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Afib/dangers of eliquis
Hi
I’m a fairly healthy adult male of 73. Approximately one year ago I was diagnosed with Afib. My symptoms are rarely noticeable. I’ve never had shortness of breath, fatigue or any other Afib side effects. I have a very good cardiologist who hasn’t pushed any treatments or medications, but has however clearly informed me that going on Eliquis may be a good idea.
I’m very active and all my life have been running daily and have had no issues. All of this Afib stuff and the side effects of Eliquis are scaring the heck out of me. Just how safe is eliquis, and how likely am I to have adverse side effects from its use ?
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@gloaming I erred. Rhythmol is propafenone, not amiodarone. Sorry. But it isn't the former that one should normally worry over, it is amiodarone. I took it for seven weeks, and was grateful that it got my heart's rhythm under control. But most grateful not to have had to continue taking it beyond the wean-off.
Sorry for my mistake.
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1 ReactionI'm 72 years old, 6' 5", 205 lbs. Very active (walk a lot, cut the grass, take the stairs and play golf). In early 2023 I was diagnosed with paroxsymal Afib. My trigger was a couple of lite beers (2-3) out at dinner. I knew later that night, when visiting the bathroom, it would start. And it did. Not real bad, not excessive BPM's or pain. It just made me mad. Shortly thereafter, my cardiologist suggested Eliquis - 5 mg / 2x per day. I said no to begin with thinking I could defeat Afib by being even more active, watch what I ate, drink more electrolytes, drop a few more lbs. and bought an Apple Watch to monitor myself. I kept drinking beer however. Unfortunately, the occasional Afib episode kept occurring. I decided to go on Eliquis in April of '23, so it has been 3 years. The thought of a stroke, or worse, finally pushed me in this direction. Happy to report there have been absolutely no side effects at all, other than my wallet being lighter. Had a pulse field ablation in February of 2025. Incredible technology. Two hour+ procedure - no pain whatsoever. It has been over a year and not one Afib episode. Still on Eliquis and only drink non-alcoholic beer now. There was some discussion on going off the Eliquis a year after the ablation, but it has worked so well for me, so why do it!? Good luck! My experiences have been very positive.
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2 ReactionsAmiodarone nearly killed me! It made me very weak, lightheaded, had extreme heaviness in my legs so that I could nearly walk, got Extremely nervous, shaky and terrified to stay by myself it affected my nerves so badly. I was very sick for weeks even after I quit. It was prescribed for A-Fib. I’m now taking Eliquis and it makes me weak and lightheaded, too! Ugh!
Just a bit of an update for those wanting to get off of Eliquis (myself included)! I am meeting my new cardiologist now in early May, the last visit with the old one was in May of last year when he told me 'see you in a year'. I thought it odd that there would be no follow up, but I have not had another incidence of Afib since the original 16 months ago. Off of metoprolol with his blessing but he wanted me to stay on eliquis for life. I found a clinical trial yesterday called the React-AF trial for persons with a low afib load where they are looking at pill in the pocket treatment, just what I was going to ask the new Dr. I am cautiously excited, they are still enrolling volunteers if anyone else was considering.
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1 Reaction@rushhome hello just to up date on ELIQUIS I HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH IT , I HAVE BEEN OFF OF IT FOR OVER A YEAR AND A HALF , I TOOK MY SELF OFF OF IT , CUZ OF ALL THE SIDE AFFECTS MY CARDIOLOGIST DID NOT BELIEVE ME , SO SHE SAID I PRESCRIBE XARELTO , HAD BAD SIDE AFFECTS WITH THAT , TOOK MYSELF OFF OF IT KEPT GOING TO ER ON BOTH PILLS , THERE ARE MANY MORE PILLS MY CARDIOLOGIST HAD ME ON , TOOK MY SELF OFF THEM TO BEEN FEELING GOOD I HAVE PACEMARKER PUT IN DEC. 23 2023 WITH NO MEDICATION TAKING , MY CARDIOLOGIST SAID YOU WILL GET A HEART ATTACK IF YOU DO NOT TAKE MRDICATION , DID AN ULTRASOUND ON MY HEART I HAD VERY GOOD READIES 3-19 2026 60 65 EHP BETTERTHAN HER READY IN 2024NHERS WAS 40 45 SO NOW I HAVE SEE A NEW CARDIOLOGIST NOW IN MAY 2026 , REASON I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE HER ADVICE ON MEDICATION WILL SEE WHAT MY NEW CARDIOLOGIST SAY
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2 Reactions@suez HELLO I HAD AMIODARONE WAS BAD FOR ME, TOOK MY SELF OFF OF IT , MY CARDIOLOGIST GOT UP SET WITH ME , I EXPLAIN ITS DANGEROUS DRUG FOR ME , EVEN MY PRIMARY DOCTOR SAID DONT TAKE IT HE EXPLAIN THAT SOME OF HIS PATIENTS HAD BAD SIDE AFFECT S WITH , MY STORY IS LONG EVEN ELIQUIS I DO NOT TAKE ANY MORE BAD SIDE AFFECTS , LOOK FOR SECOND OPION FROM A DIFFERENT CARDIOLOGIST OR YOUR PRIMARY DOCTOR BEST OF LUCK
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2 Reactions@cominer1 Thank you. It’s horrible trying to find a med that doesn’t harm you more!
@suez
I agree. I had all the active signs of a heart attack the 3 days I was on Multaq then ongoing issues for a long time after. I will never take a rate control med again. So far so good either way Eliquis. Fatigue the first 3 months then okay.
@cominer1 Best of Luck with the new Dr.! I am hoping mine will enroll me in the React clinical trial so I can be off Eliquis but still have it here if I should have another bout of afib. Knock wood so far, 16 months with none.