Xarelto or Pradaxa for stroke protection

[bigkev414]

Hi all

In March this year I had my first and only run of AF which lasted for about 12 hours and reverted on it's own. I went to the ER,and saw a cardiologist who prescribed Xarelto once a day. I have GERD and reflux and the it gave me stomach problems, and diarrhoea. Also some bruising
I went to my GP after  couple of weeks and we changed to Pradaxa but it is giving me so much stomach upset and abdominal pain that I can't tolerate it.
Today I saw him again and asked for a low dose of Xarelto instead and he gave me 15mg once  day, but wasn't keen on prescribing it. He is also a bit unsure of what we should do - maybe I should just go back on baby aspirin that I've taken for years because of SVT's. I haven't hd any AF episodes since the one. The cardiologist said you often have a 'one off' and then no more.
The cardiologist sees about 20 people a day, all my age (70 odd) and has no idea of my history or anything, whereas the family GP has known me for years.
I'm only worried about a stroke - had a TIA 18 months ago with no after affects and none since.
Can anybody help with advice re taking the Xarelto? It didn't give me as much gastro trouble as the Pradaxa.
thanks, and hope all are as well as can be expected

[tom_h]

Yes, I was going to say that too.  There are no antidotes for Xarelto or Pradaxa except a plasma transfusion.  Xarelto has a half life of 5-12 hours, while Pradaxa is around 18.  So you can see the complication if you would need emergency surgery for some reason.  Coumadin is certainly tried and true and the cost difference is HUGE.  The main problem with Coumadin is the dose levels have to be done carefully, and are greatly affected by age, diet, and what else you're taking besides the Coumadin.  So the amount of the drug in your blood at any given time can be all over the place.

My sister is an insane runner in her early 50's.  She does 7 to 9 miles daily.  One morning she pulled up lame, and it got really bad.  The next day she had to be carried into the hospital where a quick x-ray revealed the had a DVT in her calf. The physician prescribed Xarelto, not Coumadin.  She was on it for several months and did well. No gastric issue at all.  But she was restricted from absolutely anything that would put her in a situation where she could be injured.  She's also jumps horses and has been known to take some rather severe tumbles.  Even running was out while on Xarelto.  So consider the impact your lifestyle may have if you begin Xarelto. There's another one out there now too; Eliquis.  You should discuss the options with your physician to decide which one is best.

[researcher09]

Dont rule out warfarin.  It is a little more maintenance but there is an antidote for it iin case you have a bleeding incident.  The antidotes for xarelto and pradaxa are still being developed.  My 93 yr old father in law has been on warfarin for 20+ years now and doing ok with it.