Stroke medication: Taking Eliquis to reduce risk of stroke

@katydid77. I have tried many statins. Many years ago, Simvastatin was the first one, couldn't tolerate it, changed to prevastatin for a while eventually my GP let me go off it. Simvastatin has the most side effects. Now I tried pravastatin, still not good. Then my cardiologist put me on a new statin, even worse. The last statin was Crestor. Both my Neurologist and my GP's wife were on it, so i gave it a try, only 5 mg, the lowest dosage. My lipid test were great but pain still there. Finally my cardiologist is taking me off that too, so I'll wait a few weeks to see if that med is causing the pain. If not, he's going to put me back on prevastatin which he said has the least side effects. It's a waiting game. I'm getting pretty frustrated.
What dosage are you taking?

I am taking 5mg once daily. I am disappointed the outlook is not better. My pain can be tolerated at this level but the question is —will it continue to get worse?

Good morning @elegantgem. Glad to have introduced you to the idea of antidotes for Eliquis and all other anticoagulants. Given that relatively minor bleeding in the brain can be damaging after an accident or a blood clot, I always ask my clinic, emergency room, and ambulance staff if they have my antidote on hand.

Whether a smaller daily dose of Eliquis would do the job of preventing clots -- and at the same time eliminate or alleviate discomfort from side-effects -- that's a question for your medical team because of the range of conditions that cause atrial fibrillation and that occur from medication for treating AF. This brings me to two main points: A second opinion from another doctor of recognized expertise in diagnosing and treating cardiac arrhythmia would provide a positive measure of confidence for you. Also, just asking whether my antidote is on hand usually prompts medical staff to check for it in supplies throughout the institution and, sometimes, prompts them to get some -- stat -- if it's not on hand.

Finally, it seems to me that Eliquis working against you more than helping you is a matter of perception, not reality. It's been proven to lower the risk of an ischemic stroke in most users and even, to some extent, the risk of internal bleeding. The issues of concern are two: First, is there an anticoagulant that does the job without distressing side-effects? Second, is there an approved antidote, and is it on the market and in stock at your medical care clinic? How do you feel about asking for help in getting a second opinion? Martin

I agree that it appears Eliquis does not agree with you. Have you looked at any other meds you are taking that could cause the same problems?

Thank you Martin and others for your help and information. Eliquis is the only medication I take. My cardiologist told me to look into Xarelto and Eliquis and choose one. So I choose Eliquis. I think your idea of talking to a second doctor is probably the best and I do have an appointment coming up. I have one more question. Do you think it would be worthwhile to change to Xarelto and also what treatment could I do besides drugs? My doctor did talk to me about a Watchman. However, I am a level 2 and not a level 3 heart patient. I have checked how much it costs which is a lot. Do you think it would help me to go ahead and pay for it myself. As I said it would be a lot for me but I could do it. Also do you believe the theory that my body might adjust to Eliquis more over time? I really never have had much problem with drugs or my health so I am surprise about this. I will do what is necessary for my health but don't want to give up without trying to help myself. Thanks again all.

Hii Elegantgem...CeCe 55 responding....In answer to your question of Eliquis adjusting over time...it was my experience that the body aches never got worse or better over the year I took it. It was amazing that in just 2 to 3 days of being off of Eliquis for my dental surgery, the body aches went away. Could you ask your cardiologist for an Eliquis vacation of a week just to see if that is what is causing pain? For surgeries and some dental work, the time frame is usually 5 to 7 days of being without Eliquis and no one seems concerned. I came off of it in one day with no side effects. Just a thought... If I had to go on a blood thinner again, I would try another one. My heart goes out to you...I know what the pain feels like.

@elegantgem @cece55..i had a loop recorder put in at the end of January due to TIA. It started blerdng at thr incision site a few days after that. My cardiologist was nit available but teo other doctors in the practice sae me and told me to stop the Xetalto until I can see my own doctor. My cardiologist told me to go off until the bleeding stops. During that time I had my teeth cleaned. I stopped taking the med until almost 3 weeks later. Yes, it took that long for the incision to heal. I have leg and back pain too, but i suspect it was the statin i was taking also. My cardiologist is giving permission to stop statin to rule out that it is the cause the pain. I think as cece55 suggested , it would pay to ask your doctor if you could stop Eliquis for a few days. My son in law used to have afib and he was on Eliquis but he didn't have any side effects so I guess it affects people differently. I'm extremely sensitive to meds so it's difficult for me to get used to anything. Cece55 are you off blood thinner now or are you on a different one?

I am off of Eliquis and just take a baby 81mg aspirin every day. I have been on Lipitor for 12 years and Synthroid forever....and metoprolol. I too, am very sensitive to all drugs...

Hi @elegantgem. Your questions are so fundamental that they should be answered only by you and your doctors. A change to Xarelto, for example, should be done only with a physicians involvement and responsibility. Watchman is not a universal solution for every case of AF, so that too is for the doctors to help you decide. I applaud your determination to help yourself, and I'll celebrate with you as you partner with a medical team that can provide the best advice on your unique personal situation. Martin

I take Eliquis and have had no problems with it.