Apixaban

[Josiehg]

Does anyone know about side effects of apixaban and how long I should be on it

[Hidden]

Hi there

Usually you are on the anticoagulants for 3 to 6 months originally.

I am on rivaroxaban for 6 months after I had my pe back in December and I see the nurse for an anticoagulant review next week. So far I have had no problems with them.

I think apixaban has similar side effects to rivaroxaban like having more bleeding than you usually have when you are on your period and bruising easier than you did before.

Hope that helps.

[Josiehg in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I have my review at the end of March

[AndySD]

I have just completed 6 months on Apixaban, and been off it for about 1 month. All going well so far, and I'm just taking aspirin daily. While on it I noticed random bruising appeared in odd places sporadically. Eg in my stomach area after a swim. Also on my legs and arms. The bruising disappeared after a few days, no pain.

I was careful to avoid cuts but bleeding was a small issue if I cut myself shaving .

One big problem for me was a foot infection twice. My GP treated me for gout. Very painful swelling of my entire foot and lower leg. I could not walk for a week. The gout tablets stopped the problem . Now I am off Apixaban I have no problems so I suspect a link although there is no formal acknowledgement. But check online forums and others experience the same problem.

[Josiehg in reply to AndySD]

Ok thank you

[andkin]

Hi, I was on Apixaban for 3 months and been off them for a month. So far no problems although it was a worry coming off them. I had an occlusive DVT from behind my knee to my ankle but thankfully it has cleared apart from a small remnant. However, I have noticed that my calf throbs and aches if I sit for any long periods - itchy leg syndrome! Not sure if anyone else has this experience

[purplelovingcatlady]

I've been on apixiban for five months now following a massive unprovoked saddle pe in September 17, I'm on apixiban for life now. I haven't noticed any of the usual side effects, when I cut myself I don't bleed more than before and I don't bruise more than I did before. the only side effects I have had is hair loss, my hair has gone really thin around the hairline and I have patches of thining. However I have been taking hair vitamins for two months and using hair loss shampoo & conditioner and they are really helping, I have regrowth in all the areas. As I'm on apixiban for life I'm going to keep taking the hair vitamins.

[moo196]

Hi, I had cvst and took warfarin for two years.

Apixiban does not have an antidote in the event of any accident or need for emergency surgery or dental work for instance. This would be my main concern with the newer anticoagulants.

Worth discussing with your gp/consultant?

[Hidden]

How long you stay on apixaban all depends on the reason why you are on anticoagulants in the first place. As others have said, some conditions only require 3-6 months treatment, while others have to stay on it for life. The most common side-effects, other than the bruising or bleeding easily, are indigestion or heart burn.

[Cotton50]

My partner has noticed his stomach is very bloated since being on the meds, not sure if this is a side effect or coincidence. Has anybody else noticed this?

[Hullensian in reply to Cotton50]

Evening, I have been on Apixiban and Sotalol since May last year and my stomach is bloated. Don't know if it is connected to the meds, but it was not bloated last year.

[Hullensian]

Evening, sorry with the delay in posting a reply. As someone-else had commented, it depends on why you have been prescribed Apixaban as to how long you will be taking it. I was prescribed it last May for Atrial Fibrillation and have been told it will be a life-long prescription. I suffer from a "muzzy" head each morning when I awake - but it goes off. My eyes are slightly blood-shot, so, after reading the list of side effects I keep checking they don't bleed. I have less energy then previously, my limbs ache, my stomach is bloated and I have put on half-a-stone in weight. As I am also on Sotalol , which is a beta-blocker it is difficult to know whether or not the tiredness is due to Apixaban or Sotalol. However, my doc has commented "Do you want to die of a stroke, or suffer slight side-effects?" I worried continually when I first went on these two meds, but have now settled down and stopped worrying. Would recommend (if you have not already done so) you consider wearing a medical ID band/bracelet/necklace and carry an Apixaban card with you at all times. It may seem OTT, but I have one in every handbad/ shopping bag/ rucsac.

[blmbmj in reply to Hullensian]

I have been on Apixaban for nearly 6 months, and, like you, my joints have been crippling. I have to use a cane because my knee hurts so much. I can barely use my shoulders, my neck hurts, stomach is bloated, no energy and I just feel old. The good news for me is that most people say these symptoms go away after you come off the Eliquis for a week.