Alternatives to Eliquis

I have had paroxysmal Afib for 9 years, it occurs about every two weeks and lasts for 17 hours. I have tried Eliquis, but became very tired and confused. I have extreme sensitivity to medications and am not a candidate for ablation because of this. What are my alternatives? 🙏



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/25/2021 05:38PM by Carey.

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Dini
I have had paroxysmal Afib for 9 years, it occurs about every two weeks and lasts for 17 hours. I have tried Eliquis, but became very tired and confused. I have extreme sensitivity to medications and am not a candidate for ablation because of this. What are my alternatives? 🙏

I don't understand why sensitivity to medications makes you not a candidate for ablation. An ablation is how you get away from the medications.

Also, does that mean you're not taking an anticoagulant now? What is your CHADS-Vasc score?

Score is 2. They said because I need to be on a blood thinner for at least 3 months post ablation and I cannot tolerate the blood thinners that I could not have the procedure. I am not on any anti coagulant at this time, due to sensitivity.

Dini,

Not a recommendation, just a consideration requiring some dialogue with your Dr.

I had afib for 11 years, 5 misdiagnosed with no meds. Then diagnosed correctly and over 200 episodes during the next six years. The blood thinner at the time was Warfarin, but because of my very active lifestyle, my Dr. suggested Plavix so the bleeding risk would be reduced. It apparently worked just fine - no stroke, no bleeding and then an ablation that lasted for 13 years. However, my CHADS score at the time (assuming there was one), would have been 0.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/26/2021 08:43AM by Ken.

Quote
Dini
Score is 2. They said because I need to be on a blood thinner for at least 3 months post ablation and I cannot tolerate the blood thinners that I could not have the procedure. I am not on any anti coagulant at this time, due to sensitivity.

You've tried all the anticoagulants? There are five available in the US: Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa, Savaysa, and warfarin.

But if you can't tolerate any of those, then ablation is indeed off the table for you. Maze procedures also require anticoagulants, so all that's left are the antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). Have you tried any AADs?

I am interested in hearing from those who have the Watchman.