Eliquis (apixaban) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat and help prevent certain dangerous blood clots.
Specifically, Eliquis is approved for use in adults to:
- treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- treat pulmonary embolism (PE)
- help prevent DVT and PE from occurring again after the initial clot has been treated
- help prevent DVT and PE after hip or knee replacement surgery
- help prevent blood clots and stroke in people with atrial fibrillation
Depending on the reason for taking Eliquis, you may take it short term or long term.
Here are some fast facts about Eliquis:
- Active ingredient: apixaban
- Drug class: anticoagulant (blood thinner)
- Drug form: oral tablet
As with other drugs, Eliquis can cause side effects (also known as adverse effects). Most of these are related to bleeding, since the drug reduces the blood’s ability to form clots. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Eliquis, including details about its uses, see this article.
Eliquis can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Eliquis in clinical trials:
- bruising
- nausea
- anemia (low red blood cell count)
- minor bleeding, such as nosebleeds*
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Mild side effects can occur with Eliquis use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Eliquis’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Eliquis include:
- bruising
- nausea
- anemia (low red blood cell count)
- thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- low blood pressure, which may cause dizziness
- minor bleeding, such as nosebleeds*
- mild allergic reaction*
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Eliquis and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Eliquis may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more, you can refer to Eliquis’s prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Eliquis, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported with Eliquis include:
- Serious bleeding.*
- Severe allergic reaction.*
- Spinal blood clots with spinal procedures.†
- Increased risk of blood clots if Eliquis treatment is stopped early.†
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† Eliquis has a
Long-term side effects of Eliquis
Eliquis is unlikely to cause long-term side effects. However, if you have a spinal procedure such as a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or epidural injection while taking Eliquis, it could cause a spinal or epidural hematoma (blood clot in your spine).* This clot may press on your spinal cord, which could cause long lasting or permanent paralysis.
Eliquis hasn’t been reported to cause other long-term side effects (side effects that last for a long time). Side effects of Eliquis typically get better after you stop taking the medication. If needed, your doctor may give you an antidote to reverse the effects of Eliquis, for example if the medication causes serious bleeding.
However, in some cases, stopping Eliquis can increase your risk of side effects. For example, if you stop taking Eliquis earlier than your doctor recommends, this can raise your risk of blood clots.* And if you have atrial fibrillation, stopping Eliquis can raise your risk of having a stroke.* If you have a stroke after stopping Eliquis, this could lead to long-term problems. You should not stop taking Eliquis unless you’re advised to by your doctor.
Note that taking Eliquis long term isn’t known to raise your risk of developing side effects.
* Eliquis has a
In clinical trials, side effects of Eliquis in older adults were similar to those in younger adults.
However, older adults may be more likely to have conditions that can raise the risk of side effects with Eliquis. Examples of these include kidney problems and bleeding problems, such as a bleeding stomach ulcer.
To learn more about conditions that can affect the safety of Eliquis, see the “Precautions for Eliquis” section below.
As with many medications, higher dosages of Eliquis are more likely to cause side effects than lower dosages. If you’re concerned about the risk of side effects with the dosage of Eliquis your doctor has prescribed, talk with your doctor.
Eliquis may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.
Will I have withdrawal symptoms or other side effects if I stop taking Eliquis?
You won’t have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Eliquis, but you may have other side effects.
Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur if you stop taking a drug that your body relies on. Stopping Eliquis isn’t known to cause withdrawal symptoms. You can stop taking Eliquis without tapering your dosage first.
However, if you stop Eliquis sooner than your doctor recommends, you may have an increased risk of blood clots. Eliquis has a
You should not stop taking Eliquis sooner than your doctor recommends. Talk with your doctor about how long you should take Eliquis.
Does Eliquis cause weight gain?
No, it’s not known to. Weight gain wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Eliquis.
However, it’s possible you may gain weight due to the reason you’re taking Eliquis. For example, being less mobile raises your risk of deep vein thrombosis, which Eliquis is used to treat and prevent. And if you’re less mobile, it can also lead to weight gain. Also, if you take Eliquis to help prevent blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery, you may have reduced mobility both before and after the surgery. This could lead to weight gain.
If you’re concerned about weight gain while taking Eliquis, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to maintain a healthy weight.
Are constipation and diarrhea side effects of Eliquis?
