Should I switch from Riveroxiban to Apixaban? (3 wks post THR)

[RebeccaMB]

I'd appreciate hearing about experiences/opinions on whether I should switch to Apixaban blood thinner instead of the Riveroxiban I'm currently on since THR 3 wks ago. I've been having heart palpitation sensations, restless legs at night and panic attacks at night and although they don't seem to think it is a recognised side effect of the riveroxiban, when i google it, there are definitely others who have experienced the same thing. After telling the doctor, he has suggested prescribing Apixaban instead. Again a quick search of that brings up bad experiences of side effects. Am also terrified of heavy bleeding during my period which is due soon and am wondering whether one or other of these drugs would be preferable from that point of view. Any suggestions appreciated. thank you.

[medway-lady]

I've been on Riveroxaban for over 3 years (never taken anything else) as was selected for the first group to take it.I had PE's and a DVT related to RA. I think you might be panicking a bit like most of us who get PE's do get panicky as it comes out of the blue and death is a real threat. Apixaban is not that different so I don't know if you see a difference anyway but suggest you talk to your health care provider as only they can really advise you. I take mine with food which is very important and just don't think about it now. In short just try not to overthink it, you may have a bug and are allowing it to control your emotions. Try distraction and bad news always makes news for some its the highlight of they're lives to feel sorry for themselves and frighten others. Both Apixaban and Riveroxaban are modern and clever medications deseigned not to interact with RA medications we are lucky to have them. Mymum took Warferin and I'm so greateful not to watch what I eat and have bloods done weekly. So my advice is stop thinking about the side effects you may or may not be imagining and get on with enjoying life.

Just to make you laugh I thought I'd die when cutting my finger as the bleeding would not stop so utter terror one day when as is the way I gashed my knee badly.Needless to say that was three years ago and I'm still here.

[RebeccaMB in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you. I'm mega positive during the daytime at the moment - down to 1 stick for outdoors and walking without aids indoors. It just seems to be when I lie down I feel the heart palpitations really strongly and restless legs then prevented me from falling asleep. Having had a much better night last night (I took the riveroxaban way earlier than usual at about 6pm) I might just stick with it now rather than switch. Thanks so much for your help. X

[medway-lady in reply to RebeccaMB]

Just remember with food because bright green wee is just wrong !! It takes a while to regain confidence after the stress of PE's but you'll get there. x

[RebeccaMB in reply to medway-lady]

will do! thank you! x

[ladyhm]

Hi Rebecca, I took apixiban when I had a pe and I never had any problems, think the idea is not to make too much of the side effects as not everyone get them, the only think I found is that if I banged myself, which I do a lot lol then I got bigger bruises which took a bit longer to go, hope that helps a bit x

[RebeccaMB in reply to ladyhm]

Thanks so much. I took the riveroxaban earlier in the evening yesterday and had a much better nights sleep so that might be the solution for me. Thanks again x