After bit of consultation with GP and leaving out the waffle he's prescribed me the above named drug for Atrial fibrillation which somehow I have got out of nowhere with no history of heart issues or anyone in family either

The Dr has warned me about the dangers of bleeding which put me off somewhat and I stupidly asked the pharmacist here in the UK when it was dispensed was there anything I should be aware of

If the Dr had put me off somewhat the pharmacist completely finished me off. Getting home and subsequently reading the leaflet enclosed left me nigh on shaking

I'm even supposed to carry a card with me 24/7 that was enclosed warning paramedics etc that I'm on it should have I be admitted to hospital

I dont want to take the stuff but clearly I'm going to have to

Anyone else have experience of the drug ??

Clearly this has completely wrecked all medical insurance relating to strokes heart attacks as well. Not ideal to say the least

Edited May 9May 9 by Chivas

Jeebus.

41 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

Jeebus.

Exactly !

Most common drugs prescribed for AF are beta-blockers, (metoprolol) to control heart rate and anticoagulant for stroke prevention like apixaban.

I'd be seeking a second opinion

Disclosure, I take 5mg apixaban twice a day

27 minutes ago, ozfarang said:

Most common drugs prescribed for AF are beta-blockers, (metoprolol) to control heart rate and anticoagulant for stroke prevention like apixaban.

I'd be seeking a second opinion

Disclosure, I take 5mg apixaban twice a day

Yes just googled that med.....does look appropriate

When I was in hospital (6 times between June and December last year) they declined to give me beta blocker because my blood pressure was low

Last 3 checks on it though it was much higher. Have ordered a physical monitor to check BP the apps I've found have been useless to date

Far Ken Elle!
I'm not a medical doctor but I must ask, taking into account with your doctor's advice and pharmacist's information, do you think it's worth the risk of what seems to be self-administered haemophilia?
I take my licensed, professional medical practitioners' advice but in the past, especially reading the list of side-effects of medication, I would ask an opinion from another experienced, professional medical practitioner that specialises in this area.
About 12 years ago, I found that mixing desfenfalaxine and tramadol hydrochloride can lead to death. Something my doctor (and pharmacists, presumably) probably should have known and explained to me before a locum pointed out the risk after I had been on that cocktail for seven years.

It's not "Doctor Shopping" but more as a way to ensure your own understanding of your issues which may lead to less anxiety. And anxiety is the last thing you need.

All the best.

1 hour ago, ozfarang said:

Most common drugs prescribed for AF are beta-blockers, (metoprolol) to control heart rate and anticoagulant for stroke prevention like apixaban.

I'd be seeking a second opinion

Disclosure, I take 5mg apixaban twice a day

Lixiana is an anticoagulent. Edobaxan is its generic name. Same action as apixaban and chemically rrlated to it.

Management if AF has 2 possible approaches. One is surgical ablation and/or cardioverdion in an effpport to restore normal heart rhthym. If successful removes the need for lifelong medications. The other is to live with it and use medicstions to offset some of the associated risks. These in turn fall into 2 groups: drugs to control heart rate and anticoagulants. The latter always necessary, need for the former may vary.

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

Lixiana is an anticoagulent. Edobaxan is its generic name. Same action as apixaban and chemically rrlated to it.

Management if AF has 2 possible approaches. One is surgical ablation and/or cardioverdion in an effpport to restore normal heart rhthym. If successful removes the need for lifelong medications. The other is to live with it and use medicstions to offset some of the associated risks. These in turn fall into 2 groups: drugs to control heart rate and anticoagulants. The latter always necessary, need for the former may vary.

Thank you

1 hour ago, The Oracle said:

Far Ken Elle!
I'm not a medical doctor but I must ask, taking into account with your doctor's advice and pharmacist's information, do you think it's worth the risk of what seems to be self-administered haemophilia?
I take my licensed, professional medical practitioners' advice but in the past, especially reading the list of side-effects of medication, I would ask an opinion from another experienced, professional medical practitioner that specialises in this area.
About 12 years ago, I found that mixing desfenfalaxine and tramadol hydrochloride can lead to death. Something my doctor (and pharmacists, presumably) probably should have known and explained to me before a locum pointed out the risk after I had been on that cocktail for seven years.

It's not "Doctor Shopping" but more as a way to ensure your own understanding of your issues which may lead to less anxiety. And anxiety is the last thing you need.

All the best.

Any cardiologist will advise anticoagulation for AF as it otherwise carries a significant risk of blood clots and strokes.

