Atrial Fibrillation: Which Anticoagulant Should I Take To Prevent Stroke
What is a Decision Point?
Atrial Fibrillation: Which Anticoagulant Should I Take To Prevent Stroke?You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Atrial Fibrillation: Which Anticoagulant Should I Take To Prevent Stroke? Get the facts Your options
Is this decision for you? This could be a decision for you if you are newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or if you are already taking warfarin. You may first want to decide whether to take an anticoagulant at all. Key points to remember
FAQs How do anticoagulants lower your risk of stroke?Atrial fibrillation increases your risk of stroke. The risk of stroke isn't the same for everyone who has atrial fibrillation. But people who have atrial fibrillation are 5 times more likely to have a stroke than are people who don't have atrial fibrillation.1 Taking an anticoagulant lowers that risk. These medicines are also called blood thinners, but they don't really thin your blood. Instead, they increase the time it takes for a blood clot to form. Anticoagulants used for atrial fibrillation are warfarin (Coumadin), dabigatran (Pradaxa), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto). How are these medicines the same?Lowering risk of stroke Warfarin has been used for many years to lower the risk of stroke in people who have atrial fibrillation. Dabigatran works slightly better than warfarin to lower the risk of stroke.2 Rivaroxaban and warfarin work about the same to lower the risk of stroke.3 Experts have not compared dabigatran and rivaroxaban in research studies. Raising risk of bleeding Anticoagulants make your blood clot slower than normal. This raises your risk of bleeding problems in and around the brain, bleeding in the stomach and intestines, and bruising and bleeding if you are hurt. So when you take any anticoagulant, you need to take extra care to prevent bleeding, such as by preventing falls and injuries. Your own risk of bleeding may be higher or lower than average, based on your own health. Ask your doctor to help you understand your risk. Warfarin. Warfarin has been used for many years, so doctors understand the bleeding risks and long-term side effects. Each year about 2 out of 100 people who take warfarin will have a problem with severe bleeding, and 98 will not.4 Since dabigatran and rivaroxaban are newer, the bleeding risks are known from research studies. Over time, as these anticoagulants are used, doctors will learn more about the bleeding risks and any other side effects. Dabigatran. The risks of bleeding are about the same for warfarin and dabigatran. Each year about 3 out of 100 people who take dabigatran have a problem with severe bleeding, while 97 do not.2 Rivaroxaban. The risks of bleeding are about the same for warfarin and rivaroxaban. Each year about 3 out of 100 people who take rivaroxaban have a problem with severe bleeding, and 97 do not.3 Some people can't take any type of anticoagulant, because they have a higher risk of having a serious problem if bleeding occurs. You shouldn't take these drugs if:
Let your doctor know if you are scheduled for any procedure that raises your risk of bleeding. Your medicine may need to be adjusted. How are these medicines different?Taking warfarin Warfarin has been used for many years to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have atrial fibrillation. The medicine is low-cost, and doctors understand its long-term effects. How much your risk will be reduced when you take warfarin depends on how high your risk was to start with. When you take warfarin, you'll need to get regular blood tests to make sure you are taking the right dose. And you will need to watch how much vitamin K you eat and drink. Warfarin may cause birth defects and problems if you take it while you are pregnant. Taking dabigatran or rivaroxaban Dabigatran and rivaroxaban are newer anticoagulants. Their long-term effects aren't known. Dabigatran works slightly better than warfarin at preventing stroke.2 Rivaroxaban and warfarin work about the same to lower the risk of stroke.3 But with any anticoagulant, how much your risk will be reduced depends on how high your risk was to start with. When you take dabigatran or rivaroxaban, you don't need to have regular blood tests or watch your vitamin K intake. You can't take dabigatran or rivaroxaban if you have heart valve disease, an artificial heart valve, or severe kidney or liver disease.5 Doctors don't know how either of these anticoagulants will affect you if you take one while you are pregnant. Cost Dabigatran and rivaroxaban can cost about $3,000 for a 1-year supply. Warfarin costs about $48 for a 1-year supply.6 If you have health insurance, some or all of this cost may be covered. Stopping bleeding If you have a bleeding problem or need surgery, your doctor may need to quickly reverse the effects of an anticoagulant. Warfarin. Doctors know how to reverse the effects of warfarin to stop or prevent bleeding. Dabigatran. Doctors do not have a way to reverse the effects of dabigatran. So if you have a bleeding problem or need surgery, it can take longer to reverse the blood-thinning effects. Rivaroxaban. Doctors have a new medicine that can reverse the effects of rivaroxaban. But the medicine is new, and doctors do not have much experience with it yet. Why might your doctor recommend taking either warfarin or a different anticoagulant?Your doctor may recommend that you take or stay on warfarin if:
Your doctor may recommend that you try a different type of anticoagulant if:
Compare your options Compare
Take warfarin to prevent strokeTake warfarin to prevent stroke
Take a different anticoagulant to prevent strokeTake a different anticoagulant to prevent stroke
