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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Benefits Of Eliquis In A Cardiac Patient?

My husbands doc prescribed Eloquist today for afib that was found at his appt on Fri for a pacemaker check. My husband is 79 years young, exercises regularly, has been very fit all his life. Pretty good diet, lots of fresh fruits & veges, not a lot of meat, very little fast food or processed foods. Enjoys 3 cups of coffee throughout the day & 1 beer a day. At his check 6 months ago basically no afib detected. Now in the last 6 months, more detected including a 15 hour period of afib. What are the risks/benefits of this drug. Are there other older drugs that are equally used. Please advise. We see a functional medicine pcp, although the cadiologist that inserted 2 stents almost 2 years ago, the pacemaker was placed 16 months ago, this doc is not really on-board with our concerns regarding prescription meds. Thank you.
Thu, 22 Dec 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Eliquis is a kind of blood thinner that helps to prevent bloodclots from forming.It is, in your husbands case probably been given to prevent brain clots which is common risk factor in A.Fibrillation. It may cause increased bleeding tendency like bleeding from gums while brushing etc. And as you have mentioned about your husband's physical activity he may be at high risk from bleeding from other trivial injuries.
If I had to prescribe I wouldnot go for this particular drug for your husband's age and activity. Instead I would go for other agents like Low molecular weight Heparins, Dabigatran which have better profiles.
I would suggest to see a cardiologist for further care.
Hope I could clarify your concerns regarding the drug, its alternatives and further couse of action.Please ask if you still have any questions and I would be too happy to help.
By the way I could not but appreciate both you and your 79 year young husband for the attitude, concern for health, diet and I wish you both a happy and healthy life ahead.
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What Are The Benefits Of Eliquis In A Cardiac Patient?

Eliquis is a kind of blood thinner that helps to prevent bloodclots from forming.It is, in your husbands case probably been given to prevent brain clots which is common risk factor in A.Fibrillation. It may cause increased bleeding tendency like bleeding from gums while brushing etc. And as you have mentioned about your husband s physical activity he may be at high risk from bleeding from other trivial injuries. If I had to prescribe I wouldnot go for this particular drug for your husband s age and activity. Instead I would go for other agents like Low molecular weight Heparins, Dabigatran which have better profiles. I would suggest to see a cardiologist for further care. Hope I could clarify your concerns regarding the drug, its alternatives and further couse of action.Please ask if you still have any questions and I would be too happy to help. By the way I could not but appreciate both you and your 79 year young husband for the attitude, concern for health, diet and I wish you both a happy and healthy life ahead.