I would hardly call use of one of the new generation of direct anti-coagulants "self induced hemophilia". There is a comparatively small but real risk of serious bleeding, incidence in the case of edobaxan (Lixiana) being about 4-5 cases per 100 patient years of use. And precautions do need to be followed prior to dental work or any sort of surgery. Apibaxan is equal in effectiveness with a bit lower risk of serious bleeding (about 3 cases per 100 patient years of use), and OP might like to ask his GP about a possible switch for that reason.

Of course, it is better if one can avoid the need for lifelong anticoagulation altogether, and this is why some patients opt instead for cardioversion or ablation -- but those options also carry some risks and patient suitability varies. These procedures are also expensive and I believe NHS may restrict them to cases where heart rate cannot be adequately controlled with medication or there are significant contraindications to anticoagulation.

21 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Any cardiologist will advise anticoagulation for AF as it otherwise carries a significant risk of blood clots and strokes.

I would hardly call use of one of the new generation of direct anti-coagulants "self induced hemophilia". There is a comparatively small but real risk of serious bleeding, incidence in the case of edobaxan (Lixiana) being about 4-5 cases per 100 patient years of use. And precautions do need to be followed prior to dental work or any sort of surgery. Apibaxan is equal in effectiveness with a bit lower risk of serious bleeding (about 3 cases per 100 patient years of use), and OP might like to ask his GP about a possible switch for that reason.

Of course, it is better if one can avoid the need for lifelong anticoagulation altogether, and this is why some patients opt instead for cardioversion or ablation -- but those options also carry some risks and patient suitability varies. These procedures are also expensive and I believe NHS may restrict them to cases where heart rate cannot be adequately controlled with medication or there are significant contraindications to anticoagulation.

I apologise, I was being hyperbolic.
I wasn't offering an expert opinion as can evidenced by the first sentence of my second paragraph.

I was on Clopidogrel but found the side effects intolerable so now just take 75 aspirin coated capsule

I was on it for two years, cardiologist Phitsanulok Hospital suggestion as I have had AF for years. Changed in Dec last year to 10 mg Apixaban. I complained at the price!

Edited May 9May 9 by Pasak110

On 5/9/2026 at 9:32 AM, Chivas said:

After bit of consultation with GP and leaving out the waffle he's prescribed me the above named drug for Atrial fibrillation which somehow I have got out of nowhere with no history of heart issues or anyone in family either

The Dr has warned me about the dangers of bleeding which put me off somewhat and I stupidly asked the pharmacist here in the UK when it was dispensed was there anything I should be aware of

If the Dr had put me off somewhat the pharmacist completely finished me off. Getting home and subsequently reading the leaflet enclosed left me nigh on shaking

I'm even supposed to carry a card with me 24/7 that was enclosed warning paramedics etc that I'm on it should have I be admitted to hospital

I dont want to take the stuff but clearly I'm going to have to

Anyone else have experience of the drug ??

Clearly this has completely wrecked all medical insurance relating to strokes heart attacks as well. Not ideal to say the least

Because manufacturers must list every possible complication, even extremely rare ones.

The Dr. here prescribed you one of the best anticoagulants. It will prevent you from getting a stroke or deep vein thrombosis.

You have been in good hands with the Dr.

Take it according to his advice.

1 hour ago, D Peter said:

Because manufacturers must list every possible complication, even extremely rare ones.

The Dr. here prescribed you one of the best anticoagulants. It will prevent you from getting a stroke or deep vein thrombosis.

You have been in good hands with the Dr.

Take it according to his advice.

Thank you. Am currently taking it and no obvious issues so far

Yes I get entirely the point over manufacturers having to list every possible side effect

On 5/9/2026 at 11:57 AM, Chivas said:

Yes just googled that med.....does look appropriate

When I was in hospital (6 times between June and December last year) they declined to give me beta blocker because my blood pressure was low

Last 3 checks on it though it was much higher. Have ordered a physical monitor to check BP the apps I've found have been useless to date

I was diagnosed with AF over 20years ago in UK. Initially given aspirin and then later docter wanted to put me on warfarin, I declined and stuck with the aspirin.

About 2016 the Thai doctor said I ought to use an anticoagulant, been on apixaban ever since, 2.5mg twice a day.

Think there are 3 drugs in the "ban" family, you should check how they work and decide. The one that starts with R isn't suitable for me as it is an anti platlet drug. Not looked at Edoxaban, branded lixiana.

Indications are that generic apixaban will be available in Thailand shortly, the legalities on Elquis appear to have expired.

