In this video, Dr Sanjay Gupta, discusses the role of different anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation and why the lack of antidotes shouls not put anyone off using the NOACS.
Sanjay, I doubt you realize how much information is in this video!! Since I've been on Warfarin, I've had a lot of sinus/facial headaches and slight nose bleeds. I'm scared of the Warfarin but the Cardiologist never suggested anything else. He played down the bleeding so I didn't realize how risky it was. Shouldn't a doctor be required to explain the risk of bleeding as Dr. Gupta has? Why do I have to go in and "suggest" medications?
When I first started taking Warfarin, it took months to regulate and it made me feel tired and unwell. I was out sightseeing with my son when the strap on my sandal broke and I fell stepping off a curb. My head hit the concrete very hard but other than quite a lump and being terribly embarrassed, I wasn't hurt. I was very concerned about bleeding in my head because of the Warfarin but it didn't happen and I was okay, just left with a lump on my forehead. I didn't realize it was that dangerous but was concerned. After listening to Sanjay, I'm more conscience of the risk and feel I was lucky. These videos mean slot to me after that incident. Thank you sincerely, Sanjay, for being so caring and generous with your knowledge and time.
This is a wonderful video, Doctor Gupta! Scary but very informative. My Cardiologist told me none of this, especially about the other medications! Nor did he explain the bleeding as you did! Thank you - now I can talk to my Cardiologist about it.
I took several anticoagulants while I was in the hospital and all caused horrible itching!!! I still have some itching weeks after stopping! I checked into the Watchman but found you need to take anticoagulants for 6 weeks! Could I possibly get the Watchman without taking anticoagulants! Or is there an antidote for this horrible side effect!?!??? There is no relief for the itching! Please send me your answer! Thank you!
Thank you. Very useful information. All a lot clearer to me now. I didn't really get a choice I was prescribed Pradaxa after my ICD and SCA and Afib. Didn't really get told much about it. I just take it so I don't get a clot.
My sister had AFIB and though I don't know the Meds she was on, she had a blood clot in her neck which travelled to her brain and she died of a brain bleed. I know she was always unbalanced and wobbly. Only moderately overweight and not very active. Took a lot of sleep aids like Excedrin PM.
Really helpful as always. My dilemma is deciding whether the risk of having a stroke with AFib is greater than the risk of having a bleed in the head on anticoagulants ?? I know I must decide when I go to the anticoagulant clinic shortly, but I am really sitting on the fence at the moment. Your comment Sanjay about NOACs being up to 50% less likely to cause bleeding in head than Warfarin was valuable information. Now I have to decide which NOAC. Could I not take a NOAC alternate days to lessen the likelihood of a bleed or would that not prevent AFib clots from forming ??
NOACS have a very short half life so you have to take them daily otherwise you won't get adequate protection. I am going to do a video tonight on which one to take:-)
Thank you so much for the information, Doctor. My husband was on Warfarin and died from a cerebral haemorrhage 6 years ago, one week before a valve replacement operation was to be done.
YES, this is useful, Doctor Gupta! Thank.you do much! 💖 Most people choose Warfarin because it's cheap! It's $4 compared to $400 for Eliquis. Quite a difference for the average person. Reversal agents should be prescribed along with the meds.
Warfarin was the anticoagulant my Cardiologist prescribed me without explaining the problem of bleeding and blood clots. I did have numerous blood test and adjustment of dosage for several weeks. I fell once and my head slammed into concrete. I had a big lump, bruise and a headache for awhile but didn't realize how dangerous this could have been for me. I could have had bleeding in my head with serious consequences and not even know it. I hope it's not still possible! I feel fine now, no headaches, etc. but I'm still taking Warfarin! Dr. Gupta not only alerted me, he scared the heck out of me! And I will be discussing this with the Doctor on my next visit!
