Eliquis can cause nosebleeds, gum, easy bruising, and prolonged bleeding. Internal bleeding can be a severe side effect. Eliquis can increase your risk of blood clots if you stop it suddenly. People should not take Eliquis with bleeding disorders.
Eliquis Side Effects
Bleeding is the most common side-effect of Eliquis and all blood thinners. Some people may experience longer and heavier periods, cuts that bleed more than usual, and nosebleeds lasting a few moments.
Some people experience side effects from one blood thinner but not another. Talk to your doctor if you have bleeding problems with Eliquis.
If you experience any side effects while taking Eliquis, discuss them with your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if they are severe.
Serious Eliquis Side Effects
Allergic reactions to Eliquis can cause severe itching, hives, and chest pain. They may also cause swelling of the tongue or face, as well as labored breathing. These reactions are a medical crisis. If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor or 911 right away.
Clinical trials showed that 327 (2.13%) of the 9,088 patients with non-valvular AF experienced significant bleeding. Patients have reported rare and dangerous side effects such as hemorrhagic stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, and bleeding in the skull. Patients who took Eliquis experienced abnormal bleeding after hip or leg replacement surgery.
- Serious Eliquis side effects include: Joint swelling or pain
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Tarry stools in red or black
- Red, pink, or brown urine
- Face or tongue swelling
- Bleeding that is uncontrollable or severe
- Blood or coffee-like material in the vomit or coughing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Breathing difficulties or wheezing
Eliquis has fewer serious side effects. According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Eliquis had a lower overall gastrointestinal bleeding rate than Xarelto.
Eliquis comes with a black box warning about the increased risk of blood clots when the drug is stopped early and the risks associated with spinal or epidural clots. In emergencies, apixaban can be reversed with an antidote. This makes the medication safer. Some people who experienced severe side effects have filed Eliquis suits, claiming the drug manufacturers failed to warn them.
Blood Clots after Early Discontinuation
According to the warning on the packaging of Eliquis, people who abruptly stop taking the medication are at an increased risk of blood clots.
Blood clots in the bloodstream are dangerous. They can cause heart attacks, strokes, and tissue death. These clots may cause stroke, heart attacks, and tissue death.
Eliquis’s April 2021 update to its label added a warning regarding increased stroke rates among people who switch from Eliquis and warfarin. If you are considering switching blood thinners, discuss this with your doctor.
Spinal or epidural blood clots are a risk.
Eliquis can cause blood clots in people who have spinal or epidural sedation or are undergoing a spinal puncture. Blood clots can be either long-lasting or cause paralysis.
Eliquis can increase the risk of spinal/epidural clots when taken with other medications that cause bleeding, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, platelet inhibitors, or anticoagulants. These problems are also more common in people with spinal surgeries, epidural punctures, or repeated spinal punctures. Eliquis users who had not previously undergone spinal procedures or been anesthetized have also developed spontaneous spinal hematomas.
A spinal or epidural hemorrhage can be fatal if not treated properly and quickly. Although a full recovery is possible with hematomas, they can cause permanent brain damage and disability.
Eliquis Warnings & Precautions
Inform your prescriber if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Researchers are examining whether nursing mothers can transmit Eliquis through breast milk to their babies.
Eliquis should not be used by those prone to bleeding or with a history of liver or kidney diseases. Discuss medical conditions such as stomach ulcers and antiphospholipid syndrome with your doctor before taking Eliquis.
Eliquis should not be taken with anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin. Eliquis and alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract.
Your doctor may recommend that you temporarily stop using Eliquis if you are planning a dental procedure. Talk about any recent surgeries, including heart valve surgery or spinal surgery.
Some antifungals, antibacterials, anti-seizure drugs, and medications for abnormal heartbeats may cause adverse drug interactions. Eliquis may cause negative drug interactions with NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Taking Eliquis Safely
A Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation, and Emergency Medicine study showed that Eliquis, a newer blood thinner, is less likely to cause severe bleeding complications than older blood thinners such as warfarin, although there’s still a chance. Tell your doctor immediately if you have been injured or hit your head.
Eliquis is not affected by vitamin K like warfarin. Eliquis does not have any dietary restrictions, but it is recommended that you eat healthily.
Some people stop taking Eliquis to switch to another blood thinner or simply because they no longer need it. Keep taking Eliquis before consulting your doctor.
Managing Eliquis Side Effects
Some side effects of Eliquis can be severe and require immediate medical attention. Consult your doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms. If you are experiencing a medical crisis.
The FDA approved andexanet (also known as AndexXa), a drug that counteracts the anticoagulant effects of apixaban, in 2018. In emergencies, hospitals can use this medication to stop bleeding caused by apixaban. This medication is intravenously administered and fast-acting.
