How much is the stroke risk reduce when taking medications..

[groze5858]

How much is the stroke risk reduce when taking medications like Pradax? 

Thank You for the information.

[gerald]

A quick search shows several entries indicating it is more effective than Warfrin.

However en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dabigatran shows that
"A small but significantly increased risk of myocardial infarctions
(heart attacks) has been noted when combining the safety outcome data from multiple trials.

Also: www.drugwatch.com/pradaxa/ shows there have been over 4000 lawsuits about heart attacks

and
www.schmidtlaw.com/pradaxa-stroke-lawsuit/ is a class action suit because there is evidence
that "Pradax may actually increase your risk of having another type of stroke — a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by uncontrollable bleeding in the brain"

Something you should talk with your doctor about the risk / reward balance on the medication.  The risk may be far outweighted by the benefits you are gaining.

[groze5858]

Gerald

I am aware of the risk. I also don't like being stabbed (blood draw)once a month. I know Pradax works better. I looked online as well. I read an article can't remember the details. I don't think it gave much. All it said it reduces the stroke risk by 20% but I wanted something more concrete. A 20% reduction is a little low in my opinion. I shouldn't be taking Prada but I have a Aortic cow heart valve replacement so that might be the difference.


I am also no longer in afib. I am still taking afib medication. I read you can convert on your own. I would also like to know is how does one tell if your afib is being controlled by medication or if you converted on your own. The only medication I would have to wean off is metoprolol, the rest can be cold turkey. I had maze procedure done at the same time I had my heart vavle replaced.

[jim]

Hi Groze, I would be happy to know about anything you find out. My wife has a mechanical aortic valve and has to take Warfarin, which means many blood tests, which is hard for her because owing to other problems, she can only have blood taken from arm.

[groze5858]

Oct 29, 2015 6:07:33 GMT -5 jim said:

Hi Groze, I would be happy to know about anything you find out. My wife has a mechanical aortic valve and has to take Warfarin, which means many blood tests, which is hard for her because owing to other problems, she can only have blood taken from arm.

I was actually suppose to stop all medications after my surgery but my afib prevented that.  It still make me  that I am on medications.  Even with help Pradax still cost money.  I could use it for a two gallon of milks.  We sell milk by the gallons in the U.S.   The reason it makes me mad I chose it over Mechanical because I wouldn't have to take any more medications for the rest of my life.  Now unless I want to risk a stoke,  I have take medications for the rest of my life but I am not so sure now.   I just find out from two different medical people,  I am not in a afib.   That why I was asking how do you know if your body converted on its own or if it is the medication doing it.
 

I am pretty sure what is causing my strange hacking cough is metoprolol.

As far your question,  Warfarin at least has an antidote to stop the effect if needed during an emergency.   I did read Praxada & Xarelto in people with Mechanical hearts valve actually increase the stoke risk.  

Pradax does have something available to stop the bleeding it is called praxbind but it will only available in Major hospitals pharmacies in the U.S.    Not sure it has been approved in Canada.  I fell and hit my head so I had to go to the ER the next day (should of went that day).  I did have a concussion but no bleeding internally thankfully.  The doctor said I made the right choice by stopping all medications for 24 hour period.   Now, I can request to be transported to the nearest ER that has access to Praxbine and medicare & medicaid qmb will cover it. 

www.drug-injury.com/druginjurycom/2015/10/eliquis-bleeding-reversal-savaysa-antidotes-xarelto-bleeds-uncontrolled-threatening-life-deaths-side-effects.html

www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/news/news_releases/press_releases/2015/19_october_2015_dabigatranetexilate.html

[groze5858]

Jim.

I did come across something it is called a Chadsvasc score. Depending on which calculator I used my score ranged from 0 to 1.3% risk of a stroke without stoke prevention medication. Myself, I don't see it as a high risk but others might.

[jim]

Hi groze5858,
thank you for this information, I will pass it on to my wife.

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