On 5/9/2026 at 3:10 PM, Sheryl said:

Any cardiologist will advise anticoagulation for AF as it otherwise carries a significant risk of blood clots and strokes.

I would hardly call use of one of the new generation of direct anti-coagulants "self induced hemophilia". There is a comparatively small but real risk of serious bleeding, incidence in the case of edobaxan (Lixiana) being about 4-5 cases per 100 patient years of use. And precautions do need to be followed prior to dental work or any sort of surgery. Apibaxan is equal in effectiveness with a bit lower risk of serious bleeding (about 3 cases per 100 patient years of use), and OP might like to ask his GP about a possible switch for that reason.

About 4 years ago had a stroke due to blood clots caused by AF. My cardiologist at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, then prescribed Lixiana as an anticoagulant. I have been taking a daily tablet ever since with no adverse effects - on a couple of occasions I had to stop taking it for several days before some minor surgery due to the risk of excessive bleeding.

I am 80 years old and was diagnosed with AFib about 6 months ago. I was then prescribed:
- Zydarone (Amiodarone), 200mg
- Lixiana (Edoxaban), 30mg (1/2 60mg tablet)

I take them once a day after breakfast.

I was told the Edoxaban would slow down my blood's ability to clot, but received no warning card.

Taking them quickly eliminated my AFib, but lowered my pulse rate (BPM) to around 40. My doctor said that was okay as long as I didn't have any other symptoms, which can be caused by low BPM.

However, just about a month ago, my BPM suddenly rose to 60 or more (normal), and when I visited the doctor again, I found out my AFib had returned.

My doctor didn't want to increase the dosage of my Amiodarone, so we are continuing with the current dosage, and if that doesn't help, we will consider cardioversion and ablation.

On 5/9/2026 at 2:24 PM, Sheryl said:

Lixiana is an anticoagulent. Edobaxan is its generic name. Same action as apixaban and chemically rrlated to it.

Management if AF has 2 possible approaches. One is surgical ablation and/or cardioverdion in an effpport to restore normal heart rhthym. If successful removes the need for lifelong medications. The other is to live with it and use medicstions to offset some of the associated risks. These in turn fall into 2 groups: drugs to control heart rate and anticoagulants. The latter always necessary, need for the former may vary.

I've had ablation done twice at Bumrungrad for afib. The Afib is mostly hone but I do get flutter a lot so we may need to do another session. At around 1.3m per procedure it can add up after a while.

Even if it's fixed 99%, the blood thinner will be required until my passing. Apixaban was the gold standard when I was first diagnosed. It looks like there's other drugs in the same family now likely much cheaper.

2 hours ago, sandyf said:

I Indications are that generic apixaban will be available in Thailand shortly, the legalities on Elquis appear to have expired.

I just bought a 30 day supply of Eliquis from Fascino in Pattaya (4,170 Baht for 60 5mg tabs). I asked about whether a generic and they confirmed that there was a generic but they were not able to get it yet.

AI Overview

Generic apixaban (the generic for Eliquis) is expected to be widely available in the U.S. at the earliest on April 1, 2028. While the FDA has approved generic versions, patent litigation and settlement agreements have delayed their launch, with most projections pointing to April 2028 rather than 2026

1. Current Status: FDA approved generic options exist, but they are blocked by patent protections held by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer.

2. Final Patent Expiry: Key legal settlements indicate that generic competitors cannot enter the market until at least April 1, 2028.

3. International Markets: Generic apixaban is already available in other countries, such as Canada and in Europe

1 hour ago, Smokin Joe said:

I just bought a 30 day supply of Eliquis from Fascino in Pattaya (4,170 Baht for 60 5mg tabs). I asked about whether a generic and they confirmed that there was a generic but they were not able to get it yet.

AI Overview

Generic apixaban (the generic for Eliquis) is expected to be widely available in the U.S. at the earliest on April 1, 2028. While the FDA has approved generic versions, patent litigation and settlement agreements have delayed their launch, with most projections pointing to April 2028 rather than 2026

1. Current Status: FDA approved generic options exist, but they are blocked by patent protections held by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer.

2. Final Patent Expiry: Key legal settlements indicate that generic competitors cannot enter the market until at least April 1, 2028.

3. International Markets: Generic apixaban is already available in other countries, such as Canada and in Europe

There are 4 locally made generics of apixaban (Eliquis) already available in Thailand, as follows:

Apixa CCP made by Community Pharma PCL

Apixaban Atlanta Medicare

Apixan made by Berlin Pharm

Axibel made by SPS Pharm

Indian-made Genexiban is also available

On 5/9/2026 at 9:36 AM, Ralf001 said:

Jeebus.

