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What Are The Side Effects Of Using Warfin For A Long Term?
I, Hispanic male moderately active w/high blood pressure risk being only thing treated, developed hyperthyroidism 3 years ago at age 60. In denial for some months after until I could noticeably feel my heart beating in an irregular manner. When I went to my GP I was referred to 2 specialists- 1 cardio & 1 endocrine. Within 2 months I had undergone heart related stress tests, echo and monitoring while taking the Rx Pradaxa to reduce any possible unknown risks. At the end of the 2 months I had radiation treatment for the thyroid. It took about 7 weeks to regulate my thyroid with synthrax. I requested an alternative to pradaxa after seeing a bad drug commercial and was placed on warfin, 1-2x a day dependent on how I feel. Not having specific dosage plan landed me in the ER where I was admitted and given blood transfusion within 2 hours of arrival! I continued to visit ER on 3 separate occasions that week. Had an overnight stay on 1st visit where I was monitored, provided all needed remedies and blood was tested for the Immediate end of warfin use, of course. After 1 week I saw cardio and he prescribed Xarelto for my AFib. Although I was afraid I complied with the doctors request, the very same Dr that prescribed warfin. I have taken xarelto now for over 2 years and at a cardio checkup nearly 6 months ago he tells me that my AFib is no longer heard and wants to do the same tests performed 3 years ago to confirm before taking me off the medication. The tests are completed, confirming his diagnosis that my AFib is no longer present- yet I am still on the medication and have visited him more frequently than with the condition. Is there a medical reason for this? I am now experiencing upper left arm numbness for a noticeable period of untimed minutes 2 or 3 times a week. What could be the culprit- warfin long term effects, xarelto taken for non existing condition, possible stroke or any other non related med issue ie back or activities? I do not want another adverse reaction caused by this secondary and now non apparent issue. What can or should I do? Also take 1 lisprinol for hypertension and 2 500mg Tylenol 2-3x a day for arthritis.
Wed, 20 Jan 2016
Hello ,
I am Dr. Mody we'd I would be addressing your concern .
I went through your history in detail .
Now there is a high probability that the atrial fibrillation you had was because of hyperthyroidism. Now considering that is has been completely taken care of there is to a fair chance that the atrial fibrillation may never occur again .
Considering your age as 60 yeqrs at that point of time , there is a possibility that atrial fibrillation may be because of age related degeneration of the heart , whereby the atrial fibrillation may come again .
Warfarin , xarelto are medications to prevent formation of clot in the heart thereby preventing the risk of stroke . So taking either of them has been shown medically to be helpful without doubt .
So my recommendation would be .
1) if there is enough evidence on echocardiography and holter that the chances of atrial fibrillation occurring in future is rare , you may consider stopping warfarin or xarelto.
2) considering your age an underlying blockages in heart arteries should be always kept in mind .
A treadmill stress test would be good rest to rule out the same
3) neither warfarin after so long or xarelto can directly cause the numbness you describe.
4) Yes it can be a mini stroke ( what we call transient is chemical attack ) of the Brian
5) or in high probability it due to some compression of nerves due to age related denervation of cervical spine , a simple X ray will rule that out , or muscular sprain
Let me know if further clarification is needed .
Regards Dr Priyank Mody
I am Dr. Mody we'd I would be addressing your concern .
I went through your history in detail .
Now there is a high probability that the atrial fibrillation you had was because of hyperthyroidism. Now considering that is has been completely taken care of there is to a fair chance that the atrial fibrillation may never occur again .
Considering your age as 60 yeqrs at that point of time , there is a possibility that atrial fibrillation may be because of age related degeneration of the heart , whereby the atrial fibrillation may come again .
Warfarin , xarelto are medications to prevent formation of clot in the heart thereby preventing the risk of stroke . So taking either of them has been shown medically to be helpful without doubt .
So my recommendation would be .
1) if there is enough evidence on echocardiography and holter that the chances of atrial fibrillation occurring in future is rare , you may consider stopping warfarin or xarelto.
2) considering your age an underlying blockages in heart arteries should be always kept in mind .
A treadmill stress test would be good rest to rule out the same
3) neither warfarin after so long or xarelto can directly cause the numbness you describe.
4) Yes it can be a mini stroke ( what we call transient is chemical attack ) of the Brian
5) or in high probability it due to some compression of nerves due to age related denervation of cervical spine , a simple X ray will rule that out , or muscular sprain
Let me know if further clarification is needed .
Regards Dr Priyank Mody
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