received a letter from my medical practice this morning telling me that when my next prescription for Edoxoban is due I will receive Apaxiban instead . Pretty obvious it’s for financial reasons as my medical practice is being run by a “company” who’s is all about saving money for financial gain .
I would be grateful for any feedback from others who have experienced Apaxiban after being on Edoxoban for a few years .
Second time we have seen this recently which is very strange as edoxaban was always the cheaper option.
My cardiologist changed my prescription from Edoxoban to Apixiban back in early January. He said with Apixaban we had less chance of gastrointestinal bleeding. He also said it would be much safer for me prior to cardioversion next week.
I was taking 1 Edoxoban daily, whereas I now take 1 Apixaban twice daily.
This happened to me about six months ago. My repeat prescription was changed with no explanation and when I spoke to the surgery's pharmacist I was told all patients were being swapped over as it was a safer option. I think as you have to take it twice a day, it must have a shorter active life in the body which helps when you need surgery for something. I've had no side effects (I seem to bruise less than with the Edoxoban) so I've just accepted this as a new way of doing things based on updated evidence.
I refused to change from Apixaban to Edoxaban ( at the time Edoxaban was cheaper!)As it was not a medical need but baed purely on cost,I said I wasn't prepared to and would take it further.
Apixaban has been fine for me.
I started out on Rivaroxaban, then read that Apixaban was a better option for AF, so got my doctor to change me. I found that Apixaban did not suit me at all, it gave me heartburn and hair loss, and taking the tablets 12 hours apart less convenient that once a day with your evening meal (Rivaroxaban), so changed back! I also read the comparative studies, and the difference is hardly a train smash !
That's interesting because the equal best value DOACs are rivaroxaban and generic apixaban, according to latest NHS advice.
england.nhs.uk/long-read/co...
As you were taking Edoxaban (once a day), I wonder why were you not offered rivaroxaban (also once a day) by your GP? Perhaps your GP thought generic apixaban was better for you, even though it is a different twice a day regime? Perhaps you could ask your GP about his preference, for you. And if you still want a once a day regime, you now know such a DOAC is available.
Good luck.
I haven't had the Edoxaban v Apixaban issue ............... rather Edoxaban v Warfarin. I experienced the most vile and horrific nightmares from Edoxaban which my GP had been trying to get me on for months and months. I was only on it in the end because other health issues arose. Once these were sorted I wrote a letter ( in hard copy ) which I hand delivered to my surgery telling my GP of my experiences and telling her I absolutely refused to take any of the NOAC's ... ever . I further told her I will return to Warfarin which for 15 years had given me no problems ........ noting that I'd had several medical surgical procedures including a knee replacement, requiring me to temporarily cease Warfarin. Never ever had a problem, and I self test and self dose.
All sorted. I recommend you ask your GP for medical references justifying his/her action. Otherwise just refuse.
John
Having just compared the two on the NHS website as to who can and cannot take them, they appear to be identical; so like other replies, I guess the answer must be cost.
Thank you everyone . Always reassuring to hear from others with the same experiences. Your reply’s are much appreciated.
I am surprised to hear that as I had a fight to get Apixaban prescribed due to the cost.
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Edoxoban side effects?
Apaxiban
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advice appreciated Apaxiban. 
