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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lakewood, CA

Just wondering if anybody else has had this experience and what they did about it, if anything. I was unable to take Eliquis because it caused a breathing issue so I've been on Xarelto since last August to avoid a stroke since I have atrial fibrillation which by the way was caused by a drug I didn't need years ago. However, my hair has been falling out like I'm on chemo and I read that the drug does affect some people this way. Also, my mouth is so dry that the dentist assured me that I will… read more

February 14 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone struggling with severe side effects from Xarelto, including hair loss and dry mouth leading to extensive dental... Read more

Members rallied around someone struggling with severe side effects from Xarelto, including hair loss and dry mouth leading to extensive dental problems, offering both emotional support and practical alternatives like switching blood thinners (Coumadin, Clopidogrel), trying oral minoxidil for hair loss, using Biotene rinse or fluoride products for dry mouth, and exploring products like Flintts Mints. Several members urged the original poster not to stop the medication without consulting their cardiologist, sharing personal stories about the serious risks of stroke and the importance of medical supervision when managing blood thinners and atrial fibrillation. A recurring theme was the deep frustration of managing chronic conditions with difficult medication side effects, balanced by community encouragement to keep advocating for better options rather than giving up on treatment entirely.

A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member you can also try a fluoride rinse at night and ask your dentist for a prescription fluoride toothpaste. Add an extra brushing time to your daily routine and don’t forget to floss. There are ways to fight the dry mouth/tooth decay cycle. Talk to your doctor about other options for a blood thinner. Please don’t just go off of it. A stroke is not what you want. There are so many different possible outcomes from a stroke from death to permanently paralyzed on one side. There has to be an option for you.

February 14
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have a friend with hypertension who was experiencing some hair loss and was able to get the physician to switch her anti-hypertensive to oral minoxidil which solved the problem. I don't know if you have hypertension or not, but if you do it might be worth a try. The hair loss from meds sometimes doesn't show up for months as the hair is going through the three stages of hair growth.
For dry mouth, there is a product called liquid saliva that you might want to try.
Sorry you're experiencing these two side effects, I am too, but from chemo drugs. The oncologist said my chemo drug was only 1% chance of hair loss. Guess I'm the unlucky 1%. 😂😄

February 14
A MyFibroTeam Member

I can’t add to the already mentioned advice, but I’m sorry that’s happening to you., Shotsey. I can’t imagine what that’s like to start loosing your hair…sounds like that will stop as soon as you stop the drug. Also, when you talk with your doctor, be sure to tell them that you are taking vitamins as one ,E I think , as that could affect your blood viscosity. Let us know how this works out for you!

February 14
MyFibroTeam

How can fibromyalgia-related dry mouth and medication side effects be managed?

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when dealing with severe side effects like hair loss, dry mouth, and depression. These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, especially when managing fibromyalgia alongside other conditions.

Show Full Answer

How can fibromyalgia-related dry mouth and medication side effects be managed?

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when dealing with severe side effects like hair loss, dry mouth, and depression. These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, especially when managing fibromyalgia alongside other conditions.

Dry mouth is actually very common with fibromyalgia—up to 71 percent of people experience it. This can lead to dental problems like cavities and infections, which your dentist is concerned about. While some medications can worsen dry mouth, it's often part of fibromyalgia itself.

Before making any decisions about stopping your blood thinner, please talk with your prescribing doctor. Stopping anticoagulation therapy without medical guidance can be extremely dangerous, especially with atrial fibrillation. Your healthcare team may be able to:

* Explore alternative blood thinners you haven't tried yet
* Adjust dosages or timing
* Add treatments specifically for dry mouth and hair loss
* Address the depression with appropriate support

For dry mouth management, consider:
* Using fluoride toothpaste and getting frequent dental cleanings
* Staying well-hydrated
* Using saliva substitutes or prescription medications for dry mouth
* Limiting sugary foods and drinks

The depression you're experiencing needs immediate attention. Please reach out to your doctor about this—it's a serious concern that deserves proper treatment, whether it's related to medication side effects or the emotional toll of managing multiple health challenges.

You deserve support and solutions, not just suffering through unbearable side effects.

February 14
A MyFibroTeam Member

Over here they don't take atrial fibrillation that seriously. To be honest they don't take much seriously. I had that from my late 30's Did my 40yr chest and heart service 🙃 I'm trying to think why I was sent to the heart specialist. Probably the stroke. They didn't keep me in hospital after the first stroke, The heart specialist was not happy about that. All they do is check my heart. Say that's normal for you. Yep it is, I've been counting 3 beats and a jump for years. With that off they go. I find that strangely reassuring 😂😂😂
I always say how can everyone's body work the same. The body is a miracle, it's a universe within. Doctors do not know everything. Dr M. Scot Peck who wrote the book. The road less travelled did a few speaking engagements about what we think we know. I'm definitely on his side on this, We know that we have driven a car to a place where we are going to listen to someone speak about life. We know that when the session is over we will get in our cars and hopefully they start so we can get home.
That's the kind of stuff we know. He says that doctors have big words for all kinds of illnesses yet when looked up it means nothing it means they don't know. Yet the patient walks out with what they presume is a diagnosis. Out of 100% of everything within our bodies he points out that doctors know around 10%
I get where he is coming from. I have a friend who is from India and he had a guru for a few years after he had a life threatening illness. We speak quite often. Spiritual stuff mainly and when we end a conversation he always says to me. What have you learnt today? Nothing I say. No thing... Some people find that hard to understand. Yet in the big picture of life we really know no thing. I asked my friend 'what's the biggest thing in the room? He looked around for quite awhile until he answered. Say the wardrobe, The biggest thing in the room is space. And we learn more from the space between words than the actual words themselves.
On that note it is time I went and said goodnight to tree.
Sending love and healing Peps 🥰

February 26

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