Constipation and diarrhea have been reported with certain other blood thinners in the same class as Eliquis, such as Xarelto (rivaroxaban). Diarrhea has also been reported with a different type of blood thinner called Jantoven (warfarin). However, these side effects weren’t reported in clinical trials of Eliquis.
If you have constipation or diarrhea with Eliquis, talk with your doctor. There are many possible triggers of these digestive problems. Your doctor can help determine the cause and can also give advice on remedies or treatments.
Can Eliquis cause kidney-related side effects?
Eliquis hasn’t been reported to cause kidney-related side effects, such as kidney damage or reduced kidney function.
However, Eliquis can sometimes cause serious bleeding. This may include bleeding in organs such as the kidneys. In clinical trials, some people taking Eliquis reported having blood in their urine, which could be a sign of bleeding in the kidneys.
If you notice blood in your urine, or you have pink or red urine while taking Eliquis, see your doctor right away or call 911 or your local emergency number. Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about kidney-related side effects with Eliquis.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Eliquis may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Eliquis.
Spinal blood clots with spinal procedures
Eliquis has a
Spinal procedures include lumbar punctures (spinal taps), spinal injections, and epidural injections. A lumbar puncture is a procedure where fluid is collected from your spinal cord. This fluid can be tested to help your doctor diagnose certain conditions. Spinal and epidural injections are used to administer medication such as pain relievers or anesthesia into your spinal cord.
If you have one of these spinal procedures while taking Eliquis, this could cause a spinal or epidural hematoma (blood clot in your spine). This clot may press on your spinal cord, which could cause long lasting or even permanent paralysis.
If you have a spinal procedure while taking Eliquis, you may have a higher risk of spinal blood clots if you:
- have had past spinal surgery or problems with your spine
- have had difficult or repeated spinal procedures in the past
- have an epidural catheter (thin tube placed into your spine to deliver medication)
- aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Symptoms of a spinal blood clot may include:
- back pain
- tingling sensations
- numbness
- muscle weakness
- loss of bladder or bowel control
What you can do
If you need to have a spinal procedure while taking Eliquis, make sure your doctor knows that you’re taking this medication. Your doctor will monitor you for symptoms of spinal blood clots after the procedure. Be sure to tell them right away if you have any of the symptoms listed above. If you have a spinal blood clot, your doctor will give you medication to treat this as soon as possible.
If you need a spinal procedure while taking Eliquis and you’re concerned about the risk of spinal blood clots, talk with your doctor.
Increased risk of blood clots if Eliquis treatment is stopped early
Eliquis has a
Eliquis is used to treat and help prevent dangerous blood clots. If you stop taking Eliquis earlier than your doctor recommends, this increases your risk of developing blood clots. And if you have atrial fibrillation, stopping Eliquis increases your risk of having a stroke.
What you can do
You should continue taking Eliquis for as long as your doctor recommends. Do not stop taking it any earlier unless you have discussed it with your doctor first.
Your doctor may recommend stopping Eliquis temporarily before certain medical, surgical, or dental procedures. This is to reduce your risk of bleeding. In this case, your doctor will advise when you should stop taking Eliquis and when you should start taking it again. In the meantime, your doctor may prescribe a different medication to help prevent blood clots.
Minor bleeding such as nosebleeds
Eliquis works by reducing your blood’s ability to form clots. Also, it can sometimes cause thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Platelets usually help your blood to clot. Both these effects of Eliquis can increase your risk of bleeding. Bleeding can be minor or serious (see below). In clinical trials, minor bleeding was the most common side effect reported with Eliquis.
Minor bleeding may include:
- bleeding that takes longer than usual to stop
- occasional nosebleeds
- bleeding gums
- rectal bleeding
- bruising due to bleeding under the skin
- menstrual periods that are heavier than usual or last longer than usual
You may have a raised risk of bleeding with Eliquis if you already have a bleeding problem and if you take Eliquis in combination with other drugs that affect blood clotting. These include:
- blood thinners such as aspirin
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac (fluoxetine)
- serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta (duloxetine)
What you can do
Before taking Eliquis, be sure to tell your doctor about any bleeding problems you have and any other medications you take.
While taking Eliquis, you should be extra careful with activities that could cause a cut, injury, or bleeding. For example, you may consider:
- avoiding contact sports and other sports with a risk of injury
- wearing gloves when using tools such as knives or scissors
- avoiding wet shaving using a razor
- using a soft toothbrush
Additionally, you should tell any healthcare professionals who treat you that you’re taking Eliquis. These include dentists, dental hygienists, and anyone administering vaccines or other injections.
