Apixaban and Pitavastatin

[Art-99]

My anti coagulants have recently been changed from warfarin to Apixaban, I have also recently been prescribed Pitavastatin which I am now taking in addition to Ezetimibe. Previous attempts to get me on the usual statins resulted in elevation of liver enzymes/triglycerides.

I had a blood test last week and it appeared that my liver has tolerated the new statin but another test is planned for the end of the month to see if this new statin is still doing its job.

However I have started suffering with leg pains mostly when I get up from sitting and sometimes at night. I attend a weekly yoga class which I don't want to abandon and to be honest I haven't found the pains any worse or better after a class. Has anyone bad similar possible side effects with either of these drugs or is it too early to say ?

I have also considered taking Omega 3 for my heart and joints but it seems that it may not be advisable when taking anticoagulants; has anyone else heard this ?

[Lowerfield_no_more]

If you turn out to be 'statin intolerant' having tried various statins which produce side effects that affect your quality of life or worse your health there is other medication available to manage your lipids. If you reside in England the NHS has a statin intolerance pathway which your health professional should follow. I have linked it below a noting it is intended for health professionals not lay people like us.

england.nhs.uk/aac/wp-conte...

[Naana16 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Yes, I agree. Thanks for sharing the link.

[HamishBoxer in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

To stay off Statins try Bergamot in capsule form. Benecol drink and spreads from supermarkets I use too.

[MoretonCross in reply to HamishBoxer]

I think I may try bergamot to see what happens 🤔 But not the Benecol...

[Art-99 in reply to HamishBoxer]

I didnt know that bergamot had cholesterol lowering properties, I'll look into that, thanks.

[Art-99 in reply to HamishBoxer]

Dont think I've seen benecol in Cyprus, where I live, but will look a bit harder !

[Art-99 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thank you for you reply and the link, it does appear that my cardiologist here in Cyprus is following very similar lines in trying to find a tolerable medication to lower my cholesterol. Ezetimibe on its it's own had not caused me any problems but I realise its it's not as effective. I plan to contact my cardiologist shortly if the leg pains have not subsided.

[Naana16]

Apixaban is a blood thinner that helps prevent clots but can increase the risk of bleeding. Omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil, also have mild blood-thinning effects. Taking them together may increase the chance of bleeding, so it’s important to be cautious. The manufacturer advises that people using apixaban should check with their doctor before taking omega-3 supplements or may need to avoid them altogether.

there isn’t much evidence to support recommendations for omega 3 supplements for heart protection

Higher doses where used during the trials and there has been evidence that at these doses can potentially cause arrhythmias

Best to obtain omega 3 from dietary sources

[ETHEL103 in reply to Naana16]

Apoxaban is an anti coagulant,not a blood thinner though I do admit blood thinner is easier to say lol.

[Markheckles1 in reply to ETHEL103]

? Anticoagulants are blood thinners.

[ETHEL103 in reply to Markheckles1]

No I think they aren't.

[Naana16 in reply to Markheckles1]

nhs.uk/conditions/anticoagu....

[Naana16 in reply to ETHEL103]

yes you are right- Apixaban is an anticoagulant though sometimes referred to as ‘blood thinners’ - ease of explanation…. lol

nhs.uk/conditions/anticoagu....

[Marje99]

my husband was changed from warfarin to apixiban he said it’s the best thing they ever did no more inr tests feels much better on it

[Art-99 in reply to Marje99]

I became used to the tests although early on I was very careful as to what I ate however I've been told that with Apixaban theres no need to worry.

[Marje99 in reply to Art-99]

Yes that’s correct it’s a real game changer

[Markheckles1 in reply to Marje99]

I wish I could come off Warfrain 😔

[Naana16 in reply to Markheckles1]

Have you already discussed with your GP?

I know not everyone is suitable for a switch but worth asking

[Marje99 in reply to Markheckles1]

My husband spoke to gp and he did the change

[Goonerboy6661]

A CoQ10 supplement is supposed to help with statin induced muscle pain but check with your doctor first!

[glenh798]

Hi Art I have read many comments about leg pain while taking Eliquis(Apixaban).I myself take Xeralto (Rivaroxaban) which is also an anticoagulant. I have had no pain anywhere while taking this medication for 8 years. I take 20 mg daily. I was also on warfarin but this medication greatly affects your kidneys. After switching to xeralto my gfr increased to 94 from a low of 81. Eliminating the monthly testing while on warfarin was also a plus!! I don't know about interaction with omega3 but I take CoQ-10 200 mg. daily with no problems. I am 70yrs old now! Stay Strong!! Glen

[Lucyfrog]

I had to come off all the statins and blood thinners for ex. Warfarin, Apixaban, Lipitor I had really bad joint pain, suicide thoughts, extreme tiredness, I am just one of those people that have awful side effects from medication, now just on Aspirin and no statin and feel so much better, has anyone any ideas for reducing cholesterol without statins, just found out I had a mini stroke, doctors said not sure of timeline when I had it plus put on 2 stone from Menopause, it's so frustrating because it wasn't through overeating 🤔

[Hullensian]

I do not take any of your drugs apart from the Apixaban which I take for Atrial Fibrillation and I do not have any side effects. However, I do wear an Alert bracelet in case I am taken ill and am unable to let medics know I am on this drug. Also, ensure your Dentist is aware you are taking it as if you require an extraction there are steps that have to be taken.