Pros and cons of Xarelto for Afib

I've been on Xarelto a little over a year. Not excited about it but, in the long run, it beats having a stoke from Afib. I try not to read too much, it's too scary.

Oops, that should be stroke!!

Hello @liberty,

Welcome to Connect; glad you've joined us. I'd like to direct you towards this discussion in the Brain and Nervous System group on Mayo Clinic Connect:
Xarelto: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/xarelto/

Although they have different symptoms and conditions, @trish602 @grandmajan, @zenk, @yoanne, @predictable, @martishka, @donnelson, @frank4848, @gonefishinmt, @murryone, @ezra, @mlemieux, @2bildeb, @misssassy have all discussed Xarelto, and it is my hope that they will join in with more insight for you.

@liberty, may I ask if there is any particular side effect that you are concerned about? When were you diagnosed with Afib?

Hello @bjanderson, and welcome to Connect. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about Xarelto.
Isn't it the truth that with so much more information available online, it can often create a lot more worry and stress!

@bjanderson, we look forward to getting to know you; have you noticed any significant side effects from Xarelto? What suggestions might you have for Connect members who are concerned about this medication?

I only have bruising as a side effect. I did not want to take Xarelto . It's just another med to add to my collection. Once you start with the Afib it basically becomes a necessity. I was diagnosed with heart failure with pef 2 1/2 years ago and the Afib started up again this past spring so I had to give in. I  wear a medic alert so if I'm in an accident or cannot communicate with paramedics they can get my info. That gave me some peace of mind.

Not taking Xeralto yet since still doing research. Diagnosed with Afib this past Feb 23. Had ablation done last Nov. Now using CPAP. Seems like all are related somehow. I just read about Boston Scientific's Watchman which is interesting. Am talking with my cardiologist about this next vist.

@bjanders
Xerelto reduces chance by about50%. Sounds good but your chances of a stroke is maybe ,over 65 yearsold, is 4% on a 1-10scale so your chances of a stroke are now 2%. big deal !!, but drug co. make big bucks.

I’ve been taking Xarelto for eight years now since being diagnosed with Afib, without any major problems (though even minor kitchen scrapes require a bandage). One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re not on a blood thinner and need a cardioversion due to an Afib episode, your doctor may do a TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram) first to check for blood clots in your heart, since shocking the heart with a clot inside could cause a stroke. During the TEE, you’re given medicine to make you sleepy while a small probe is passed down your throat to look at your heart. I have always wanted to avoid that procedure, and this is why I’m religious about taking my Xarelto. One recent development is that Xarelto is now available in a generic form, which should be cheaper.

Hi, all. Just thought I'd share a possible alternative for those on Xarelto, but having probs with it.

FWIW... my three or four-year experience with generic Eliquis (Apixaban) has been uneventful... no issues at all. I'm on it for Afib, and take 5 mg twice daily. I ingest it with or without food, and the tablets are small (and tasteless).

Disclosure: I have no financial or other related interest in Eliquis or Apixaban.

All the best!

/LarryG

@jrccle I don't know where you live but Xarelto is NOT available in the US in the generic form. Very frustrating when you know other countries have it. It is going to have a reduced cost next year due to a special government agreement with the mfg. however.