Change of medicine

[Giveadogabone]

My doctors now want to change my medication a year after my heart attack. From Ticagrelor to Rivorobaxan. I would prefer to stay on ticagrelor... is the change a cost issue?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

The best person to ask is your GP. I would be interested in the answer as I am also insulin dependant but on Clopidogrel.

[Giveadogabone in reply to MichaelJH]

Will keep you posted MichaelJH. I have not had a follow up since Jan 2019, that was 3 months after my first MI,!

[JennyRx]

Ticagrelor is an anti platelet and Rivaroxaban an anticoagulant. So it’s not a like for like exchange There will be a clinical reason behind this decision. Ask the doctor why.

[Giveadogabone in reply to JennyRx]

JennyRx I am aware of the difference.. reading up on NICE guideline, it is possible to continue a lower dose ticagrelor for up to 3 years?

[JennyRx in reply to Giveadogabone]

Normally stay on Ticagrelor to keep stent clear. This is normally for a year. It’s mainly about the stent not HA prevention. The rivaroxaban is about ongoing reduction of risk of heart attack into the future. But please discuss rationale with the doctor who is making the change. The patient should always be involved in that discussion.

[JennyRx in reply to JennyRx]

The Ticagrelor regime you mention is to reduce risk of FIRST HA in those with CAD. You’ve unfortunately had one so you don’t actually fit this criterion.

[Giveadogabone in reply to JennyRx]

Thanks JennyRx!

[Woodensider]

I am coming up to my HA first anniversary, the cardiologist who did my op clearly stated the Ticagrelor was for 12 months only. I spoke with my GP yesterday to confirm this, which he did, so will stop in about 2 weeks. At least the next nose bleed should be a bit easier to stop!

[Heartbear]

Hi there, I have been on Rivaroxaban sine my HA in July 2020. I was on aspirin as well at the time, but that was dropped after 6 weeks. Once the clot on my LV had cleared, the plan was to switch out the Rivaroxaban and reinstate Aspirin for life. Following an MRI in October the clot had cleared but the bottom of my heart isn't working as well as it should so I'm at risk of developing another clot there. Accordingly they've kept me on the Rivaroxaban. Fine by me. The onlt thing with it is it's time critical to take. I've been rigid since the HA taking meds at 9am and 8pm ever since I left hospital, in line with when they gave them to me. This is really important - they said stick to the regime and I'll be fine. They said they see some returns to hospital, and it;s usually because people don't stick to the medication timetable.

[Sunnysummerdays in reply to Heartbear]

I know where your coming from 👍👍

[Giveadogabone]

Thank you for that info. Were you checked for clotting factor before you started on it? The side affects are not pleasant?😳

[Speakeazi]

Hi I have a different medical history of PAD but have recently been changed from Clopidogrel to Rivaroxaban +aspirin and I can feel the difference.

There has been some recent research about it which is why I have been changed over.

I am also v careful about the timing.

Not sure if this is useful!

[Giveadogabone]

Yes thank you Speakeazi.