Table of Contents
i. a. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Eliquis?
iii. c. When to Call Your Doctor
III. Reducing Your Risk of Bleeding Events
IV. FAQ: How Can I Manage Eliquis Side Effects?
Eliquis (apixaban) belongs to a class of blood thinners called factor Xa inhibitors. This drug is used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in certain patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, prevent deep vein thrombosis after hip or knee replacement surgery, treat DVT and pulmonary embolism, and reduce the risk of these clots happening again after initial treatment. [1]
Before taking this medication, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Like any drug, it is important to know the potential side effects before starting. Visit Canadian Pharmacy Service for more information about Eliquis and generic Eliquis in Canada. Read on to learn about the different side effects of Eliquis.
Eliquis Side Effects
When taking Eliquis, it is important to stay in touch with your doctor and report any side effects that you experience. Eliquis reduces your body’s natural clotting ability, meaning it may take longer for bleeding to stop. Even small cuts can lead to excessive bleeding. While external injuries are visible, internal bleeding may also occur, so it is important to pay attention to any bruising or pain. [1]
a. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Eliquis?
The most common side effect of Eliquis in adults is bleeding. In children, common side effects may include headache, vomiting, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Easy bruising can also happen while taking Eliquis. Tell your doctor about any side effects that you experience while taking Eliquis, even if they seem common. This can help your doctor understand how your body is responding to the medication. [2]
b. Rare Side Effects
Certain side effects may be less common, but do not ignore them. Contact your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice symptoms that may suggest an allergic reaction, unusual bleeding, or another serious reaction. [3]
Signs of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, itching, wheezing, chest or throat tightness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some people may also notice red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, with or without a fever. [3]
Signs of bleeding may include coughing up or vomiting blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, blood in the urine, black or red stools, bleeding gums, abnormal vaginal bleeding, bruises that appear without a clear cause or get larger, or bleeding that does not stop. [3]
You should also seek medical help if you have weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, balance changes, drooping on one side of the face, blurred vision, dizziness, fainting, unusual tiredness or weakness, confusion, headache, joint pain or swelling, or chest pain or pressure. [3]
c. When to Call Your Doctor
Speak to your doctor for a complete list outlining the possible side effects of Eliquis. You should investigate any side effects of unusual bleeding and tell your doctor. This includes heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent nosebleeds, unusual bleeding from the gums, red or black stools, and coughing up blood. [1]
Contact your doctor right away if you experience tingling, muscle weakness, or numbness while taking Eliquis. These symptoms may be signs of a blood clot in or around the spine. This is a serious risk for people taking blood thinners like Eliquis who receive medicine through a spinal or epidural injection or have a spinal puncture. If this type of clot forms, it can press on the spinal cord and may lead to long-term movement problems if it is not treated quickly. [1]
Eliquis Interactions
Unexpected side effects may occur if you take certain medications with Eliquis. In addition to increasing the risk of side effects, drug interactions may reduce the effectiveness of Eliquis. Patients taking Eliquis should ask their doctor before taking any new prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Supplements and herbal medicines may also interfere with Eliquis. If you are unsure whether a certain substance is safe to take with Eliquis, consult your doctor.
Some Eliquis interactions include:
- Other medications used to prevent or treat blood clots
- Warfarin or other anticoagulants
- Heparin-containing medications
- Clopidogrel or other antiplatelet medications
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or ritonavir
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, or St. John’s wort
- Aspirin or products that contain aspirin
- Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) [2]
Reducing Your Risk of Bleeding Events
Most of the side effects of Eliquis involve bleeding that will not stop, [1] so the most important step to reduce your risk is to exercise caution around sharp objects and avoid activities that put you in harm’s way (tackle football, ice hockey, soccer, and other contact sports). While this does not mean you cannot participate in your favorite sports, your doctor may recommend extra protection and gear to prevent bruising and cuts.
Your doctor may also advise you to limit alcohol while taking Eliquis. Regularly drinking more than the recommended limit, or binge drinking, can affect how your liver processes medications. This may increase your risk of side effects such as bleeding. Drinking too much alcohol can also raise your risk of developing an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach. [4]
Blood thinners like Eliquis (apixaban) play an important role in reducing the risk of blood clots, but they do come with risks. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about any side effects or drug interactions mentioned here. Patients undergoing treatment for more than one condition may have their dosages adjusted to avoid adverse effects. [2]
FAQ: How Can I Manage Eliquis Side Effects?
Most Eliquis side effects are connected to bleeding, because the drug works by reducing your blood’s ability to clot. Managing these side effects involves lowering your risk of injury, catching problems early, and keeping your care team informed. You should never stop taking Eliquis on your own, since stopping suddenly can raise your risk of a dangerous blood clot.
Part of managing side effects is knowing which ones are serious and require immediate medical attention. For example, blood in your urine, stool, or vomit, heavy unexplained bleeding, or numbness and muscle weakness call for prompt medical attention.
To manage Eliquis side effects and stay safe, follow these steps:
- Report any side effects to your doctor, even mild ones like bruising or nosebleeds.
- Get medical help right away for heavy bleeding or blood in your urine, stool, or vomit.
- Prevent injuries by using caution with sharp objects and asking about protective gear for sports.
- Limit alcohol to lower your risk of falls and accidents.
- Avoid other blood thinners unless your doctor approves.
- Check with your doctor before starting any new medicine, supplement, or herbal product.
- Take Eliquis exactly as prescribed and never stop on your own without talking to your doctor first.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.