It's that No. 6, bleeding from the vagina he needs to be afraid of. 555

All medications have almost the same warning sheet enclosed, even Aspirin.

It is a get-out clause for side effects etc.

I used to take this medicine, no side effects etc, and carried on as normal. It is not something to panic about.

However, for me it was a wake-up call, I started exercising, improved my diet and now am fairly fit (for 80 years old!) Now my weight, BP etc is good (120/80 BP Weight 75 Kgs)

I no longer need medication, so I might suggest you consider doing the same? Get fit?

Good luck!

Edited May 13May 13 by Pdavies99

14 hours ago, WDSmart said:

However, just about a month ago, my BPM suddenly rose to 60 or more (normal), and when I visited the doctor again, I found out my AFib had returned.
My doctor didn't want to increase the dosage of my Amiodarone, so we are continuing with the current dosage, and if that doesn't help, we will consider cardioversion and ablation.

Good luck with that. This getting old stuff stinks.

23 hours ago, Sheryl said:

There are 4 locally made generics of apixaban (Eliquis) already available in Thailand, as follows:

Apixa CCP made by Community Pharma PCL

Apixaban Atlanta Medicare

Apixan made by Berlin Pharm

Axibel made by SPS Pharm

Indian-made Genexiban is also available

Some hospitals are also prescribing apixaban from Natco Pharma.

On 5/13/2026 at 11:42 AM, Smokin Joe said:

I just bought a 30 day supply of Eliquis from Fascino in Pattaya (4,170 Baht for 60 5mg tabs). I asked about whether a generic and they confirmed that there was a generic but they were not able to get it yet.

AI Overview

Generic apixaban (the generic for Eliquis) is expected to be widely available in the U.S. at the earliest on April 1, 2028. While the FDA has approved generic versions, patent litigation and settlement agreements have delayed their launch, with most projections pointing to April 2028 rather than 2026

1. Current Status: FDA approved generic options exist, but they are blocked by patent protections held by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer.

2. Final Patent Expiry: Key legal settlements indicate that generic competitors cannot enter the market until at least April 1, 2028.

3. International Markets: Generic apixaban is already available in other countries, such as Canada and in Europe

The main patent expired in 2022 but additional protection has created differing end dates in various jurisdictions, the US being 2028 and EU 2026. Some countries have already approved generics.

India never signed up to patents and has been producing generics for many years. I have been buying from India for about 7 years.

I've been on 60mg a day for 20 months with no issues.
Having paroxysmal atrial fibrillation I am happy to be taking a drug that reduces the risk of a stroke.
I've also been on Bisoprolol, Digoxin and most recently Sotalol, all have reduced my resting and afib heart rates but I still get episodes though Sotalol seems to have shortened them.
Next visit to the doctor I'll see if an increased dose would be acceptable and could reduce the frequency.

Reading the enclosed leaflets is scary, just make sure you avoid any over the counter medicine that can adversely interact with your prescribed stuff.

I've had AF for 15 years and had cardioversion as a rescue from a severe 6 hour event with BP 200/130 - but cardioversion is not an ongoing treatment.

A few months later I had catheter ablation at BKKH which in many cases, can improve or sometimes correct AF. I can recommend Dr Koonlawee Nademanee, eminent in the field.

I was prescribed verapamil because the ablation did not wholly succeed - it seemed to help.

3 or 4 years ago I was put on Dabigatran (Pradaxa) and after reading the leaflet, was daunted - it was another year until I took it. Dabigatran is widely prescribed in the UK etc. and is a blood thinner, with a risk of bleeding.

If you find you are bleeding more when say, brushing your teeth or having a cut/abrasion or bruising easily then for me, that's a caution sign and consult Doc again. But I've been fine except blue on a toe, probably due to a long walk and a bad fitting shoe.

My UK Doctor alarmed me too, by saying I should not take the pill 15 mins early or late ! But it's been no problem so far.

I'm now on Dabigatran 150 mg x 2 and seem broadly ok, I'm 78 now - it has an advantage that you don't need regular testing for blood thickness - so that's good.

I can't comment on Lixiana but I would avoid Warfarin/Coumadin which I did NOT get on with and requires regular blood tests.

Good luck M8 ! Chin up and the best advice, when you're worried, is to find a good heart Doc who will chat to you. ATB