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Can Apixaban Be Taken Instead Of Warfarin Without Any Side Effects?

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Posted on Wed, 20 Apr 2016
Question: I am on Apixaban and reordered ,but was sent the wrong medication,I have ran out of tablets and cannot get any until I can contact my doctor for a prescription,I have warfarin in the house as I was on it until recently,I was wondering tomorrow as i will have no Apixaban left if I could replace it by taking a small dose of Warfarin until I get more of the Apixaban.
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Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Do not substitute warfarin for apixaban

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contracting HCM with your health care concerns

I am sorry to hear that your pharmacy sent the wrong medication. Despite the warfarin used for prevention of blood clots I do not recommend using it while waiting for your apixaban. The Warfarin needs to be closely monitored as it can cause severe bleeding. Even though you maybe taking a small dose you do not know how much it will affect your bleeding time. I would strongly urge you to contact your pharmacy and see if you can get an emergency prescription. If not then contact your medical provider and get their recommendation as to how to proceed.

In summary
1. do not take warfarin
2. call your pharmacy for an emergency supply
3. Call your medical provider for additional instructions

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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Can Apixaban Be Taken Instead Of Warfarin Without Any Side Effects?

Brief Answer: Do not substitute warfarin for apixaban Detailed Answer: Thank you for contracting HCM with your health care concerns I am sorry to hear that your pharmacy sent the wrong medication. Despite the warfarin used for prevention of blood clots I do not recommend using it while waiting for your apixaban. The Warfarin needs to be closely monitored as it can cause severe bleeding. Even though you maybe taking a small dose you do not know how much it will affect your bleeding time. I would strongly urge you to contact your pharmacy and see if you can get an emergency prescription. If not then contact your medical provider and get their recommendation as to how to proceed. In summary 1. do not take warfarin 2. call your pharmacy for an emergency supply 3. Call your medical provider for additional instructions I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions