Anticoagulation Therapy for AF

[TracyAdmin]

Are you currently taking anticoagulants? Perhaps you are taking a Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC) such as; Apixaban, Edoxaban, Dabigatran, Heparin, Rivaroxaban or even Warfarin?

Have you have recently been approached or had your medication changed to an alternative? If so, have you experienced any noticeable side-effects since the transition?

Are you able to share your experience with our Patient Services Team?

If so, please contact: [e-mail]

Subject: Anticoagulation Therapy.

Your support is much appreciated.

[HamishBoxer]

Yes, I take Apixaban and have noticed no side effects after a year or so.

[TracyAdmin Partner ArrhythmiaAlliance in reply to HamishBoxer]

Thank you for taking the time to respond, are you able to message me with the anticoagulant you were taking prior to Apixaban?

Thank you

TracyAdmin

[HamishBoxer in reply to TracyAdmin]

Prior to Apixaban I took Nattokinase and Serrapetese, also Garlic.

[Art-99]

I live in Cyprus and had been prescribed Warfarin since March 2019, since earlier this year it became impossible to obtain and I now take Aldocumar; I have not noticed any adverse reaction and still have INR blood tests every 2 orc3 months.

[TracyAdmin Partner ArrhythmiaAlliance in reply to Art-99]

Thank you Art-99 for sharing your experiences with us. Your support is much appreciated.

[WineTaster]

I take Apixaban 5mg twice a day (since a stroke caused by AF in August 2019) and have been lucky enough to experience minimal side effects.

About a year ago I was under pressure to switch to an alternative drug (I think it was edoxaban) as my GP surgery had got a contract for this to be supplied at a lower price. I was very reluctant to change as I was happy on apixaban and didn't want to change for no good reason. I sought advice on this forum and was advised that at the time, there was no approved antidote to the drug, they wanted me to move to.

I successfully used this argument with my GP and I was allowed to stay on apixaban, which was a great relief. If others are being pressured to change medication and are not comfortable with this, then I would advise them to seek advice on this forum and resist the change.

Clearly, if you have a problem with existing medication (especially warfarin) it is good to seek a change but my view is 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'

[HamishBoxer in reply to WineTaster]

I read Apixaban was the best of a bad job and touchwood all ok after a year or so. Prior to that, see my comments above. Yes, I did ask for it, rather than another anti coulagnant that was suggested.

[TracyAdmin Partner ArrhythmiaAlliance in reply to WineTaster]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

[Martgai]

Hi, I had been taken warfarin for at least 10 years. After I had a cardiac ablation 2 years ago, I now take edoxaban. I've not noticed any side effects at all.

[TracyAdmin Partner ArrhythmiaAlliance in reply to Martgai]

Thank you for sharing your news - fingers crossed long may it continue.