, I have been left with a fear of a repeat bleed while anticoagulated that could well prove catastrophic before I was able to call for help (I live alone). So currently I am not taking the apixaban recommended for me.

But my situation is individual, don't be "put off" by my experience, although I consider myself very lucky. As another has said re headaches as a symptom, in the absence of a head injury, it's not unknown to get "fobbed off" initially by GPs until more obvious symptoms that cannot be ignored appear, like paralysis. But after my experience I would consider both an ongoing headache and an unexplained persisting "sore spot" on my scalp as reason enough to seek medical help.

Good luck.

Are you worried you have had a haemorrhage? What are your symptoms?

2learn profile image
2learn

Hi, various replies say if you have worrying symptoms consult your GP etc. I report them to GP and hospital they aren't concerned, even when I went blind for 5 mins. I was told if it was a TIA and I was on apixaban there was nothing they could do. I've had a stroke on apixaban and was told incorrectly I couldn't have a MRI cos I've a pacemaker, could have been a brain bleed or something else. Sometimes seems I'm just waiting for the next big bang. Good luck

ozziebob profile image
ozziebob

Further to my reply above about my experience of a brain bleed, it is important to acknowledge that this occurred (late 2016) four years before my pAF events began (late 2020).

And, knowing my bleed history, in 2021, the Haematology Dept of my local major London hospital recommended apixaban for me in preference to the then 1st choice edoxaban. This was presumably because of a "belief" that apixaban has a lower risk profile re "major" bleeds. 🤔 Whether this "belief" holds up in the light of more recent research in 2024 would need further investigation.

Rotsky profile image
Rotsky

I have been very fortunate. Been on Apixaban for several years and no problems. On Warferin I could not get stable and had nose bleeds but nothing serious. If you are worried do call 111 and you will not be wasting their time. Look after yourself. We are all here to help. xx

7473 profile image
7473

now on Edoxaban, change I think financial rather than anything else. Benefit once daily. Still small haemorrhage from bumps and knocks so not much better. 6 monthly bloods, low red blood cell counts lately, review in three months. Feel good. Good luck.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Bleeds

Hi just a matter of interest has anyone on here had a bleed on Apixaban? As I am changing over to...
Dottilind profile image

Nose bleeds

I have been taking the anticoagulant Edoxaban since last September. The following month I was taken...
puppywalker profile image

Nose bleeds

Hi...I am changing from Warfarin to Apixaban this week. However my friend's mother in law has had...
rothwell profile image

Nose Bleeds

Hi started taking 2.5 apixiban 3 weeks ago after 3 tablets had a nose bleed so stopped taking it....
Nerja2012 profile image

Recent nose bleeds.

Dear lovely people! I have been on anticoagulants for nearly four years now and apart from the...

Moderation team

See all
Emily-Admin profile image
Emily-AdminAdministrator
Kelley-Admin profile image
Kelley-AdminAdministrator
jess-admin profile image
jess-adminAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.