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Changing from Rivaroxaban to Apixaban

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Allexie
Allexie

Had my long awaited appointment with the haematologist last week and after reporting continual dizziness and feelings of light-headedness it was suggested I change from Rivaroxaban to Apixaban, (started out on Warfarin but suffered hair loss & lethargy on that),.  Been taking it a week now but having awful nausea and headaches.  Anyone else switched and did you have any similar problems?  Did they dissipate after time?  I'm going to be a lifer on a/c's and I'm finding the prospect of constant side-effects whichever one I take quite daunting!

(The haematologist mentioned that the antidote/reversal drug for Rivaroxaban, Apixaban & Dabigatran is likely to be licensed by the end of the year which sounds like great news!)

Thanks

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • sheila91262
    sheila91262 Allexie

    Posted

    Hi, Apixaban is meant to have fewer sideaffects than R, my son was switched to A from warfarin. He is lucky he didn't suffer any problems  with either, was moved on so he didn't need to do INR he thinks. You might find a multivitamin with iron helps, as esp vitamin B can reduce the effects on the body. Son had hair probs with Warfarin and Vit B helped. Good luck. Good news about reversal drug. sheila.

     

    • Allexie
      Allexie sheila91262

      Posted

      Hi Sheila and thanks for your reply.  It's funny but every specialist I have seen all have said that hair loss/thinning isn't a side effect of warfarin yet loads of us seem to suffer from it!!  Re the iron definciency - I had a comprehensive set of blood tests done last year as they thought it might be an auto-immune disease and they showed that I was very low in iron and vit D so I have been taking supplements now for 6 months.

      Hope your son continues to do well

      Alex x

    • sheila91262
      sheila91262 Allexie

      Posted

      Thanks Alex, they ought to do some trials or research or something re skin probs and hair loss. Online it recommends high doses of Vit B. Son is great, so glad to be on stenting trial for PTS and will be able to stop taking anti coags soon. He had ulcerative colitis which is auto immune disease and abdominal surgery which led to him getting the DVT which was a big shame. He is now disease free and doing his best to get back to full fitness. Hope you get sorted soon. i still post as it was so helpful when we needed advice. Sheila.
  • Supertractorman
    Supertractorman Allexie

    Posted

    I switched from rivaroxaban to apixaban with no side effects and in fact feeling much better. Rivaroxaban was a disaster for me with nose bleeds and stomach problems.

    Hope your problems get sorted, remember tablets can interact with one another depending on whar you are on.

    • Allexie
      Allexie Supertractorman

      Posted

      H

      Good to hear you had no side effects.  Can I ask....did you take the tablets with food?  I was told there was no need for this, unlike Rivaroxaban.  I have been taking them just with water but wondered if it might be better with food?

      Thanks

  • Supertractorman
    Supertractorman Allexie

    Posted

    Allexie. I take my morning tablet after breakfast and my teatime one before my main evening meal. Works for me, so not sure what is the right way.
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