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What Are The Side Effects Of Apixaban?
Question: I've been prescribed apixaban for afib but have not started taking it yet, due to the alarming reports of side effects, both on the manufacturer's info sheet and on the internet. My question: can I go off apixaban, on my own initiative, either temporarily or permanently without any increase in risk compared to my present non-using risk. In other words, is there a rebound effect? I'm prepared to face a reversion to my present risk level for periods of foreign travel or severe recreational hazards. These situations might involve being out of medical contact, foreign languages, risk of major falls and bleeding contusions.
The manufacturer and some web sites say it is risky to discontinue. Clearly, the risk of stroke while taking the drug is significantly lower than while not taking it. But Others say there is no rebound effect, specifically due to a temporarily greater-than-normal clotting tendency after cessation.
I need to reassure myself that taking the drug will not lead to a life-sentence of hemophilia.
The manufacturer and some web sites say it is risky to discontinue. Clearly, the risk of stroke while taking the drug is significantly lower than while not taking it. But Others say there is no rebound effect, specifically due to a temporarily greater-than-normal clotting tendency after cessation.
I need to reassure myself that taking the drug will not lead to a life-sentence of hemophilia.
Brief Answer:
You should take the drug
Detailed Answer:
Greetings and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern. Thank you for your question.
Sir, every single existent drug has its potential to produce side effects, some less and some more, some less severe and some more severe. Apixaban and other oral anticoagulants have their possible side effects, too. They variate from rare to more common, and from less to more severe. However, the reason they are used in atrial arrhythmias, is to "thin" the blood, so a possible stroke would be avoided. You see, in atrial fibrillation there are no productive atrial contractions, which is accompanied with a high probability of a blood clot formation with these heart chambers. Some of that blood clot may find its natural way to the systemic circulation and, theoretically, it can get "stuck" in any organ vascularization system, most commonly in the circulation of the brain. This is why these drugs are prescribed and, even though they have statistically known side effects, they have a good edge comparing benefits to risks. You should not be afraid of the rebound effect, and of course you can do whatever you think is best for you. But as a doctor, I recommend you to stay on the drug since it is the mainstay in the prevention of strokes or other forms of circulation thrombosis.
I hope my answer is helpful. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
You should take the drug
Detailed Answer:
Greetings and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern. Thank you for your question.
Sir, every single existent drug has its potential to produce side effects, some less and some more, some less severe and some more severe. Apixaban and other oral anticoagulants have their possible side effects, too. They variate from rare to more common, and from less to more severe. However, the reason they are used in atrial arrhythmias, is to "thin" the blood, so a possible stroke would be avoided. You see, in atrial fibrillation there are no productive atrial contractions, which is accompanied with a high probability of a blood clot formation with these heart chambers. Some of that blood clot may find its natural way to the systemic circulation and, theoretically, it can get "stuck" in any organ vascularization system, most commonly in the circulation of the brain. This is why these drugs are prescribed and, even though they have statistically known side effects, they have a good edge comparing benefits to risks. You should not be afraid of the rebound effect, and of course you can do whatever you think is best for you. But as a doctor, I recommend you to stay on the drug since it is the mainstay in the prevention of strokes or other forms of circulation thrombosis.
I hope my answer is helpful. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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