Apixaban side effects

[Potatohead123]

Haven't been here for while. I am now very concerned that after being bullied into taking Apixaban for last eighteen months, I am now suffering serious consequences, mainly that six months after starting this drug, my ferritin levels dropped to eight. The fatigue was life changing, Immediately had all the up and down scopes plus ct scan to see where blood loss was from. Nothing at all showed up. Had an emergency iron infusion last August. Blood test in December showed high iron levels. Blood test a month ago showed low ferritin levels again. Have started to get red blotches on my arms and legs, looks like I've been in an accident. There's no antidote for bleeding with this drug. God help me if I get a brain bleed. Anyone else had problems. Am also taking Bisoprolol, which has its own problems. I am 79 now but very active, constantly looking after 3 young grandchildren. Have no other heart problems. Thankyou for listening.

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Hi Potatohead (funny name!)

It may or may not be worth enquiring about changing your anticoagulant again, if you're in any way bleeding or have other side effects.

I was on Warfarin, but know that over time it weakens the blood vessels and artery linings, not to mention the inconvenient regular blood tests.

I did a little research before requesting a change from Warfarin, and found that Dabigatran was one of the longest-standing Warfarin alternatives. There are quite a list of POSSIBLE side effects, but the main one being acid reflux and/or stomach pain. Luckily (and I think it's because I'm otherwise a very healthy, relatively 'young' [59] guy, that it makes things easier - or rather less 'hard' for the body to deal with).

Furthermore I wanted something that could be 'reversed' if any bleeding occurred, just to be sure (though vitamin K pretty much sorts out any bleeding issues, if push comes to shove). So when I spoke with a senior nurse at haematology in my local hospital, she informed me that the ONLY Warfarin alternative anti-coagulant which can be reversed (currently in the UK) is Dabigatran, and so I agreed that this would be best for me, and once they got my INR to below 2.0, I was able to then make the switch, which I have done.

I did suffer stomach reflux AND stomach pain initially, but only the first 2 days. I then add the drug to my food, and don't take on an empty stomach, and ensure that plenty of food follows it, which has resulted in NO acid reflux or pain at all now.

The only downside (for me) is having to take 2 capsules daily, spread out (so one with breakfast and the other evening meal). However, in a funny way this itself is reassuring as having to keep it 'topped up' means the body (liver) filters it out. So apart from the reversing agent option, it seems that 'time' also sees a lowering of its effects, so any bleeding issues dealt with this way too.

So you MIGHT like to suggest this to your doctor or haematologist as so far I can only speak positively for this drug (and I couldn't find too much adversity on it, on the 'net). It's been out for 10yrs in all, so hardly 'new'; but they must have a decade of tests before a new drug is released too, so in effect 20yrs of use to date.

Finally (and I'm not sure if this applies to ALL Warfarin alternatives, though I THINK it does), but there is a 50% LESS chance of a brain haemorrhage on Dabigatran compared to Warfarin (see 'York Cardiology', the cardiologist, on YouTube who talks about this) which the nurse confirmed when I brought this up with her.

I hope this helps.

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I forgot to say: Do look into addressing the cause/reason of your need to take Bisoprolol, as I've actually come OFF it. Apart from my former senior GP saying it wasn't really necessary (and I was pleased to hear that, as ANY prescription drugs I wish to avoid if I possibly can) as well as Ramipril (which my 'new' integrative medicine GP has said only 'masks' the symptoms instead of addressing the causes - and I agree).

I follow the guidance of Dr Stephen Sinatra, by taking 4 supplements that increase 'energy' to the heart, rather than simply trying to force it to beat harder (thereby 'masking' things, which modern medicine/drugs almost always do. They never CURE!), when there may not be the energy available:

So CoQ10 Ubiquinol (which I'd been taking anyway), D-ribose, L-carnitine, and magnesium (L-threonate being THE most absorbable, and can cross the blood-brain barrier too, UNlike 'magnesium oxide' [the cheapest form] which is pretty well useless as far as absorption goes). Also a slow-release niacinamide, providing energy (ATP in other words). A powerful combination and that I'm weaning myself OFF Ramipril too (but keeping an eye on my blood pressure as I do so).

There are no known side effects to these supplements (to my knowledge, and I can't find any on the 'net either) and Dr Sinatra (see his book, or audiobook if you prefer) is a world famous cardiologist now and has had staggering results with his, what he calls, 'awesome foursome' approach.

I hope this helps.

[Potatohead123 in reply to Hidden]

Dear Ian. Thankyou for your quick responses. I found your comments very interesting and I will be doing some research before my drs appt next week. I resisted taking apixaban for about 6 weeks, until I was made to feel that I would have a stroke at any moment. I only agreed to take 2.5 x 2 daily, although I was told I needed to be on 5mg x 2. Drs would not give me the choice of warfarin. I definately have to come off this drug as I need to prove if it's causing anemia, or not. I'll let you know how I get on. also cardiologist wants to put up the Bisoprolol to 5 mg he thinks my BP is a bit high. But that's not going to happen. Regards and again thanks.

[Hidden in reply to Potatohead123]

Thanks for your positive comments. Only trying to help, if I possibly can. But obviously always advisable to have a second (or third!) opinion too.

I was JUST the same re the possibility of me having a stroke at any time. It's the only reason why I agreed in the end (plus I had 3 double vision incidents, which was pretty scary!).

I an also 'slightly' anaemic too, like you.

Cardiologists can only recommend what's in their training manuals, which sadly is big Pharma driven. Like I suspect you are too, I'm not too taken in by what doctors/experts say, even if well-intentioned, as often they don't know other treatment paths as they are fed information from above and it's often not always the best for the patient.

But having said that, try to find an alternative 'integrative practitioner' as they understand their subject to a greater depth. Even pharmacists know a lot, often more than doctors (and that's not a criticism of doctors as they have a LOT of patients to treat and in limited time. I feel so sorry for them).

All the best, and good luck!