Gransnet forums

Health

Lixiana

(29 Posts)
Devorgilla Mon 17-Feb-25 17:24:50

I have been prescribed this blood thinner. I gather it is now the approved one. Is there anyone on the site with experience of this? Thanks.

Visgir1 Mon 17-Feb-25 17:28:04

It's Endoxaban. They have used that and Apixaban for many years now.
Most people are on these if they need Anticoagulant.

Devorgilla Mon 17-Feb-25 18:58:59

Thanks Visgirl. I know the components of it have been around for a while. I was really asking, I suppose, what people's experience of side effects are/were. I am about 5' tall and weigh around 58kg. I'm worried about dizziness on it as I am the only driver. I haven't started it yet.

Greenfinch Mon 17-Feb-25 19:17:49

I have been on it for two years after coming off Warfarin. I had absolutely no side effects and it suits me very well. Don’t worry about side effects. I’m sure they are very rare.

nogin Mon 17-Feb-25 19:54:37

I have recently been prescribed this. I too was worried about dizziness being a side effect as I already take medication for vertigo, but I have been on it for over 2 weeks now and no side effects whatsoever.

Thorntrees Mon 17-Feb-25 20:02:06

Another one here who has been on this drug for 18 months with no problems.
It’s a comfort to know it helps protect against a stroke.
The only thing to remember is to tell whoever you see for vaccination,blood tests,dental treatment or similar that you take it as you might bleed a bit more than normal
. I’ve never found it a problem but do try to be careful.

Devorgilla Mon 17-Feb-25 21:09:45

Thank you for the advice and replies. I hate the thought of being on medicine for life and I am a dab hand at finding reasons to delay taking the first dose. E.g. I'll start after the New Year, after that set of appointments, when I come back from London etc. I really must just bite the bullet though. You've given me hope I will be ok on it. I'm a very energetic person and I would be more stressed by losing that energy. However, needs must. My husband had a stroke in the summer and I feel everything rests on my shoulders and I need to stay healthy not just for him but for the family. You know what it's like. I feel like I am between the devil and the deep blue sea. Thanks again for your encouragement.

Luckygirl3 Mon 17-Feb-25 21:15:08

If it has been prescribed it will be needed to protect you from stroke. I have been on it a long time and all is well.

foxie48 Mon 17-Feb-25 21:56:26

I've been on 60mg daily for about three years, my pharmacist has said if my weight drops below 60kg I would need a reduction in the dose. Absolutely no side effects except for a huge gluteal haematoma when I had a serious riding accident. I have stopped riding and try to avoid activities that might lead to hard falls or knocks.

dragonfly46 Mon 17-Feb-25 22:00:07

I have been taking it for a couple of years now with no side effects unlike the beta blockers and statins.

NotSpaghetti Thu 20-Feb-25 08:33:26

Devorgilla how are uou doing and hoping you have given this a "go"

Thinking of you.

Fernbergien Thu 20-Feb-25 11:51:13

NO side effects. Don’t worry.. I am small and slim and OK

Janiepops Thu 20-Feb-25 15:01:17

Another one here, been on it for couple of years, no negative side effects, but plenty of positives! Feel assured now, safe, healthy and confident in my medical practioners decisions.

Devorgilla Thu 20-Feb-25 20:45:09

NotSpaghetti, I am geared up to start it tomorrow. I would have started today but my cleaner had to change her day to come to me and I just want a good run of not having much to do once I take it in case I don't feel great initially.
Fernbergien, I am interested in the dosage you are on. I have been given 60g but I know he will test my blood after three months. Some sites say 30g for people under 60kg. I tend to lose weight as we progress into summer.
Once again, everyone thank you for your responses. I will come back to report my experience.

NotSpaghetti Fri 21-Feb-25 00:24:54

Hope it is all very straightforward today Devorgillaand you also have no side-effects.
flowers

NotSpaghetti Fri 21-Feb-25 11:22:01

Hello again.
Hope you are doing OK.
flowers

midgey Fri 21-Feb-25 11:24:35

If your husband has had a stroke I would have thought you would be only too keen to take it! Good luck.

