Anyone here on Xarelto? What's your experience?

Ihatediabetes: Thank you, that's a great idea. I wouldn't have thought to ask that. Tomorrow AM. Thanks again. Jan

@grandmajan, I've been thinking about you. I hope your experience with the stress test well for you. I know you were dreading it; I hope got a good night sleep after it was over with. Rosemary

Hi Rosemarya, Thank you for reminding me to let you know. I had the stress test. It was much less stressful than I imagined. The chemicals made me feel strange and icky but was very short lived and they had the antidote right there which took away all of the icky feelings. I don't have the results yet. Your initial response helped to calm my worries a lot. Thanks Jan

I have a general question, of all of us out there that are taking Xarelto or other blood thinners, does anyone wear a "medic alert" bracelet that states that? Grandma Jan

I do, @grandmajan. My blood "thinner" is Coumadin (Warfarin), so my bracelet contains that information and a reference to my medical emergency card in my wallet. Several friends in my community are on one "thinner" or another, and a majority of them have bracelets or necklaces with a small placard to alert medical technicians to their need for special care and consideration when loss of blood is crucial.

I'm trying to research for an upcoming appointment with my hematologist . I would like to know if Xarelto can be used in the 10 mg per day dosage as a preventative medication after a year on 20 mg for dvt/pe. I'm not comfortable just stopping it completely but the side effects are terrible.

I'm thinking ahead to when it's hopefully time to be off the xarelto but know I will be very anxious about getting another clot. I was wondering if a reduced dose would offer some protection without the side effects. I'm have off and on back pain and low energy and leg pain.

Hi @2bildeb, my input to this discussion over the last 6 months is pretty complete, but my status and reason for an anticoagulant ("blood thinner") may not be clear. DIagnosed with A-fib 3 years ago, my cardiologist (and generally all of those working in my HMO) give first priority to Coumadin (generic warfarin), and I have been on it every since. A-fib symptoms are minimal, and the Coumadin is only for preventing clots in the upper chambers of my heart. So far, so good.

In your meeting with an hematologist, I think your most important -- and perhaps first -- questions should be to find out whether your diagnosis suggests that you will be on an anticoagulant indefinitely. With that answer in hand, you can more confidently ask other questions about which type of anticoagulant (not "brand" but type) suits you best. With THAT answer in hand, you're equipped to look for a second opinion if the first one leaves you with continued discomfort and anxiety. We'll be grateful to know how you make out in your next appointment and any that follow. Martin

I need to ask, how do you deal with the dietary restrictions of being on Coumadin? My research indicates that it's fairly complected and you have to be very watchful of your diet. I've been on Xerellto for a year now and seem to have no side effects. I have AFib and a leaking valve. Unless I consider the cost. I do worry that I take 1300mg Tylenol several times a week (aching joints) and the long term effects on my liver. I like and eat a wide variety of fresh food. When asked, my primary simply said "you wouldn't like the restrictions". Anyway. Thanks for your input. You've been there. Grandma Jan

You and I have exchanged information before @grandmajan, so I'll pick up where we left off (as I remember it). I don't find dietary restrictions to be a problem with Coumadin. The reason is that your personal standard diet gets locked into your anticoagulant index as long as you stick to it, and when you settle on a Coumadin dosage, it's already taken into account. I check my index regularly (monthly) with a blood test to be sure I remain at a steady level. My diet includes a modest portion of green vegetables every day, despite their vitamin K content, although I don't eat spinach any more because of its high K content (the only limitation that confronts me).

I am concerned about your dosage of 1300 mg of Tylenol several times a week. The FDA recommends no more than 600 mg of Tylenol in a 24-hour period -- if at all (especially if you consume alcoholic beverages). The FDA also recently issued warnings about Xarelto and Pradaxa, both anticoagulants for which there is no antidote available yet. Your doctor should now give you pretty detailed advice on how to avoid bleeding while on those two medications. I'd ask for that advice as a Xarelto recipient. I hope this is helpful. Let me know how things are going with you. Martin