Corona Virus/ Xarelto and immunity

[Clarr]

Hi all,

Regarding the outbreak of Covid 19, I recently researched the affect on the immune system of taking anticoagulants such as Xarelto and Apixaban and the news wasn't what I had hoped to read.

From research I came across from reliable sources, anticoagulants seem to prevent the immune system from working at its best.

This it was stated has serious repercussions for lung health especially and also heart, with endocarditis being mentioned as being caused by viral load.

For those of us who are on this medication and who become infected with the virus Covid 19, what if anything can we do to limit the serious affect it could have on us?

I am very worried about this and any advice would be very welcome.

Regards,

Clarr

[Hidden]

I don't know about anticoagulants depressing the immune system - I have only had an annual flu jab since being on them (mostly because I reached the age to have a free one), and whether it was this, or what, my immune system is stronger than ever! As for what we can do to help ourselves - you know the advice to wash your hands, cough into a tissue, and not touch your face. Also don't worry - easier said than done, but really, even for the highest risk groups the death rate is relatively low; certainly catching the virus, if we should be so unfortunate as to do so, is not a death sentence by any manner of means.

[Clarr in reply to Hidden]

Thank you mrsredboots!

I have never got the flu jab in my life so far, but I will get the vaccine should one become available for Covid 19, next year, all being well.

Be well!

Clarr

[moo196 in reply to Clarr]

Still worth getting the normal flu vaccine,now.

[cheritorrox in reply to Clarr]

Altho I had a flu jab plus an "anti pneumonia" I'm not sure anything works against a new virus .....

Living in Spain we have a state of emergency declared at the moment - shutting down everything in an attempt to stop it spreading further .... but amidst all the panic we should remember it's actually no worse than "normal" flu for most people.

[Clarr in reply to cheritorrox]

Hi, that's very heartening to hear. As you say this is a new virus and as such is causing a lot of fear.

Hope you are coping well with the lock down. Catch up on a few good books while self isolating.

Regards,

Clarr

[cheritorrox in reply to Clarr]

Sorry only just saw this. We're now on day 13 and coping! I'm spending far too much time on computer plus reading a book a day and doing puzzles ... er and not much spring-cleaning despite having the time!

Biggest frustration is I'm used to walking 7km a day which is now reduced to pacing around our small house and occasional outings to local shops ... hey ho has to be done and in my little Pueblo everyone seems to be sticking to the rules

[Clarr in reply to cheritorrox]

Hi,

I understand that you would miss your walk very much.

There are some very good exercises tips online to do at home using a humble kitchen chair.

This isolation is difficult but it's the only weapon we have against this Virus.

You didn't mention if you are taking an anticoagulant or beta blocker. Maybe you have been talking off all medication!

I'v read that burning Eucalyptus oil gived off antiviral properties.

It has an uplifting quality at worst.

Hang in there, this too shall pass.

Regards,

Clarr

[cheritorrox in reply to Clarr]

I'm on sintrom (blood thinner like warfarin) for remains of a DVT and paracetamol/tramadol for arthritis pain (can't take NSAIDS as you probably know). I also take various natural supplements but as health shop is closed will have to check out what's available online when supplies get low (if they're delivering such things during lock-down).

Hope you're coping OK - keep safe x

[Clarr in reply to cheritorrox]

I haven't heard of sintrom.

It is an extra stress having arthritis. Life is not easy!

By the way as a matter of interest which supplements do you take? I can't take vitamin E or fish oil capsules because of taking Apixaban.

I was changed from Xarelto to Apixaban a few days ago.

As the above supplements cause your blood to thin a little bit, it is not advisable to take them.

I hope you have lovely sunshine on your balcony or garden in Spain!

Regards,

Clarr

[cheritorrox in reply to Clarr]

Sintrom is prescribed in Spain instead of warfarin - acts the same way and needs the regular INR checks.

I decided they could change the dosage if anything I was taking put up INR .... glucosamine with condroitin, omega3, collagen and turmeric. Doctor informed and no problem - I'm not sure they help the arthritis but anything's worth a try!

Unfortunately we've got cold and drizzle but it's overdue this month after a lovely sunny winter .... at least while it stays like this I'm not missing my daily walks so much!

Stay safe xx

[Okccp]

im on same meds i work in health care in covid clinic and dont worry, keep happy and all will be well when you keep busy, just look after your self , boil and drink ginger and take vitamin b1 as its safe from holand and barate to take it with this blood thinner i take rivor oxoban 10 mg ,and put garlick in your cooking and eat well

[Brookiebiceps in reply to Okccp]

Okccp, how long have you been on 10mg xarelto? Did you have PE or DVT? Any side effects with xarelto?