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Can Plavix Be Changed To Eliquis And Multaq To Amiodarone When Diagnosed With Atrial Fibrillation And Sinus Rhythm After A TIA?

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Posted on Fri, 15 Nov 2019
Question: My mom is 93. She has been recently taking Multaq and metoprolol .... along with Plavix...... for afib . She gets afib every 10 days... then after 2 hours, it goes away ans she is in sinus rythem. Yesterday she had a "mini stroke"---a tia. They want to change her Multaq to amiodorone and change Plavix to Eliquis..... What do you think of amiodorone .... Im worried about side effects. What do you think of going off Plavix??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I would agree with the doctor recommendations on switching from Multaq to Amiodarone.

You should know that every medical decision is based on the balance between the benefits and adverse effects for each drug.

It is true that Amiodarone has more adverse effects compared to Multaq, but it is also much more effective in controlling cardiac arrhythmia, compared to Multaq .

In my opinion, this drug can help improve her situation (especially considering the fact that her situation does not seem to be stabilized Multaq).

But it is also important to periodically check her for possible adverse effects of Amiodarone, in order to maintain the situation under control.

In this regard, it would be necessary performing some tests every 3 months:

- a resting ECG
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes
- thyroid hormone levels
- an ophthalmologist consult for possible retina depositations.

In all these tests are normal, there is nothing to worry about.

Regarding Eliquis, I would agree with her doctor recommendation, because this drug is more effective compared to Plavix in the prevention of future stroke, considering the episodes of paroxismal atrial fibrillation.

I would just recommend using a low dose (2.5mg twice daily), considering her age.

It is also important avoiding any possible accidents (falling) during this therapy, because it can lead to an increased risk of bleeding.

I remain at your disposal for any further questions, whenever you need!

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (15 hours later)
Dr, mom has one kidney . It is in good shape. Creatinine is normal. Would that effect your thinking at all??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Thank you for the additional information!

You should know that with a normal Creatinine clearance, there is nothing to worry about!

I would recommend switching to Amiodarone and Eliquis as above mentioned.

Hope to have been helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri
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
Dr.
Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9539 Questions

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Can Plavix Be Changed To Eliquis And Multaq To Amiodarone When Diagnosed With Atrial Fibrillation And Sinus Rhythm After A TIA?

Brief Answer: I would recommend as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello, I would agree with the doctor recommendations on switching from Multaq to Amiodarone. You should know that every medical decision is based on the balance between the benefits and adverse effects for each drug. It is true that Amiodarone has more adverse effects compared to Multaq, but it is also much more effective in controlling cardiac arrhythmia, compared to Multaq . In my opinion, this drug can help improve her situation (especially considering the fact that her situation does not seem to be stabilized Multaq). But it is also important to periodically check her for possible adverse effects of Amiodarone, in order to maintain the situation under control. In this regard, it would be necessary performing some tests every 3 months: - a resting ECG - a chest X ray study - complete blood count - kidney and liver function tests - blood electrolytes - thyroid hormone levels - an ophthalmologist consult for possible retina depositations. In all these tests are normal, there is nothing to worry about. Regarding Eliquis, I would agree with her doctor recommendation, because this drug is more effective compared to Plavix in the prevention of future stroke, considering the episodes of paroxismal atrial fibrillation. I would just recommend using a low dose (2.5mg twice daily), considering her age. It is also important avoiding any possible accidents (falling) during this therapy, because it can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. I remain at your disposal for any further questions, whenever you need! Hope you will find this answer helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri