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My doctor put me on Xeralto. Before I was on Coumadin.

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Every time a doctor prescribes a new drug instead of an old one, have a conversation about it. In 2009, drug companies were paying out $188 million/year to doctors to persuade them to prescribe their products. By 2013, that amount jumped to $773 million/year. And, research has shown that doctors do not feel they are doing anything wrong by choosing a drug they're paid to prescribe over one they are not if they consider the promoted drug to be equal (not even better).

Also, Google "Xarelto" and "Law Suit." There are a growing number of wrongful death suits that have been filed against the company. Unlike the other (less expensive) blood thinners like Coumadin (which is warfarin), Xarelto has no antidote (as the other two posters pointed out). That can be particularly deadly for the elderly who are more fragile and fall much more often putting themselves at risk for brain bleeds and internal bleeding.

If your doctor decided to switch you from Coumadin because it's not doing the job, ask if there's an OLDER, rather than newer, drug that could be tried. Many doctors exclusively try the new (less proven, more expensive) drug without first exploring what used to be the popular drug for the condition. I like to think it's lack of imagination, rather than greed, that compels them to do it.

I once recovered from an almost overwhelming infection because a doctor though to try an old, seldom used, antibiotic after two other doctors had run through an alarming number of new drugs ($10,000 worth of them), with one after the other failing to do the job.
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I agree with To Young For This - Xarelto may not be the best choice for elderly patients (especially if they are a fall risk). My father (age 72) was switched from Coumadin to Xarelto in September 2013. He had Afib. In late March 2014, my father was diagnosed with a massive brain bleed. There was no evidence of a fall. The doctors decided to perform a craniotomy (removing a portion of the skull) to relieve the pressure on his brain caused by the bleed. This was done three days after the bleed was found. By this time, my father had already suffered significant brain damage. Eight days after the bleed was discovered by father passed away. If you're taking Xarelto, please stay informed. Be sure you know & understand the potential side affects. I wish you well.
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Dr put mother on Pradaxa as a blood thinner 3 years ago due to the fact we couldnt keep her INR at any regular levels on coumadin (due to leg clots). Seems to be working great, no dietary restrictions and no blood checks every couple of weeks. Dont know if its the same as Xeralto but after reading some of these comments, maybe I should ask the Dr more questions
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My mother had Afib. She was taking Xeralto after mulitple strokes in Nov 2013 - until she had a fatal fall July 26, 2014.

The local ER MDs could not get the brain bleed stopped partially due to Xeralto (with coumadin - Vitamin K (I think) will stop it from working - not so with Xeralto). She was sent from a local hospital to a regional trauma center. The damage from both the fall and brain injury were severe.

After almost 2 weeks in the Regional medical center she was returned to a nursing home in the local community and passed 2 weeks later.
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I was on Xarelto for several months after a submassive saddle pulmonary embolism----but I was 45 years old. I don't think Xarelto is a good medication for elderly people that have risks for falling & hitting their head because if they do, there is no reversal for it & those falls are usually fatal. I nicked my self with a razor while shaving my legs & bled for about 30 minutes. My blood was as thin as water.
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I have been on Xarelto for 6 months after having a clot in lower right leg back in March. Doctor has said I can stop taking at end of this script. which is in 1 week., but since I also suffer from migrains, I am not sure what to take for them(forget to ask) but I am to take 1 low dose aspirin a day from now on.I usually take extra strength Tylenol for headaches. So far have had no problem with the Xarelto I think I will ask my druggist for his advise. As far as the Xarelto is concerned my doctor said if a problem with bleeding occured they would have to do blood transfusion. Will be glad to get of it. BTW age is 78
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I have been gathering information on Xalerto, and so I plan to go back to Coumadin. I fall easily. I also need two knee replacements, but am postponing them due to major surgery in September. I fell about a week ago..so I am afraid to continue Xalerto. marymember
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My father who is taking multiple drugs (xarelto ,clopidogrel ,doxazosin ,furosemide amaryl tabs, hydraalazine ,isosrbdin ,metro prolog ,pravastatin renexa januvia) who is 83 has know appetite and stays nauseated. Does anyone have any suggestions on what may help.
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I have been on Xarelto for almost one year after taking Warfarin for many years. I have not had any problems and don't have to check my blood every month. It is very expensive but I may have to go back on Warfarin because of cost. Any suggestions?
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