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Suggest Treatment For Intense Leg Cramps

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Posted on Fri, 1 Jul 2016
Question: hello. is there anything I can do or take to help ease or better yet stop my intense leg cramps?? I know they are a side effect of the xarelto I'm taking for previous confirmed DVT but the pain is almost unbearable and they are happening more and more frequently....up to 10 times a day most days of the week.

is switching my blood thinner to a different one an option?? I'm on them for life as the risk of repeat clots is too great for me to come off them. they are greatly affecting both my mobility and my ability to function as most of them occur at night when I'm asleep.

thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please, request that your doctor change your blood thinner!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this debilitating pain that you have reported. Please, there is an option to change this blood thinner seen the fact that you cannot go without another because of the high risk. Have you ever been tried on warfarin? If not, please request that your doctor gave int a try. The results are comparable to those of persons using xarelto as well.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (6 hours later)
Thank you for your reply. I will make an appointment as soon as possible.

Is warfarin the medication that I would have to go for regular blood tests to monitor my INR?? I don't mind doing this at all if necessary or recommended. I was just curious.

Also, would Lovenox be an option?? A friend is on this medication and absolutely loves it. It means giving himself injections every day which I can easily do as well.

Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, you need regular INR monitoring!

Detailed Answer:
HI,

With warfarin, you need laboratory monitoring of INR. Am happy you have no difficulties doing that. Lovenox is also another possibility and they should all be considered as alternatives to Xarelto are being sought.

Keep me posted after discussions with your treating doctor about this. I wish you well.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Intense Leg Cramps

Brief Answer: Please, request that your doctor change your blood thinner! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this debilitating pain that you have reported. Please, there is an option to change this blood thinner seen the fact that you cannot go without another because of the high risk. Have you ever been tried on warfarin? If not, please request that your doctor gave int a try. The results are comparable to those of persons using xarelto as well. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.