Eliquis and AFIB

I have been having paroxysmal afib for seven years now it was only picked up on an EKG twice in seven years. I feel it. I know I have it. I pick it up on the Kardia mobile sometimes it happens every couple of months every few months for seven years now, Cardiologist insists on me taking Eliquis to prevent stroke. I am very hesitant about taking it. I do Medicate for high blood pressure. All my numbers are good my cholesterol is good. My blood pressure is good. I’m torn. It’s my decision. But I am very confused. I don’t want to have a stroke. I am 82 years old, active and alert.

@maryannnik1112
I had post operative AFIB after three of my operations; otherwise, no sign of it.
I wore a Holter twice for 30 days. I had a chest patch for a week. I've had numerous EKG's I use the Kardia mobile twice daily. No sign of it!
My cardiologist still wants me to stay on Eliquis???

@lenmayo wow good luck if you have no episodes of afib? Don’t know if you have other issues. Stay well ! I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet ! I’m doing m uh ch research!

@rmig
I developed AF after a severe infection and my body stress from this. I was put on Eliquis 5mg twice a day, and have had stomach cramps, burning, diarrhea, etc. I was told it "can't be" from the Eliquis. I was also started on Digoxin and checking blood work that I am not toxic. As I am new to these medications, I still think it is from them, despite being told that Eliquis does not have these side effects. Also, please watch your Potassium levels, as they can get low, especially with these GI symptoms, and can affect the heart. Check BUN, Creatinine, as the constant running to the bathroom can cause dehydration and affect the kidneys. I have been using Acidophyllus, as well as Imodium as needed. Still running to the bathroom at least 5 times a day. I am taking the Pepcid for the nausea, and TUMS when necessary. Not glad we both have these symptoms, but I am sure we are not alone. Good luck!

@maryannnik1112 I was post ablation Afib free my EP said I could cease Elliquis. Then I started having infrequent short Afib spells lasting an average of 2 hrs each so I asked my EP if I should be
Taking Elliquis again and he replied only if the Afib spell lasted longer Han 4 hrs. That formula worked for me

@pht1123
After 5 months of diarrhea, cramps, etc on Eliquis, I was finally switched to Xarelto 20 mg.
Symptoms are still there, but not as severe. I can hardly eat anything without feeling sick and always carry Imodium or Pepto-Bismol tablets with me.
My AV node ablation and pacemaker implant were done 6 months ago, and I feel that my quality of life has certainly decreased.
Tire easily and often take two naps a day.
Next step for me is to see a gastroenterologist to see if there might be other intestinal issues going on.
HELP!

@maryannnik1112
DOCTORS DO NOT READ (OR ADMIT THEY READ) THESE RESPONSES. THEY ARE LIKE OSTRICHES (IF OSTRICHES EVER PUT THEIR HEAD IN A HOLE TO HIDE?) THEY HEAR THE WORD......AFIB......AND THEY SHOVEL OUT THE ELIQUIS FOREVER.
HOWEVER, TOO MANY SANE, CAREFULLY WRITTEN
MESSAGES HAVE DESCRIBED PROBLEMS WITH ELIQUIS ON THIS SITE. MY HUSBAND HAS HAD A VERY SUBTLE, DETRIMENTAL RESPONSE TO TAKING ELIQUIS AFTER ABOUT A YEAR. HE IS 82 AS WELL.
HE BECAME SLOWER AND SLOWER. MORE AND MORE FATIGUED. HIS ARMS STARTED TO LOOK STRANGE. THEY BECAME A DARK PINK COLOR WITH DEEPER PINK / PURPLE SPLOTCHES ON THEM.
HE FINALLY STOPPED TAKING THE STUFF.
NO TEST SHOWED ANYTHING WRONG !!!!!! ?

HE WAS ORIGINALLY PRESCRIBED ELIQUIS BECAUSE HE HAD BEEN GIVEN HIGH DOSES OF PREDNISONE IN THE HOSPITAL TO LOWER
INFLAMMATION.

@lenmayo You may have other risk factors unrelated to history/lack of AF. If you do a CHA2DS2-VAsc score on yourself, with solid and veridical inputs, your score of 2.0 and higher puts you at risk of a stroke due to thromboembolic events....perhaps unrelated to AF.
https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/801/cha2ds2-vasc-score-atrial-fibrillation-stroke-risk
If it's 1.5 or less, you 'could' go off apixaban or substitute with relative safety, but it would not be my advice or recommendation, only something to consult your cardiologist over. Maybe she/he wants to check your heart again in a few months to feel safer about agreeing to stop apixaban? Ask him/her.

@gloaming Just being greater than 75 puts you at 2. Looks like all people over 75 need Eliquis!