Eliquis and AFIB

@lenmayo Not 'need' so much as, '...maybe should take it to reduce the risks of a thromboembolic event.' Again, a reasoned and informed discussion with your cardiologist might help you to make up your mind about whether you 'need' this or would just be happier not taking it at all, risk accepted.

Hello,

2023 I had Covid and had a episode of Atril Fib with a fast heart rate. I went through all sorts of tests...stress test, echo, etc. Wore Holter monitor for a month and did not have another episode. The cardiologist wanted me to take Eliquis, but it was too expensive, I had concerns regarding the side effects and he conceded to 81mg aspirin per day.

In 2025 I had to change cardiologists and he wanted me on Eliquis. (No symptoms that I know of between 2023 and 2025). I did not want to take as it was a cost issue and frankly the risks with it, bleeding, etc was not worth it. He actually became angry, told me I was playing "Russian Roulette" and that I could find another doctor.

A couple of weeks ago, I had another Atril Fib episode with fast heart rate and went to ER. Heart rate at 212. While in the hospital prepping for an Electrical Cardioversion, seconds before they were to put me under, my heart corrected itself and my heart rate dropped to 88. The doctor still prescribed Eliquis to me. Which I have been taking for the last couple of week.

With all that said, I still do not feel comfortable taking the medication with the risk factors involved, not to mention that the cost is high. I have been feeling nauseated every time I take it and the fear of having a sudden brain bleed, or intestinal bleeding, is over weighing the fear of having a stroke. I don't like being controlled by fear on a daily basis. And heaven forbid, you mention what the Natural Path doctor had recommended, as anything natural is considered "quackery". Hard to tell if the doctor is treating me or pushing drugs for the pharmaceuticals. With that said, I am still taking Eliquis (for the moment) and deciding how I want to proceed.

@chanemann1
So sorry your husband is going through this. I recently started on Eliquis, and other meds. I have been on high dose prednisone and am steroid dependent. I, and others on Prednisone develop these pink/purple splotches - out of nowhere. It is called steroid purpura. From what you describe, the skin coloring is from the prednisone. For me, it even happens on lower dose prednisone (I am steroid dependent). I hope this information is helpful. Good luck.

@rmig
Thank you for your quick response. I don't know if my GI is related to Eliquis - going to cardiologist on Monday. Sorry that your ablation and a pacemaker were necessary and your quality of life has decreased. Good luck and feel better.

THAT'S EXACTLY RIGHT. A chad score is worthless.
I am truly amazed at the "confidence" a medical degree
gives a human being. Even attorneys have a bit more circumspection. I don't know where Medical "Help" is going now adays . It appears to me that the average physician is useful in a very limited way. They're definitely helpful to the Medical Industry.

@pht1123
Everyone has a " NATURAL" skin
color. You can see it. Carl was given High level cortisones for inflammation. He registered hallucinations and then AFIB happened once. That is considered "Normal". Yet , doctors gave and continue to want to give ELIQUIS afterwards. Additionally, the prednisone caused very bad fluid retention in the legs. All of the "symptoms " disappeared at the end of the Prednisone prescription. No skin color changes occurred. Damage was done to the legs from the "prednisone caused fluid retention". The valves inside of the leg structure were damaged. However, Doctors cited "age" as the culprit. You can SEE every thing as it occurs if you are aware and concerned.

@maryannnik1112 -- FWIW... if I was in your shoes, I'd go on the anticoag. You're "82 years old, active and alert," and presumably enjoying your life, as we all should.

A single stroke can be a life-changer.

All the best!

/LarryG

@chanemann1
My husband and I call Prednisone the "best" poison - as it helps (my bad asthma), but has such terrible side effects. I have edema, the lovely purple marks, and when I am on high doses - Diabetes. Luckily, my endocrinologist recognizes this and as I go down on prednisone, my sugar improves. Of course, there is the insomnia, weight gain, and other nasty side effects. I am in my early 60s and have these side effects - not related to age. "Age" is an easy answer for mds to say - but that is not always the case. If possible, can you get a second opinion if Eliquis is still needed? Not into conspiracy theories, but Medicine and Big Pharma are a business to make money. Unfortunately, people do fall by the wayside in what may be necessary or unnecessary.

@sultanvr Much lower cost Eliquis and the generic Apixaban is available at:
Discountcanadadrugs.com
1-833-200-5343
Use BER-LEO-540 discount code.

@lenmayo

Also, I've posted this before and am aware it only applies to those with commercial prescription drug insurance ( not Medicare Part D, Medicaid or any government plans), but those eligible by virtue of being a US ( or Puerto Rican) resident and having a commercial drug plan can visit the manufacturer's website to obtain a card that enables them to get a 30 days supply of Eliquis for $10, or a 90 day supply for $30. The card is ongoing, valid for two years and can be renewed.

The manufacturer's site also has a coupon that can be printed out and taken to the pharmacy for a free 30 day supply of Eliquis for an initial prescription, called a "Free Trial Offer Card" ( when the patient is newly prescribed this drug)-. Patients on Medicare drug plans or other government plans are also eligible for this one-time discount. The patient will have to pay whatever the going rate his ( depending on the insurance coverage) for subsequent prescriptions, but at least the free 30 day supply during the introductory phase of this drug will let the patient see how he/she reacts to the drug without having to spend that virtual arm and a leg ( or firstborn).

And looking again at the website, I see they also have a program for uninsured patients called: Eliquis 360 support. Instructions and contact information for this program are shown on the website.
https://www.eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com/savings-and-support