Holidays

[TillyBoss]

Hi all I'm going away for 6 weeks to france so I'm stocking up on meds. My question is how long can you go without apixaban in an emergency as I'm on 2 a day. Also on a small dose of bisop once a day. This is my first time away in a year since my stroke last July and a bit nervous 😓 Thank you

[BobD Volunteer]

Apixaban, like all the DOACS has a short half life so it is vital to take these as directed, especially bearing in mind your stroke history. Please do not even think about not taking them on time. I know may doctors keep prescriptions down to one months supply but you must speak with yours and explain why you need a longer supply.

[TillyBoss in reply to BobD]

Thank you I'll be overcautious and bring extra

[CDreamer]

Absolutely what Bob said. Don’t go away without knowing you have +1 week extra to the time you will be away, these days you never know if flight may be cancelled or something.

We got stuck in Maderia a few years ago and Hubble didn’t take extra meds, it was a bit of a hassle to get the meds but thankfully he had brought Script receipt so local Doctor signed off on an emergency supply - but obviously that came with cost of Doctor + the cost of the meds.

Know wherever you are in most of the world you will be able to access an emergency supply but don’t chance going without with your history.

[TillyBoss in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for that advice I think I will go to pharmacy once I get there and get extra on top of my extra

[CDreamer in reply to TillyBoss]

Sounds like you will be well covered.

[Rainfern]

Hi Tilly. I explained to my GP that I couldn’t relax when away without an extra supply of anticoagulant (Apixaban). They were very understanding and let me pick up an advance prescription to take with me (I was only going to Suffolk!! 🤣)

[opal11uk]

I always asked for additional drugs from my GP because of going on holiday to ensure sufficient stock, I have also taken a prescription and letter on other occasions in case I have to use a pharmacy abroad. Not advisable to go without especially after a stroke.

[Still_Breathing]

Just ask your doctor for an early prescription(s) as your going to be abroad they will give you it. You will at least know you have the meds before you go.Also pack some in luggage and some hand luggage just incase.

Enjoy your holiday

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to Still_Breathing]

Hi

No I would take all meds in your 7kg carry on luggage. That way you will have it all.

Make sure there is a label with name and contents on your supply.

Also get Dr to print out your list of meds to show with your passport.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi TillyBoss

Your ? is awkward.

I take PRADAXA twice day. Sometimes I find it on the table not taken. I take it later.

Too close I leave it out but you could be making it risky if you have a clot.

In operations I stop for 3 clear days. Not sure whether anything is in the anaesthetic stent and I return to it 2 days after.

But why would you want to risk it.

Not sure whether you take Apixaban once or twice a day. Usually take it at the same time daily.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

[TillyBoss in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

I take apixaban twice a day. Thank you everyone for advice. Pharmacy say they will give me extra and I'm taking my prescription. Also I am going to put some in my car and carry a few days supply on me just in case.

[Swimmerb]

I took a nearly empty packet of my husbands blood pressure medication and he forgot his preventative asthma inhaler when we went to France last year. I had prescriptions with us and went into a pharmacy and they gave us what we needed . They we very helpful and aplogised that we had to pay for the meds!

[Steve112]

Never be without your medication and taking it as prescribed is vital in your circumstances … getting an early prescription from your doctor and should never be a problem.

Myself I use a delivery company ordering my medication online and to date have been brilliant my prescriptions are never delayed and one bonus is I have about 9 months supply of my medication which was most helpful on our recent 3 month trip to the Far East and Australia.

Enjoy your trip.

[ian16527]

Dont worry

I forgot all my meds when going to France years ago ( these were not for AF as I did not have it at the time - it was immunosuppressants and another drug for Crohns)

I went to the local GP who spoke no English but we got by and I got a prescription. But the cost was about £90 which is should have claimed back when I got home.

It cost me 15 euros for the GP and you went in one door to the waiting room and out through his patio door into the car park when he was finished - very strange

[TillyBoss in reply to ian16527]

They're a law onto themselves. I'm always amazed by the bags of medicines most french people seem to walk out with, it makes me feel healthy! Just had a chat with pharmacist and no prob about getting 2 months extra and they will give me a prescription with all my meds.

[LaceyLady]

well, I totally understand your anxiety. We’ve just left the UK, in Italy. I asked my GP for extra, I had no spare stock at home, unusually. Also a Low Carb T2 dire betic and the menus 🙄 pasta, pizzas and shell fish 🙄 I can’t eat much carb at all 🤯

Trying to relax is hard, no where caters for Low Carb diets and it’s not simple to adjust when there’s not much to adjust to!!

Had ablation end Feb, all went well 🤞🏻 Still taking my Apixaban because I can’t risk not taking it, my paternal family had strokes 😏

[TillyBoss in reply to LaceyLady]

Enjoy your holidays you sound like you deserve it

[Morzine]

hey I live in France

Take your prescription with you. If you run out go yo any doctor you pay 26 e for the consultation and thry will give you a prescription yo go to any pharmacy. It’s easy peasy!

Dint ever not take apixaban

Sue

[TillyBoss in reply to Morzine]

Merci