Warfarin to Edoxaban

[jackdaw50]

I have for the last few months been prescribed 60mg Edoxaban after 10 years of taking Warfarin after a DVT and PE. This due to my GP surgery merger with a bigger practice.

Warfarin was my only option in 2013 before these new drugs became available. I'm told it's safer and no INR blood tests.

I'd like to know if I still need to avoid the same food when on Warfarin e.g cranberries, grapefruit etc.

Also, contact from anyone who has been moved from Warfarin to Edoxaban and their experiences. Thanks.

[Hidden]

As far as I know, you should probably avoid grapefruit, but that's all. The drugs work completely differently, so no need to avoid foods high in vitamin K.

[moo196]

I never avoided anything whilst on warfarin - told to dose the diet, not diet the dose. Regularly had 3 of the banned foods daily and took 8-10mg warfarin accordingly.Have you asked what the antidote to edoxaban is in the unlikely event you may need it? At the time I needed to be on anticoagulants they couldn't come up with a convincing one.

[Syntaxian]

Hi,

I was transferred from Warfarin to Apixaban after a number of DVT’s and PE’s.

The new anticoagulants are totally independent of food groups, unlike Warfarin, which was impacted by certain types of food.

Good luck on your journey!

[Tofino5]

I was changed from warfarin to apixiban after many years due to side effects. I only know of grapefruit that is to be avoided.

[Buzby62]

From the NHS website

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

Apart from being careful with alcohol there are no foods or drinks you need to avoid while taking edoxaban

This can be found on the following link under “ Common Questions”

nhs.uk/medicines/edoxaban/

Hope this helps

[Suebo2 Moderator]

many if the things that you are told about warfarin still ring true. I would not stop anyone having grapefruit and cranberries a- yes they can affect warfarin, but only if taken in large quantities. Do not worry about green veg etc.

The newer tablets are safer that warfarin.

You can switch over from warfarin when INR is around 2.5. Don’t wait for the INR to drop lower. I’m assuming that your target is 2.5

[Suebo2 Moderator]

also all the best with the switch. Take care.

[Chinkoflight]

Hi, the notes with the packet are quite clear. There is only one named product to avoid namely St John's Wort which is a homeopathic remedy. You should use paracetamol rather than Ibuprofen for any pain relief, this includes not using externally applied Ibuprofen gels.Hope this helps. The notes in the Lixiana manufactured product are quite clear and easy to read, if a bit lengthy!

[Jumper99]

Hi. Do you have antiphospholipid syndrome? Have you even been tested for it? If you do then as far as I know you should remain on warfarin.

[MazzyB]

I went on Apixaban but really didn’t get on with it so went back onto Warfarin I don’t eat Cranberry but that’s all. Hope all goes well.

[Deejay62]

Hi I’m being switched from warfarin to Edoxaban by the anticoagulation clinic. On Sunday I have to take my last warfarin 2mg. Monday and Tuesday take none, then get tested on Wednesday. If my INR is 2 or below I can start the new tablet. If it’s above 2 I have to miss Wednesday then get retested to see if it’s dropped. I’m hoping it does drop because I don’t want another blood test. I’ve been told there’s no antidote so if I see serious bruises due to no reason, dark stools or blood, or blood in my urine I must go to a&e. If I’m not sure call 111 for advice.

I do have to have regular blood tests by my Gp because of my kidney function until everything is settled.

I’ve always ate what I wanted to. I dislike cranberries and grapefruit but love my green vegetables. I’m quite happy to change as my right arm is damaged due to shoulder dislocation so for years I’ve had to have bloods taken from my left. At times it’s been painful running down to my hands. I will still have blood tests due to heart failure but not every 2 months thank God.

I’m mostly worried about other side effects. All the best.