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Apixaban Sifde Effects

Posted , 6 users are following.

nigel0151
nigel0151

My anticoagulant journey was as a result of a DVT following major orthopaedic surgery to my right knee in 1990 (Cruciate ligament reconstruction). Regular DVT's followed, complicated by three episodes of PE.

The chronic pain in my knee has resulted in MRI scan and a bone scan - both indicative of a degenerative changes of the joint, which cannot account for the severity of my pain.

Subsequent process of investigation has revealed that Apixaban (2.5mg twice a day) may be the cause of my joint pain.

It might help others who may be experiencing similar symptoms to have an awareness of this potential side effect.

I have made an appointment to see my GP next week to establish an alternative NOAC (not Rivaroxabin) or a potential return to Warfarin. 

Anyone else in a similar position?

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • jen86183
    jen86183 nigel0151

    Posted

    I stopped taking apixaban nigel on monday as it made me really ill. I was on it for a month and had sickness, headaches and dizziness. I figured I could cope with these for the 3 months I was prescribed it as they were mild. Last monday these side effects became so bad along with shaking inside which I could not stop. I went to the doctor the next day and told him I was so ill I was not taking it, he wanted me to take warfarin, I refused, he said you are taking a risk, I told him I was going to take bromelain which is a natural anti coagulant along with garlic and a couple of other things, he told me to take ginger root as well.

    I hate what these drugs do to you, they are dangerous. 3 days off the apixaban I am still not well, I do not normally have headaches but I am still having really bad ones, my nerves are shot and it has affected my vision as well.

  • mike01623
    mike01623 nigel0151

    Posted

    Very Helpful I am also taking Apixaban 2.5 mg twice a day.
  • ann55375
    ann55375 nigel0151

    Posted

    Pleased to hear from someone else in similar situation.  I was on warfarin after a dvt then p.e. After a spinal operation.   After three years gp suggested i try apixaban and i thought it would be an end to the forever testing clinics.   Unfortunately the apixaban made me feel unwell, headachey, agitated, tired and i stood it for a month or two then asked to go on something else.  Was told warfarin and here i find myself back on it and back to the clinic visits alongside all the dietary restrictions etc which are a real pain.   Does anyone think any of thr other NOAC meds might be better tolerated?
  • nigel0151
    nigel0151

    Posted

    Thanks to those of you who have responded. It would appear that we all react differently to what are extremely powerful drugs - some with debilitating side effects.

    I am investigating alternative NOAC’s (apart from Rivaroxabin - too much of a risk of internal bleed) and will report back.

    Good luck to everyone! 

    • ann55375
      ann55375 nigel0151

      Posted

      Very keen to hear how you get on with this research, please report back, many of us in same boat. Too mant in fact.
    • nigel0151
      nigel0151 ann55375

      Posted

      Thank you Ann. I will certainly share the results of my own research and opinion of my GP, who I am seeing on Thursday morning! 
  • nigel0151
    nigel0151

    Posted

    Dear All,

    Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeons reviewed my scans and have concluded that the pain in my knee is indeed a direct result of the level of  osteoarthritis in the joint.

    Total kneee replacement required.

    Stage 1 of the process commenced in Theatre tomorrow with removal of the existing metal work in my knee.

    Replacement of knee three months later.

    Apixaban not the cause of the pain, so I continue with this anticoagulant.

    Careful Anticoagulation management required for my surgery tomorrow, just injected my first dose of Fragmin!

    Thanks for reading and good luck to all! 

     

    • jen86183
      jen86183 nigel0151

      Posted

      Good luck nigel. I am surprised you did not have to stop blood thinners prior to op. When I had my hip op, I was told to stop the magnesium and cod liver oil as they can make you bleed out. Funny how people have different ideas. Again hope it all goes well for you.
    • nigel0151
      nigel0151 jen86183

      Posted

      Hi Jen,

      I did have a stringent care plan with regard to my Anticoagulation therapy prior to surgery.

      My Orthopaedic Surgeon has an excellent working relationship with my Consultant Haematologist- they both work for the same Trust in Liverpool.

      I met with the Haematologist a few weeks ago to discuss my care plan and investigate the possible insertion of a filter to prevent any thrombosis reaching my lungs. It was decided that this was not required, as my last PE was four years ago.

      Surgery was planned for Thursday morning. So, I was instructed to  take my last Apixaban on the Tuesday morning. On Wednesday morning, I administered an injection of Fragmin.

      Nothing further until back on The Orthopaedic Ward Thursday afternoon, where the Fragmin injections continued, twice a day, until my discharge on Saturday afternoon.

      I recommenced Apixaban at 18.00 Saturday evening and am back to my usual twice daily dosage of 2.5 mg.

      Reassuring to have such a team of specialists working closely together for the benefit of my care!

      Knee very sore and swollen! 

      Best of luck to everyone!

    • jen86183
      jen86183 nigel0151

      Posted

      I am so pleased it all went well nigel and you will soon be walking without any problems. 🏃👍

    • nigel0151
      nigel0151 jen86183

      Posted

      Thanks Jen!

      Walking without any pain is certainly the target!

      Now that metalwork has been removed from the knee and scar tissue dealt with, a nervous three month wait before the surgeons replace my knee joint!

      At least I can take comfort from the fact that my Anticoagulation Care Plan has been tried and tested and actually works!

      Best wishes 

      Nigel

  • bootneck
    bootneck nigel0151

    Posted

    I am on apixaban not sure of the dose is it one A M AND ONE PM

    • nigel0151
      nigel0151 bootneck

      Posted

      Hi Bootneck,

      Apixaban doseage is morning and evening!

      Good luck!

  • joshuapryce1987
    joshuapryce1987 nigel0151

    Posted

    Doctors are good, and give good advice most of the time, we should invest in them.

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