Sanjay, I'm so sorry for lashing out at you about the cost of Eliquis, etc. You didn't set the price or have anything to do with it and I know you care or you wouldn't be doing these videos. Your knowledge is very helpful and taking your time to share is a gift. Thank you so much.
Doctor I really want to thank you.very much for your answer it really helps me and other people may you be blessed and keep up the good faith you give the people daily .if we had more doctors like you this planet would be health less Thank you
Hello Doctor, I have been on anti - coagulants for 10 years now for A.fib. After taking Warfarin for many years I now take the NOAC Apixaban 2.5mg. How would I know if this was the most effective drug for me out of the other NOACS? Knowing that Apixaban was only tested on about 400 people? To be safe should I seriously consider changing to another? I was just given it with no explanation only that most people got on with it OK. Just like to say that after 22 visits to A&E for A.fib and 2 ablations your video's are most helpful and informative, thank you.
the 2.5mg does was testing in the ARISTOTLE study on 400 people. The higher dose of 3mg bd has been tested on several thousand. You should speak to your GP/Ep about it and they will explain why they have chosen that particular dose for you
You can tell by all my comments that this video was made for me! Another year has gone by and I'm still on Warfarin and still at risk for blood clots and bleeding. And still juggling the dosage. Even when it works, its subject to change from month to month. The terrible side effects have lessened and I've adjusted but in the back of my mind, I'm concerned. Last year my sister had a blood clot in her neck which traveled to her brain, causing a brain bleed and death.
So I was wondering what the difference is between PVCs/PACs and Afib? Because I'm trying to figure out what is going on. I had an ECG done which showed a sinus tachycardia which is obviously normal and I DO suffer from anxiety. But I get these really weird scary beats sometimes with the episodes sometimes lasting for hours and then going away on their own. They feel almost as if my heart isn't working properly like my heart has hiccups and i get shortness of breath. I cough to try and set my heart back on track and have even done alot of other suggested things to try and set them on track and it doesn't help. Last night i had an episode during my sleep. It lasted for an hour I used the bathroom it stopped and I went back to sleep and then I woke up 2 hours later with the same issue. Right now I'm on 12.5 Mg of metoprolol tartate twice a day every other day, and .25mg Of Klonopin every other day. I was taking it every day but my doctor is weaning me off due to the fact I moved and can no longer prescribe it to me. I've had these weird beats for about two years now. I'm 25 and they are really starting to scare me. I don't know where else to turn. I've had an ECG (Normal) a Holter monitor for 48 hours (Normal), and I have not done any stress tests. BUT neither of those times were those weird beats happening so they didn't catch them. They happen like that once in a while. Sometimes its just one beat, sometimes its several, and sometimes it lasts a long time. Please Help!
Afib is usually for >30 seconds. It is usually much commoner in older patients. You probably want a zoo patch for 14 days to increase your chances of catching them but i think fromm your description they sound like ectopics
Warfarin is a nasty medication. I've been on it for about 8 months and am still trying to adjust the dosage. It has made my hair dry, my nails brittle, and nose bleeds. I think it also affects my kidneys because I have to urinate more often. The only plus is, I haven't had a blood clot or stroke yet!
I read that Warfarin does cause kidney damage. From what you have said, you may want to reconsider taking it. Eloquis showed less damage to the kidneys. Garlic also causes blood to clot less.
My Cardiologist gave me 9 weeks of Eliquis and you're right, it worked great. The problem came when I went to fill the prescription. It was $450 a month and my insurance would only pay a small portion. I'm taking Warfarin and its a terrible medication but its cheap. Long term that is the best I can do. I'm hoping some day, there will be a breakthrough and something better will come along. And Sanjay, SHAME ON YOU!! Of course a Cardiologist would choose a NOAC on his $100,000+ income and great insurance compared to an elderly individual on a fixed income and perhaps Medicare! Very narrow minded and spoiled doctors!
