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Suggest Suitable Blood Thinner To AFIB Patient
I was diagnosed with Afib one month ago, and put on 5mg Eliquis twice daily. I m reluctant to use such a new drug, but am hesitant about switching to the old tried and true blood thinner. Also I ve been having mild but annoying sharp pains near my temples and top of my head since the Afib episode. I m a 58 yr old woman with active Crohn s disease for 33 years. Any suggestions on which blood thinner is best for me?
Thu, 22 Nov 2018
Hello,
The main choices for a blood thinner with afib, as you mentioned, are warfarin and the newer anticoagulants.
I would recommend the Eliquis you are taking because it is much easier than warfarin, you don't need to check levels, diet doesn't affect it, not as many drug interactions, and it helps protect a little from brain bleeds when compared to warfarin.
The advantages of warfarin are it is less expensive, and it is easier to reverse if you have a dangerous bleed.
Though I would recommend the newer medications such as Eliquis, either choice is reasonable and if you feel more comfortable with Warfarin, it should not be a problem to switch.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician
The main choices for a blood thinner with afib, as you mentioned, are warfarin and the newer anticoagulants.
I would recommend the Eliquis you are taking because it is much easier than warfarin, you don't need to check levels, diet doesn't affect it, not as many drug interactions, and it helps protect a little from brain bleeds when compared to warfarin.
The advantages of warfarin are it is less expensive, and it is easier to reverse if you have a dangerous bleed.
Though I would recommend the newer medications such as Eliquis, either choice is reasonable and if you feel more comfortable with Warfarin, it should not be a problem to switch.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician
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