Do I really need to be on Xarelto?

Posted by krm @krm, Jan 12, 2023

I am 66 years old and have not had a clotting issue for over 33 years. Why is my hematologist putting me on 10 mg Xarelto. I have had as many issues with bleeding in my past as with clotting. Since starting Xarelto, I am now having strange bruising and one finger is completely purple on top (not including nail). I am very concerned about being on Xarelto.

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Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jan 12, 2023

Hi @krm Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. This is a great forum for members to help each find some answers to questions or share common medical experiences. However, we’re not medical professionals so we can’t diagnose or offer treatments. Your oncologist or their NP might be able to tell you the reasoning behind your newly prescribed Xarelto.

I’m wondering what changed in your blood work. Have you recently had labs run? If your doctor is seeing a change in your blood counts such as an increase in platelets or a higher red blood count than usual, that may have alerted them to a potential clotting issue.
Do let them know that you’re having more bruising than normal. They may adjust your amount of the blood thinner. Have you talked to your doctor since being given Xarelto?

krm | @krm | Jan 12, 2023

In reply to @loribmt "Hi @krm Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. This is a great forum for members to help..." + (show)

I have an appointment with my hematologist tomorrow. Thanks for the info.

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jan 12, 2023

In reply to @krm "I have an appointment with my hematologist tomorrow. Thanks for the info." + (show)

I was hoping you’d get in to see your hematologist soon. For peace of mind, if nothing else. If you have some questions for him/her it can help to jot them down ahead of time just so the conversation doesn’t get sidetracked and the questions get overlook. I’ve had that happen more than once. 🙃 I either make notes on my phone or take a little sheet with my questions.
It will be helpful for you to find out why they feel you need the blood thinner after so many years of no issues with clotting.
Let me know, ok?

krm | @krm | Jan 12, 2023

In reply to @loribmt "I was hoping you’d get in to see your hematologist soon. For peace of mind, if..." + (show)

Will do!

krm | @krm | Jan 15, 2023

In reply to @loribmt "I was hoping you’d get in to see your hematologist soon. For peace of mind, if..." + (show)

I met with him and discussed my concerns with my history of bleeding and cly. In the end we agreed that I could go off Xarelto and they would just keep an eye on my blood work.

1995victoria | @1995victoria | Jan 16, 2023

According to my doctor coumidin is best, since it is easily reversed in an emergency situation. Xrelto/Prodaxa/Eliquis can't be reversed so easily in an emergency situation. Sure with coumidin you need periodic blood tests, but ????