Sanjay, I doubt you realize how much information is in this video!! Since I've been on Warfarin, I've had a lot of sinus/facial headaches and slight nose bleeds. I'm scared of the Warfarin but the Cardiologist never suggested anything else. He played down the bleeding so I didn't realize how risky it was. Shouldn't a doctor be required to explain the risk of bleeding as Dr. Gupta has? Why do I have to go in and "suggest" medications?
When I first started taking Warfarin, it took months to regulate and it made me feel tired and unwell. I was out sightseeing with my son when the strap on my sandal broke and I fell stepping off a curb. My head hit the concrete very hard but other than quite a lump and being terribly embarrassed, I wasn't hurt. I was very concerned about bleeding in my head because of the Warfarin but it didn't happen and I was okay, just left with a lump on my forehead. I didn't realize it was that dangerous but was concerned. After listening to Sanjay, I'm more conscience of the risk and feel I was lucky. These videos mean slot to me after that incident. Thank you sincerely, Sanjay, for being so caring and generous with your knowledge and time.
If you cut out the co-morbidities(hypertension & Diabetes) associated with A-Fib & have no episodes of A-Fib anymore, can you cut out the NOAC??
This is a wonderful video, Doctor Gupta! Scary but very informative. My Cardiologist told me none of this, especially about the other medications! Nor did he explain the bleeding as you did! Thank you - now I can talk to my Cardiologist about it.
I took several anticoagulants while I was in the hospital and all caused horrible itching!!! I still have some itching weeks after stopping! I checked into the Watchman but found you need to take anticoagulants for 6 weeks! Could I possibly get the Watchman without taking anticoagulants! Or is there an antidote for this horrible side effect!?!??? There is no relief for the itching! Please send me your answer! Thank you!
Thank you. Very useful information. All a lot clearer to me now. I didn't really get a choice I was prescribed Pradaxa after my ICD and SCA and Afib. Didn't really get told much about it. I just take it so I don't get a clot.
thanks Robyn
My sister had AFIB and though I don't know the Meds she was on, she had a blood clot in her neck which travelled to her brain and she died of a brain bleed. I know she was always unbalanced and wobbly. Only moderately overweight and not very active. Took a lot of sleep aids like Excedrin PM.
Really helpful as always. My dilemma is deciding whether the risk of having a stroke with AFib is greater than the risk of having a bleed in the head on anticoagulants ?? I know I must decide when I go to the anticoagulant clinic shortly, but I am really sitting on the fence at the moment. Your comment Sanjay about NOACs being up to 50% less likely to cause bleeding in head than Warfarin was valuable information. Now I have to decide which NOAC. Could I not take a NOAC alternate days to lessen the likelihood of a bleed or would that not prevent AFib clots from forming ??
NOACS have a very short half life so you have to take them daily otherwise you won't get adequate protection. I am going to do a video tonight on which one to take:-)
Thank you so much for the information, Doctor. My husband was on Warfarin and died from a cerebral haemorrhage 6 years ago, one week before a valve replacement operation was to be done.
i am so sorry to hear this Judith:-(
Your sympathy is noble but doesn't change the ridiculous cost of these medications. Lobby for that!
YES, this is useful, Doctor Gupta! Thank.you do much! 💖 Most people choose Warfarin because it's cheap! It's $4 compared to $400 for Eliquis. Quite a difference for the average person. Reversal agents should be prescribed along with the meds.
Warfarin was the anticoagulant my Cardiologist prescribed me without explaining the problem of bleeding and blood clots. I did have numerous blood test and adjustment of dosage for several weeks. I fell once and my head slammed into concrete. I had a big lump, bruise and a headache for awhile but didn't realize how dangerous this could have been for me. I could have had bleeding in my head with serious consequences and not even know it. I hope it's not still possible! I feel fine now, no headaches, etc. but I'm still taking Warfarin! Dr. Gupta not only alerted me, he scared the heck out of me! And I will be discussing this with the Doctor on my next visit!
