PROBLEM WITH APIXABAN - ADVICE NEEDED

[Rosie0202]

I have been on Eliquis (Abixaban) for over a year and haven't to my knowledge had any serious effects. Over the weekend, I had breakfast and usual meds, including Apixaban. One hour later I suffered a serious visual disturbance and everything was spinning. Felt really ill. Blood pressure very high and eventually vomitted. Had the paramedic out as no GP; 111 or out of hours service available. Checked over and heart fine. Some minor fluid in the left ear for which I had been taking a nasal spray. Had some dark areas on each side of the nose bridge near eye sockets, which I've had a few times since taking Eliquis.

GP on Tuesday said it was probably either a side effect of the nasal spray I had taken for nearly one week or just an imbalance within that ear. I have never had this type of 'vertigo' before. Has anybody on Eliquis (Abixaban), had this sudden and debilitating vertigo. Thanks. Blood pressure returned to (my) normal by the end of the day and oddly considering I'm in permanent AF, the monitor showed AF free.

[Rambler398]

This sounds to me like acute vestibular neuronitis. I had an episode which took 3 days to settle. I was alone, and unable to get off the floor for several hours because of the vertigo.

Viral and ischaemic causes are considered likely.

I was not on an anticoagulant at the time.

[CDreamer]

very unlikely for Apixaban to be a factor from what you describe - high BP would almost certainly have been a factor.

[BobD Volunteer]

Had it several times thanks to viral labrinthitis. Very unpleasant. I had to call emergency doctor who gave me an injection to stop being sick as I had nothing left to give. Lasted about a week and then lurked for about two years.

[Buffafly]

Yes, before I was diagnosed with AF. Had a virus followed by ear irritation then felt suddenly unwell, lay down and couldn’t move for hours because of vertigo. Finally forced myself to get up, was sick then AF started. Ended up in hospital for several days. I suspect I had a slight stroke and I also had fluid round the heart from the virus. So perfect storm but no Apixaban involved.

[Ppiman]

Bad luck - this sounds pretty worrying, but I guess it was a one off brought on by the mucus and the cold affecting the sinuses and ear chambers.

Was the nasal spray just saline, which is said to be safe (but does little for me), or was it a decongestant containing, for example, xylometazoline? These latter (like Vick Sinex) are not recommended with AF as thy can set off arrhythmias. Also, the decongestant can, if used for too long (3 days is the longest approved, I think) weaken the small arteries in the nose and cause bleeding which might be worse with an anticoagulant. You can also get "re-bound" congestion making the symptoms worse.

Steve

[Desanthony]

I have had this a few times both before being diagnosed with AF and going on apixaban and since I now keep medication should I need it. My wife had labarinthitis about a day after testing negative for Covid last year- after testing positive for 18 days she managed one good day - which happened to be her birthday and then was hit with this. I only tested positive for 11 days. It is so debilitating my wife couldn't even lie down without being sick and dizzy for a few hours. Then any movement set it off. Standing, sitting, looking in a different direction all had to be done in slow motion and reading was impossible! It still ocassionally comes back as the GP said it would so he gave her enough medication to use until it went - probably around a week and to keep some to use again I think she has had 3 more episodes which have not been so bad and only needed to take the medication for a couple of days.

[Tryfan]

I've been taking Apixaban for 3 years. Not suffered any side effects. Certainly nothing like you describe. Must have been very frightening. As a sailor I know ears can sometimes be very tempremental and cause vertigo, leading to sickness. Hope you settle down soon.

[Rosie0202]

Many thanks to all who responded. It was helpful. Regards