Devorgilla Fri 21-Feb-25 13:37:56

Ok gransnetters, I will keep you in suspense no longer.
I have popped the first pill. Left it until lunchtime as wanted to drive to supermarket this morning. I told you I was a dab hand at delay tactics on pills.
And yes, midgey, the only reason I have convinced myself to take it is because my husband has had a stroke and one of us needs to do the heavy lifting. Of course, a pill is no guarantee that will happen. Now all I have to worry about is whether I am on the right dosage. thanks

Luckygirl3 Fri 21-Feb-25 13:44:10

My worry at the moment is about being asked NOT to take it! I have 2 procedures in the next 2 weeks - needle biopsy of thyroid and steroid injection in hip - and I will be off them for 4 days.

Devorgilla Fri 21-Feb-25 14:48:13

Luckygirl3, my thoughts are with you. flowers My husband has been on them for over 10 years and has had to stop on several occasions for procedures. His stroke had nothing to do with a time he was off them.
It was my husband's stroke that persuaded me to see my doctor in the first place because I knew I had high cholesterol. There was no chance I was going back on statins. I did not have a good experience on them. I asked him about what was the best solution for me stroke /heart-wise and he recommended blood thinners. He knows me of old and my strong dislike of taking long term manufactured pills. So much so that he gave me a paper prescription and told me it was up to me whether I took them or not. I cashed it in about a month after seeing him and, as you know, only took the first pill today. My thanks to all gransnetters flowers who piled in to persuade me to get over my aversion. Fingers crossed it all goes well for all of us and we live to sort out the world's problems for a lot longer. Onwards and upwards. wine

Notagranny44 Fri 21-Feb-25 16:23:15

I have been on it for about 4 years now, and have had no side effects. You should get a checkup with a nurse about every 6 months, when you will be measured and weighed and the dose might be altered accordingly. If you need any procedures or operations, you need to leave it off for a couple of days - your HCP will tell you how long. I have had a mastectomy, a small cyst removed and a molar out while on it, all with no problems.
Just remember to carry a card in your wallet or purse and tell the medics you are on it.
Good luck!

NotSpaghetti Fri 21-Feb-25 16:58:14

🎉 The first one is the hardest - and the next few will quietly get easier- so we'll done you! 🥳

stewaris Fri 21-Feb-25 17:17:45

I've been on blood thinners for the last 20 years or so. Initially, Apixiban and for the last 5 0r 6 years Lixiana. Like you, I'm 5' tall and slightly heavier at 63kg. I've never had any side effects from either of them. Carry your card to say your on blood thinners, remember to not take them if you're having a filling/ tooth extraction etc (the dentist will remind you as you need to declare your medication) etc. Hope it all goes well and good luck.

Honey1958 Fri 21-Feb-25 17:22:45

Hi Devorgilla. I have taken Lixiana/Edoxoban for several years with no problems.
Do you have Atrial fibrillation? I do and the irregular beats can cause clots which may lead to a stroke which is why its important.
My nurse said it should be taken around the same time each day.
Best wishes x

rowyn Fri 21-Feb-25 22:31:57

I've been on Apixaban for over a year now ,after having a pulmonary embolism. Can't be bothered to go downstairs to look at the box, bur I think I was on 5g twice a day until quite recently. My dose is now 2.5g twice a day.
I've had no side effects at all as far as I can tell!
One thing I've noticed is that the surface of my skin gets very hot quite often, though I don't feel hot in myself. I only notice it if I happen to touch my bare skin anyway. I keep meaning to ask the next doc/nurse that I see about it, but always forget!
There again, I'm on a lot of other drugs so it might be nothing to do with the blood thinners.

PS When I was put on it just after I'd come out of hospital I got a phone call and a very helpful person gave me a lesson on how to manage the tablets. It was 9am and I was told to take a tablet whilst on the phone and that I should take the next tablet at 9pm. I was given contact details and told to get in touch if i had any problems. Hopefully you should have been given some similar support.