Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.

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IZEileen 08/02/2014

Hi everyone. Hope you all are having a great summer. I have been very involved in selling our house, buying another one and moving to temporary living quarters while it is being built that I am way behind with events happening in this wonderful group. But I really need some advice. I just turned 73 and my EP wants to put me on an anticoagulant. No other risk factors except being female. She previously thought I was more of a bleeding risk than a stroke risk. I am on 25 mg atenolol and 50mg flecanide bid. A couple of mild breakthroughs a year since 2011. Palpitations sometimes. My question is Xarelto or Eliquis. Any bad experiences, gastric problems, etc.? Is one safer than the other? Is one better than the other for my age group. My internist likes Xarelto and EP likes Eliquis. HELP!!! I have to chose by Friday. Or did anyone just go right to getting an ablation and skipping anticoagulant? I so very much appreciate any advice you get give me. Thanks in advance. Eileen

pacyetep 08/02/2014

Eileen:

Look at this chart:

http://pharmacistsletter.therapeuticresearch.com/pl/ArticleDD.aspx?nidchk=1&cs=&s=PL&pt=2&segment=5249&dd=290201

There is a caution for older patients with Xarelto, not with Eliquis.

What it really comes down to is what works for you.

petey

missd12932 08/03/2014

Yes I think the Xarelto is not recommended for folks over 75. For me someday, I will use Eliquis.

Paul60 08/03/2014

I plan on switching from Coumadin to Eliquis within the next few months. I like Eliquis over Xarelto because the idea of a shorter half life (12 vs 24 hrs) appeals to me since their won't be an antidote for at least a year. I take this position even though under my insurance Eliquis is more than twice the cost of Xarelto (Xarelto and Pradaxa are preferred brand named drugs in my plan, and Eliquis is not). You might want to check out your insurance first, some of these drugs can reach near $600.00/ 3 months depending on your plan. There is a discount program from the manufacturer of Eliquis until 12/2015 @ $10.00/month, possibly for some of the others also.

IZEileen 08/03/2014

Thanks so much for your information and comments. I really appreciate it. I believe I can make a much more informed decision now and will discuss this choice of meds with my husband who is a little less emotional than I am about it. I must admit I am a little scared but such is life. My son keeps saying to me LOOK AT THE MIRROR MOM. He has such a way with words. Such a charmer. Thanks again.Eileen

ultratodd 08/04/2014

Hi Eileen,

I went against my doctor's advice (coumadin) and looked at both Xaralto and Eliquis. With coumadin it's inconvenient and sometimes darn near impossible when traveling to get tested for INR. I chose Eliquis because of the shorter half life as I am still pretty active and travel quite a bit. My chances of tripping and falling while running or hiking on the trail are pretty high. So I had to weigh the potential problem of no antidote vs. the inconvenience of coumadin. I've been on coumadin before and it was a hassle. I've now been on Eliquis for about 4 months and have not had any problems.

Todd

pacyetep 08/04/2014

I'm on the "dreaded" Pradaxa and hit my head a ways back requiring 11 stitches over my eye. As you know, your head bleeds a lot. I stuck a paper towel over it and it stopped bleeding. They didn't sew it up for 2 hours, so I guess they weren't worried. I also take 81 mg aspirin. I survived.

NYNM 08/05/2014

Interesting chart. Note differences between US prices and Canadian prices!

Surfrat 08/05/2014

@ Petey: Wow, 11 stiches! Glad it worked out well for you, after the fact.

CLane 08/06/2014

Hi Petey: I have to ask- What happened that you hit your head and needed 11 stitches? Glad the bleeding was easily controlled.

Hi IZEileen: By now you likely have chosen between Xarelto or Eliquis. I do not have experience with either one but was on Pradaxa for 6 months. I had no issues with Pradaxa and did well on it. I, did, however, switch to warfarin due to cost though and have been doing okay on it.

daisy0808 08/06/2014

Xarelto gave me horrible side effects, extreme fatigue, insomnia, night mares, switched to Eliquis and all is well, no side effects that I am aware of, I am with the others on the short half life of Eliquis. You have to find what works for you and what your body can tolerate.

pacyetep 08/06/2014

Tripped running on the step up from the deck to the kitchen and hit above my eye on the granite island in the kitchen. Didn't hurt.

CLane 08/06/2014

Wow! Didnt hurt? You are pretty tough! Granite is very unforgiving when you smack into it, lol :)

IZEileen 08/06/2014

Wow Petey. I'm glad you're okay after hitting your head like that. Ouch! You sound like you stayed pretty calm and handled it well. Two hours sounds like a long wait to me when you're on Pradaxa and bleeding. All's well that ends well I guess. I didn't realize you could still takeaspirin, even only 81mg while on Pradaxa.. Thanks again for the great info. Please be more careful

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