I have just been told on a check up that i have AF.the doctor wants to put me on apixaban.not sure what to as there seems a lot of side effects.is any one else on 5mg twice a day and if so what side effects if any did they have?
I lead a active life so not sure if it is right for me.
Hi Tradesman
Your doctor may have explained to you already, but being on a blood thinner is vitally important if you have AF as you are at a higher risk of having a stroke. In AF, the top chamber of your heart doesn't contract and push blood out as it should, it quivers instead. This means that blood can pool in the top chamber as it isn't being squeezed out, and it can form a clot. This clot can then be passed through your heart and around your body, potentially blocking an artery leading to your brain and causing a stroke. Have a look at our AF page here: bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
Apixaban may have some side effects, but you won't know if they affect you until you try it (you may have no side effects at all). If you take it and then experience side effects, go back to your doctor and discuss your options as there are always other blood thinners they can offer you.
If you would like more information on AF or apixaban, please call our Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311 and chat to a cardiac nurse. We would be delighted to give you more information and support you in making an informed decision.
Take care,
Ashleigh
Hi Tradesman, I was diagnosed with AF in May of this year. I have been taking Apixaban twice a day since, with no side effects at all,so far.
It’s a far better than taking Warfarin, as you don’t need regular blood tests.
Give it a try and see what happens. Good Luck.
Hello Mr Tradesman, Excellent advice from Ashleigh here. I too was very reluctant to go onto Apixaban but my cardiologist convinced me that AF had increased my risk factor of a stroke by 5 times. Every year you get older is also a risk. I have now been on it for two months and side effects have not materialised so far so I am happy to continue.
The doctors do have your interests at heart!
(excuse the pun)
Hope it works for you, good luck.
Been on it since April for AF. No side effects and it dispersed a clot that had formed in the top of my right ventricle. Also take Bisoprolol 2.5mg and Ramipril 10mg. The only side effects are with the Ramipril, but nothing too bad - a bit of very occasional diarrhoea and brief dizziness when I first stand up.
Can I suggest that you join the AFA group on Health Unlocked as it is specific to AF & there are a lot of helpful, kind people on there.
I was diagnosed in July this year and have been on Apixaban 5mg x 2 daily with no noticeable effects apart from occasional gum bleeding when I brush my teeth. ( I did have that before but it is slightly more on Apixaban - my dentist is on the case). I also take Flecainide 50mg x 2 daily for rhythm control and after a few weeks of palpitations, dizziness and some odd visual disturbances all have now settled and I feel great.
People worry about bleeding risk on anticoagulants like Apixaban, but should be far mor concerned about the risk of stroke.
Best wishes
Hi, I have been taking Apixaban for about 5 weeks with out any apparent side effects until hitting my leg. This resulted in a unexpected large swelling which refuses to go down. My advice is to be very careful to avoid even minor injuries. Good luck.
Hi ,I have been taking apixaban for two months now ,with no side affects,gives peace of mind to know your blood is thinner with them,lessening risk of stroke.
Yes, the advice folks have written is what I would have put. Been taking it since May last year. Side effects - bruising - very minor. Just be careful in your activities now to try to prevent accidents. I now wear a cycle helmet and take extra care when using step ladders, etc. Make sure to inform all health care employees that you are taking this drug, especially your dentist; they just need to be aware in case a procedure entails the risks of bleeding, such as tooth extraction I was very nervous when I first prescribed, but have settled down now as realize the benefits. Also taking Sotalol (beta-blocker) which does make me extremely tired.
Hi mate
Been on Apixaban for 3 years and touch wood no effects still lead normal life
Have a garden accident lately and only a tad more blood than normal
Also hit my head and nothing developed so fingers crossed it seems a safe drug
I've been on Apixaban for 4.5 years with no side effects. I even had a life-threatening injury when an intercostal artery got punctured and the local hospital managed it. I'd say "go for it". Some people may suffer from some side effects but I think most find it isn't a problem at all.
Been on apixaban for over a year now 5mg twice daily with no side effects, so much better than the warfarin I was switched from.
No symptoms but feel tired all the time not sure if its apixaban or my heart
Apixaban to Warfarin 
Apixaban, tremors, weak
Apixaban and Skin Reaction
