Taking Eliquis and Metoprolol for A-fib: Concerned about side effects

Posted by damari @damari, May 25, 2020

Just diagnosed. Doctor prescribed Eliquis and Metoprolol. I was wondering what side effects common. I read there is a rare side effect of hair thinning for metoprolol. (take 25 mg 2x day) Also read that Eliquis can sometimes cause some stomach discomfort. (5 mg 2x day) Can either medications be taken in lesser amounts?

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@perryyr

New to Afib on Xarelto and 81 aspirin - 83 yrs old and also have a stint in main artery was 75% blockage. Does anyone know if Xarelto or eliquis better? Also note most on these drugs also on Metropolis? Any knowledge on these drugs appreciate.

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What I have typically done if prescribed any medications, is to do a search on what the side effects are. Eliquis appears to have quite a few; however, we also need to recognize that the drug companies are obligated to list any and all side effects. All drugs have side effects. I guess the question you need to ask is, are the side effects worse than the condition the drug is trying to remedy. I don't like the idea of drugs personally because I believe that in most cases, they start a person on the treadmill of taking drug after drug to alleviate side effects. I speak from experience here. I never used to question what my doctor prescribed until I got up to the point of 5 drugs. I began a major research project at that point and realized that doctors are taught how to treat symptoms and not causes. I prefer to find out what the underlying cause of my illness is. If drugs are needed to start me on the right path, I can accept that; however, I do my homework.

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General
The most common adverse events were related to bleeding. Common adverse reactions were anemia, hemorrhage, and nausea.[Ref]

Hematologic
Patients with diabetes had more bleeding events than non-diabetic subjects. Hemorrhage includes hematoma, and vaginal and urethral hemorrhage. Postprocedural hemorrhage includes postprocedural hematoma, wound hemorrhage, vessel puncture site hematoma, and catheter site hemorrhage.[Ref]

Very common (10% or more): Minor bleed (11.7%)

Common (1% to 10%): Anemia postoperative, clinically relevant nonmajor bleed, hemoglobin decreased, anemia, hemorrhage

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Postprocedural hemorrhage, hemoglobin decrease of 2 g/dL or more, transfusion of 2 units or more red blood cells, fatal bleed, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhagic anemia

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this is on Metoprolol

Serious side effects of Metoprolol
Along with its needed effects, metoprolol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking metoprolol:

More common
Blurred vision
chest pain or discomfort
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
slow or irregular heartbeat
sweating
unusual tiredness or weakness

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I'm 81yo. Have Tachycardia and occasional AFIB. Taking Metoprolol 25mg 1xday and baby aspirin, that's all. Metoprolol works for me. No side effects. I now feel free to do strenuous hiking and occasional jogging w/o any side effects and rarely any palpitations.

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