Pradaxa (Dabigatran) V's Warfarin

[Linda72]

Hi all

Just wondering if anyone has made the switch from Warfarin to Pradaxa? My GP says I could be a candidate for it and it could be more advantageous for me given my age and rather than having to monitor INR's all the time. I have APLS and SLE and have been on warfarin + plaquenil since 2005. Wondering if it has worked for you? Benefits and are have you had any bad side effects? Do you think it is too new a drug to take the chance in switching?

Thanks for your help

Linda

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi, it is good your GP is thinking about what is best for you, and will he involve your main Hughes Syndrome/APS consultant with this decision, hopefully they will swap letters? MaryF

[Lure2]

Hi, I guess you live in England.

In that case it could be possible for you to selftest if you find it difficult to stay steady and in the therapeutic INR-value. Also LMW Heparin if you must have an INR between 3.0 - 4.0.

Ask your Specialist about arterial and venous clots and if you can not be on Rivaroxaban you could ask for selftesting. Many members like me do it with good result. I am primary APS so I do not know much about SLE and Plaquenil.

Best wishes from Kerstin in Stockholm

[Linda72]

yes I have had 2 x DVTs (first in 1999 after taking the OCP). Diagnosed with APS and they gave me the choice to take warfarin or low dose aspirin only. I chose the aspirin only option at the time because I was only 28 and was fairly active. I went 6 years but then got the 2nd DVT. So now its warfarin for life! I haven't heard of Rivaroxaban so will look into that one!

Thanks for your help.

Linda

[Linda72]

Hi Kerstin,

No Iam actually in Australia, and have my own INR machine (Coaguchek) which I have been using for the last 5 years or so. The SLE only reared its ugly head when I fell pregnant and post pregnancy. It seems to be under control - touch wood with the plaquenil.

[Ozchick in reply to Linda72]

Hi from another Aussie. I've been on Rivaroxaban for nearly two years now. The only downside with NOAC's is if you're needing surgery and to have appropriate bridging. I also take 100mg Aspirin. I have been doing a lot of reading and asking lots of questions when I see the doctors looking after me. The on thing they do impress upon you is that the medication should be taken at the same time daily.

[Tammylola2012]

I do not take Pradaxa but the only issue I have read or heard from people on this anticoagulant is that for some it tends to cause tummy upset and indigestion. I am on Eliquis which as they say has not been approved for APS. However, I am clot free and doing the best I can with this disorder. Hope this new change works out for you.

Noelle

[Doug]

I moved from warfarin (my INR would never regulate) to enoxaparin (on which I suffered numerous internal bleeds while still having TIAs) then to dabigatrin (which has been a godsend - no bleeds, no TIAs, for about 3 years). I highly recommend the latter. Doug

[Linda72]

Thanks everyone! I'll have to see my immunologist and see what he thinks about the switch first I guess!