Personal stories Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide. Personal stories about taking anticoagulantsThese stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. I live on a ranch more than 100 miles from my doctor's office. I don't plan on checking in with him every month to have my blood tested. So I'm going to try a blood thinner that doesn't need regular blood testing. Chuck, age 48 I've been taking warfarin for a long time. I guess I'm just used to it. I haven't had any problems with it. I think I'll just keep taking it. Maria, 70 The high cost of medicines is a concern. But I'd rather pay more and not have to watch what I eat or go to the doctor so often. I think I'll try an anticoagulant that is different from warfarin. Jane, 59 I like knowing that my doctor is checking my blood regularly. I think I'll try warfarin first and see how it works. Javier, 66 What matters most to you? Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. Reasons to take warfarin Reasons to take a different anticoagulant I don't mind watching how much vitamin K I eat and drink. I don't want to have to track my vitamin K intake. More important Equally important More important I'd rather take a familiar medicine with a long record of use, like warfarin. I'm comfortable taking a newer medicine. More important Equally important More important I don't mind going to the doctor for regular blood tests. I don't want to have to take regular blood tests. More important Equally important More important I'd rather take a blood thinner with known long-term side effects. I'm not worried about long-term side effects of a newer medicine. More important Equally important More important I prefer to take a less expensive medicine. I'm not worried about the cost of my medicine. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important Where are you leaning now? Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. Take warfarin Take a different type of anticoagulant Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward What else do you need to make your decision? Check the facts 1.
Do all of the medicines lower your risk of stroke?
2.
Do I need to have regular blood tests if I'm taking an anticoagulant that is different from warfarin (dabigatran or rivaroxaban)?
3.
Do all of the medicines increase your risk of bleeding?
Decide what's next 1.
Do you understand the options available to you? 2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Certainty 1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision. 3.
Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps. Your Summary Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Your decisionNext steps Which way you're leaning How sure you are Your comments Your knowledge of the factsKey concepts that you understood Key concepts that may need review Getting ready to actPatient choices Credits and ReferencesCredits
References Citations
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Atrial Fibrillation: Which Anticoagulant Should I Take To Prevent Stroke?Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
1. Get the factsYour options
Is this decision for you? This could be a decision for you if you are newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or if you are already taking warfarin. You may first want to decide whether to take an anticoagulant at all. Key points to remember
FAQs How do anticoagulants lower your risk of stroke?Atrial fibrillation increases your risk of stroke. The risk of stroke isn't the same for everyone who has atrial fibrillation. But people who have atrial fibrillation are 5 times more likely to have a stroke than are people who don't have atrial fibrillation.1 Taking an anticoagulant lowers that risk. These medicines are also called blood thinners, but they don't really thin your blood. Instead, they increase the time it takes for a blood clot to form. Anticoagulants used for atrial fibrillation are warfarin (Coumadin), dabigatran (Pradaxa), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto). How are these medicines the same?Lowering risk of stroke Warfarin has been used for many years to lower the risk of stroke in people who have atrial fibrillation. Dabigatran works slightly better than warfarin to lower the risk of stroke.2 Rivaroxaban and warfarin work about the same to lower the risk of stroke.3 Experts have not compared dabigatran and rivaroxaban in research studies. Raising risk of bleeding Anticoagulants make your blood clot slower than normal. This raises your risk of bleeding problems in and around the brain, bleeding in the stomach and intestines, and bruising and bleeding if you are hurt. So when you take any anticoagulant, you need to take extra care to prevent bleeding, such as by preventing falls and injuries. Your own risk of bleeding may be higher or lower than average, based on your own health. Ask your doctor to help you understand your risk. Warfarin. Warfarin has been used for many years, so doctors understand the bleeding risks and long-term side effects. Each year about 2 out of 100 people who take warfarin will have a problem with severe bleeding, and 98 will not.4 Since dabigatran and rivaroxaban are newer, the bleeding risks are known from research studies. Over time, as these anticoagulants are used, doctors will learn more about the bleeding risks and any other side effects. Dabigatran. The risks of bleeding are about the same for warfarin and dabigatran. Each year about 3 out of 100 people who take dabigatran have a problem with severe bleeding, while 97 do not.2 Rivaroxaban. The risks of bleeding are about the same for warfarin and rivaroxaban. Each year about 3 out of 100 people who take rivaroxaban have a problem with severe bleeding, and 97 do not.3 Some people can't take any type of anticoagulant, because they have a higher risk of having a serious problem if bleeding occurs. You shouldn't take these drugs if:
