Apixaban Side Effects?

Treatment and medication
1

I have a history of DVT's and Pulmonary Embolisms that started for me after orthopaedic surgery to my right knee in November 1990.

I had a DVT to my right calf, which was regarded to be a provoked DVT.

Subsequent DVT's and PE's over the years have all been unprovoked.

My last episode of a PE was in November 2014.

I am now on lifelong anticoagulation, which was initially Warfarin.

My GP switched me to Rivaroxaban, which a Consultant Haematologist changed over to Apixaban, due to the lower risk of an internal bleed.

I am still experiencing significant bouts of chest pain, shortness of breath, tightness in my chest and palpitations, combined with a constant feeling of lethargy.

The NHS have undertaken a range of medical investigations as they thought that I might be suffering with Pulmonary Hypertension.

Whilst I am still awaiting to undergo a stress Echocardiogram, results so far are not conducive to me having this condition.

Yet, the symptoms persist, having a significant impact on my quality of life.

On three occasions over the past twelve months I have been admitted to A and E such were the severity of the symptoms.

A diagnosis of Costochondritis was made and I have completed a two week course of anti inflammatory medication.

And yet the symptoms persist!

Is it possible that Apixaban may be responsible for the symptoms and they are a side effect of this particular type of medication?

If so, what are my options? Is it worth being referred back to the Haematologist?

Knowing my own body, I personally feel that the medical investigations are too heavily based upon my heart? Perhaps for very good reasons.

Are there options to have the condition of my lungs investigated? If so, by whom?

I do really want to establish the cause of my significant symptoms that make me feel so poorly all of the time.

I would be really appreciative of any advice or guidance that you might be in a position to provide.

Kindest regards

2

My husband was on warfarin and had dreadful side effects. Eventually, after three years of asking, he was sent to a heamotologist. ashe tried him on riveroxaban but the side effects were worse than the warfarin.

He is now on apixaban, and, so far, no bad effects at all. Although its early days yet.

Every one is different so do go back and see a specialist to discuss your options.

3

Thanks for your response.

I think that you are right in that the impact of the anticoagulant affects people in a variety of different ways. After all, they are very powerful drugs in the manner in which they work.

I am clutching at straws really, in an attempt to establish the cause of my symptoms.

Best wishes

Nigel

4

What side effects did your husband have with warfarin? I had painful weight bearing joints, hips, knees, ankles and toes when walking. A neighbour had the same and lost much of her hair.

When I stopped Warfair my joints were back to normal in less than a month. I went into AF again and had to go back on warfarin and the joint pain returned. I have a theory that the problem is caused by Amaranth that is used as a colourant in the 1 mg and not in the rest.

Someone I know was debating if he really needed Warfarin. The next time we met he said that he had discussed it with his GP and stopped taking it. I asked him if he had noticed any difference since stopping it and he said that the pain that he had put down to arthritis in his knees had now gone.  

 

5

Hi derek 76. He had eye bleeds, hair loss, a horrible blood blister looking swelling on his back where a previous mole biopsy had been done, nasty mood swings, pains in his ankles...the list goes on.

I bought a coaguchek machine as if his INR went above 2 all the above happened and the GP/clinic wouldn't see him often enough.

He was eventually (three years!) sent to a heamotologist and she put him on riveroxaban...the effects were loss of muscle strength...could hardly get out of the chair (normally working full time!) eye bleeds and hair loss. Only took them for a week then went back to warfarin.

After two months he saw consultant again...she then put him on apixaban. So far, two months, no side effects at all that we have noticed.

6

Glad to hear that he is now on a drug that suits him.

7

Hi, touch wood my husband has just been put on Apixaban since  this october.He was only on aspirin since he started his treatment for cardiac disease 4 years ago. I am glad that he is not on Warfarin, I would say  Wafarin is an older type of anti coagulant and shall we say cheaper!

8

With the new drugs you are paying for the years of research that went into them and now lining the pockets of the makers.

Warfarin has no such costs and I wonder how much Apixaban actually costs to make ?

9

The cost of the warfarin is my husbands health. The side effects are horrendous. The Apixaban, so far, has not given any side effects....

10

Thanks derek76. Fingers crossed.

11

I believe that, for the 2.5 mg dose of Apixaban, the cost is £1 per tablet, as opposed to pennies for Warfarin.

I am less convinced now that my symptoms are indeed side effects.....

12

the 2.5 and 5mg are the same price on BNF.

28 tablet [Prescription only medicine]NHS indicative price = £30.75

56 tablet [Prescription only medicine]

NHS indicative price = £61.50

Drug Tariff (Part VIIIA Category C) price = £61.50

Add to Warfarin about £10/£12 per INR test.

13

Most sail through life on Warfarin others of us get side effects.

Now I need to go back on it before having an ablation.

14

How's it going now? I've been advised to go on Apixaban straight away but its difficult to know if I'm choosing the right drug.

15

Feeling very low on warfarin. R suggested apixaban, wondering if it will help pick me up.  Is it worth trying as some people have side effects?

16

me too. Have you gone onto it and if so successfully?

17

Apixaban is good now that I'm on the right dose of 1.25 twice a day xx

18

Sorry. Correction. I'm actually on 2.5mg twice daily. It's much better and no head aches now.

19

How long did it take to feel better on apixaban?  I am feeling very tired and lethargic on it.  Didnt have this on warfarin.