Dr gupta sir very very informative and useful guidance like the feedback thanks 10/11/2019
Sanjay, I'm so sorry for lashing out at you about the cost of Eliquis, etc. You didn't set the price or have anything to do with it and I know you care or you wouldn't be doing these videos. Your knowledge is very helpful and taking your time to share is a gift. Thank you so much.
Doctor I really want to thank you.very much for your answer it really helps me and other people may you be blessed and keep up the good faith you give the people daily .if we had more doctors like you this planet would be health less
Thank you
Hello Doctor, I have been on anti - coagulants for 10 years now for A.fib. After taking Warfarin for many years I now take the NOAC Apixaban 2.5mg. How would I know if this was the most effective drug for me out of the other NOACS? Knowing that Apixaban was only tested on about 400 people? To be safe should I seriously consider changing to another? I was just given it with no explanation only that most people got on with it OK. Just like to say that after 22 visits to A&E for A.fib and 2 ablations your video's are most helpful and informative, thank you.
the 2.5mg does was testing in the ARISTOTLE study on 400 people. The higher dose of 3mg bd has been tested on several thousand. You should speak to your GP/Ep about it and they will explain why they have chosen that particular dose for you
You can tell by all my comments that this video was made for me! Another year has gone by and I'm still on Warfarin and still at risk for blood clots and bleeding. And still juggling the dosage. Even when it works, its subject to change from month to month. The terrible side effects have lessened and I've adjusted but in the back of my mind, I'm concerned. Last year my sister had a blood clot in her neck which traveled to her brain, causing a brain bleed and death.
So I was wondering what the difference is between PVCs/PACs and Afib? Because I'm trying to figure out what is going on. I had an ECG done which showed a sinus tachycardia which is obviously normal and I DO suffer from anxiety. But I get these really weird scary beats sometimes with the episodes sometimes lasting for hours and then going away on their own. They feel almost as if my heart isn't working properly like my heart has hiccups and i get shortness of breath. I cough to try and set my heart back on track and have even done alot of other suggested things to try and set them on track and it doesn't help. Last night i had an episode during my sleep. It lasted for an hour I used the bathroom it stopped and I went back to sleep and then I woke up 2 hours later with the same issue. Right now I'm on 12.5 Mg of metoprolol tartate twice a day every other day, and .25mg Of Klonopin every other day. I was taking it every day but my doctor is weaning me off due to the fact I moved and can no longer prescribe it to me. I've had these weird beats for about two years now. I'm 25 and they are really starting to scare me. I don't know where else to turn. I've had an ECG (Normal) a Holter monitor for 48 hours (Normal), and I have not done any stress tests. BUT neither of those times were those weird beats happening so they didn't catch them. They happen like that once in a while. Sometimes its just one beat, sometimes its several, and sometimes it lasts a long time. Please Help!
Afib is usually for >30 seconds. It is usually much commoner in older patients. You probably want a zoo patch for 14 days to increase your chances of catching them but i think fromm your description they sound like ectopics
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Thank you :)
Warfarin is a nasty medication. I've been on it for about 8 months and am still trying to adjust the dosage. It has made my hair dry, my nails brittle, and nose bleeds. I think it also affects my kidneys because I have to urinate more often. The only plus is, I haven't had a blood clot or stroke yet!
I read that Warfarin does cause kidney damage. From what you have said, you may want to reconsider taking it. Eloquis showed less damage to the kidneys. Garlic also causes blood to clot less.
My Cardiologist gave me 9 weeks of Eliquis and you're right, it worked great. The problem came when I went to fill the prescription. It was $450 a month and my insurance would only pay a small portion. I'm taking Warfarin and its a terrible medication but its cheap. Long term that is the best I can do. I'm hoping some day, there will be a breakthrough and something better will come along. And Sanjay, SHAME ON YOU!! Of course a Cardiologist would choose a NOAC on his $100,000+ income and great insurance compared to an elderly individual on a fixed income and perhaps Medicare! Very narrow minded and spoiled doctors!