Let your doctor know if you are scheduled for any procedure that raises your risk of bleeding. Your medicine may need to be adjusted. How are these medicines different?Taking warfarin Warfarin has been used for many years to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have atrial fibrillation. The medicine is low-cost, and doctors understand its long-term effects. How much your risk will be reduced when you take warfarin depends on how high your risk was to start with. When you take warfarin, you'll need to get regular blood tests to make sure you are taking the right dose. And you will need to watch how much vitamin K you eat and drink. Warfarin may cause birth defects and problems if you take it while you are pregnant. Taking dabigatran or rivaroxaban Dabigatran and rivaroxaban are newer anticoagulants. Their long-term effects aren't known. Dabigatran works slightly better than warfarin at preventing stroke.2 Rivaroxaban and warfarin work about the same to lower the risk of stroke.3 But with any anticoagulant, how much your risk will be reduced depends on how high your risk was to start with. When you take dabigatran or rivaroxaban, you don't need to have regular blood tests or watch your vitamin K intake. You can't take dabigatran or rivaroxaban if you have heart valve disease, an artificial heart valve, or severe kidney or liver disease.5 Doctors don't know how either of these anticoagulants will affect you if you take one while you are pregnant. Cost Dabigatran and rivaroxaban can cost about $3,000 for a 1-year supply. Warfarin costs about $48 for a 1-year supply.6 If you have health insurance, some or all of this cost may be covered. Stopping bleeding If you have a bleeding problem or need surgery, your doctor may need to quickly reverse the effects of an anticoagulant. Warfarin. Doctors know how to reverse the effects of warfarin to stop or prevent bleeding. Dabigatran. Doctors do not have a way to reverse the effects of dabigatran. So if you have a bleeding problem or need surgery, it can take longer to reverse the blood-thinning effects. Rivaroxaban. Doctors have a new medicine that can reverse the effects of rivaroxaban. But the medicine is new, and doctors do not have much experience with it yet. Why might your doctor recommend taking either warfarin or a different anticoagulant?Your doctor may recommend that you take or stay on warfarin if:
Your doctor may recommend that you try a different type of anticoagulant if:
2. Compare your options
Personal storiesAre you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide. Personal stories about taking anticoagulantsThese stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. "I live on a ranch more than 100 miles from my doctor's office. I don't plan on checking in with him every month to have my blood tested. So I'm going to try a blood thinner that doesn't need regular blood testing." — Chuck, age 48 "I've been taking warfarin for a long time. I guess I'm just used to it. I haven't had any problems with it. I think I'll just keep taking it." — Maria, 70 "The high cost of medicines is a concern. But I'd rather pay more and not have to watch what I eat or go to the doctor so often. I think I'll try an anticoagulant that is different from warfarin." — Jane, 59 "I like knowing that my doctor is checking my blood regularly. I think I'll try warfarin first and see how it works." — Javier, 66 3. What matters most to you?Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. Reasons to take warfarin Reasons to take a different anticoagulant I don't mind watching how much vitamin K I eat and drink. I don't want to have to track my vitamin K intake. More important Equally important More important I'd rather take a familiar medicine with a long record of use, like warfarin. I'm comfortable taking a newer medicine. More important Equally important More important I don't mind going to the doctor for regular blood tests. I don't want to have to take regular blood tests. More important Equally important More important I'd rather take a blood thinner with known long-term side effects. I'm not worried about long-term side effects of a newer medicine. More important Equally important More important I prefer to take a less expensive medicine. I'm not worried about the cost of my medicine. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important 4. Where are you leaning now?Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. Take warfarin Take a different type of anticoagulant Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward 5. What else do you need to make your decision?Check the facts1. Do all of the medicines lower your risk of stroke?
That's right. All of the medicines can lower your risk of stroke if you have atrial fibrillation. 2. Do I need to have regular blood tests if I'm taking an anticoagulant that is different from warfarin (dabigatran or rivaroxaban)?
That's right. With dabigatran or rivaroxaban, there are no regular blood tests. But if you take warfarin, it's important to have regular blood tests to make sure that your medicine is working the way it should. 3. Do all of the medicines increase your risk of bleeding?
That's right. All of the medicines increase your risk of bleeding, so it's important to take care to prevent falls and injuries. Decide what's next1. Do you understand the options available to you? 2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Certainty1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps. Credits
References Citations
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version. Last Revised: February 8, 2012 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacy eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise
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