Morning all.I don't often post but love reading all your posts as I find them so helpful and reassuring.
I've had 3 ablations in the past but AF still causing issues. I'm seeing Cardiology beginning of Oct 24 to discuss next options. I'm 53 female.
My worry at the moment is being changed from Abixiban to Rivaroxaban. This is due to none of our local chemist's (7) are able to get Abixiban. Therefore my GP is switching my AC. Should I be concerned or just adjust to the new AC? I suffer a little anxiety as struggled with many of the heart meds over the years. GP said everything will be fine as its more important to have the ACs than not.
I'm probably worrying over nothing.
Thanks for reading and have a lovely bank holiday.
J
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JC162
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The only comment I will make is that Rivaroxaban needs to be taken with a full meal containing fat and protein. A cup of coffee and a biscuit for breakfast is not enough.
Not enough - take with your main meal which contains protein and fat.
As far as I am aware no issues with generic supplies, if the brand is specified that may make difficulties - to do with the NHS pharmacy system which I came across on one occasion. Dabigatran tends to have more supply issues, OH is currently changing to Apixaban.
I have never been told this and have been taking it since January. I was told just to take with food so I take it with my breakfast which is normally two slices of toast and butter. What are the consequences of not taking it with a main meal? Surely the pharmacist should have told me this.
There was a bulletin a couple of years ago now. It seems that a few people had strokes while taking it due to insufficient absorption as it needs fat and protein to be present . Best to take with a proper meal.
l am sure you will be ok, but understand your concern. It’s not something we expect and can cause much stress. See how you go, but there are lots to try. 🥰
I would think having no issues with Apixaban the transition would be ok. I don’t think there is much difference as they all do the job. Try not to worry as long as you are protected.
You have given me assurance all will be ok. Thank you
This is nonsense. Tell the pharmacist you are allergic to the rest of the DOACs, to pull his finger out and failing that you will sue him. You can say I told you to say this. Not a doctor.
I would ring the drug manufacturer of your pills and ask if there is a problem with their Apixaban supply. I have done this several times in the past and am usually given the names of nearby wholesalers who have it in stock and can supply pharmacies. I tell the pharmacy and they order it in from there.
It does annoy me when pharmacies know that you have a certain drug and don't order it again after giving you your supply.
I changed to going to Boots chemist quite a while ago and now have had no problems with the supply of any of my medications.
I too had to change and was quite anxious, but all was well.......best to try it and see maybe before making a decision. I appreciate what you are saying about the pharmacies, there are certainly access problems which in itself is a worry for the future.
Yesterday I collected my monthly medications from my local pharmacy. I was told that my usual brand of Apixaban had not been available but that they had been able to obtain Eliquis and there was a massive difference in the price ? The Eliquis being a lot more expensive.
I was instructed by my GP to change for the cheaper brand apixaban but I (in capital letters) made the decision to stay on Rivaroxaban. If it ain't broken..... . !!
No - all DOACs work similarly. You won't notice the change (well, I didn't in reverse). I am surprised your doctor didn't plump for once-a-day edoxaban as that is also available to the NHS at a less egregious price than rivaroxaban.
Have you tried ordering through pharmacy2u online ?(Or similar) it's so easy to do and I think that they might have a bigger supply pool to go to and delivery to your door.I've had no problem with apixaban in North Devon and believe me, We're often in the bottom of the que for a lot of things!
I understand. Locally our chemist has virtually become non existent/ not fit for purpose, due being closed- as no Pharmacist/ long ques when open/stock supply problems, this made my mind up to online. Good luck.
I've had no problem taking or getting Apixaban. But I did have unpleasant side effects with RIvaroxaban - I just felt headachey and ill. So I went back to my doc after a week and he changed my anticoagulant straight away, no problem. As soon as I stopped the Rivaroxaban, the side effects stopped immediately. Most people don't have any difficulties with Rivaroxaban, but if you happen to be one of the small minority who do, then it's very easy to change to another med - nothing to worry about.
After being on Apixiban for over 6 years I thought it would be a good idea to go on a once a day instead of twice a day med and was changed to Rivaroxaban. About 3 months later I had a haematuria (blood in the urine) for about 6 days with all possible tests done to investigate the cause. Nothing found so my GP agreed that I go back on the Apixiban again.No further problems but I now have a Watchman device fitted and am no longer on any anticoagulant
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