If you have a cut while taking Eliquis, press on it with a clean cloth or dressing for 10 minutes to help stop the bleeding. If you have a nosebleed, pinch the top of your nose tightly for 10 minutes to help stop the bleeding. Tip your head forward and breathe through your mouth while doing so. Applying an ice pack can also help to stop minor bleeding.
If you have any bleeding that’s severe or won’t stop, call your doctor right away. If you have minor bleeding that happens frequently or is bothersome, talk with your doctor.
Serious bleeding
Eliquis reduces your blood’s ability to form clots, and as a result, it can increase your risk of bleeding. Most bleeding is minor (see above), but sometimes bleeding can be serious or even life threatening. For example, you may have internal bleeding in your digestive system, lungs, brain, liver, kidneys, abdominal cavity, joints, or eyes. And you may have bleeding from a damaged blood vessel that builds up and clots in the surrounding tissues. This causes swelling in the form of a hematoma.
In clinical trials, serious bleeding was rare with Eliquis.
Symptoms of serious bleeding may include:
- bleeding that’s severe or doesn’t stop
- passing red, black, or tar-like stools
- passing red, pink, or brown urine
- coughing up blood
- vomiting blood or a substance resembling coffee grounds
- sudden severe headache
- unusual joint pain
- unusual swelling
- dizziness or fatigue (due to blood loss you may not be aware of)
What you can do
If you have symptoms of serious bleeding, call your doctor right away. However, if your symptoms seem life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. You may need treatment with a blood transfusion or medication to reverse the effect of Eliquis.
You should also call your doctor right away if you fall and hit your head or have any other kind of head injury. A head injury could cause bleeding inside your skull or in your brain while you’re taking Eliquis.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, Eliquis can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
- skin rash
- itching
- flushing
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What you can do
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Eliquis. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Before taking Eliquis, there are certain precautions to consider. These include boxed warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Boxed warnings
This drug has two
Other precautions
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Eliquis. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Eliquis or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Eliquis. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
Bleeding problems. Eliquis increases the risk of bleeding. If you have a bleeding problem or take other medications that can affect blood clotting, talk with your doctor about whether Eliquis is right for you. If you have any active bleeding, such as a bleeding stomach ulcer, your doctor will likely not prescribe Eliquis. Eliquis will likely make the bleeding worse. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you. You can also see the “Side effect specifics” section above to read more.
Planned surgical, medical, or dental procedures. TakingEliquis increases your risk of bleeding. If you have any planned surgical, medical, or dental procedures, your doctor may recommend stopping Eliquis to reduce the risk of bleeding. Discuss this with your doctor. They can tell you if and when you should stop Eliquis and when to start taking it again.
Triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). If you have a blood disorder called triple-positive APS, you may have a raised risk of blood clots with Eliquis. For this reason,your doctor will likely not prescribe Eliquis. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
Artificial heart valve. Eliquis hasn’t been studied in people with an artificial heart valve. If you’ve had a heart valve replacement, your doctor will likely not prescribe Eliquis. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
Liver problems. If you have liver problems, Eliquis may build up in your body. This could raise your risk of side effects. Eliquis hasn’t been studied in people with blood clotting problems caused by liver disease. If you have a liver problem, talk with your doctor about whether Eliquis is right for you. If you have a severe liver problem, your doctor will likely not prescribe Eliquis. Ask them what other medications may be better options for you.
Kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, Eliquis may build up in your body. This could raise your risk of side effects, especially bleeding. Your doctor may prescribe a dosage of Eliquis that’s lower than usual.
Alcohol with Eliquis
Alcohol doesn’t interact with Eliquis. It doesn’t affect the way the medication works. However, drinking large amounts of alcohol may raise your risk of bleeding with Eliquis.
You should avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking Eliquis. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe to consume while taking Eliquis.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Eliquis
It’s not known if Eliquis is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
If used during pregnancy, Eliquis may increase the risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. It may also increase the risk of bleeding in the baby, both in the womb and after birth.
It’s not known if Eliquis can pass into breast milk. However, if it does, it could cause side effects, including serious bleeding, in a child who’s breastfed.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning for either, talk with your doctor about your treatment options. Your doctor will likely recommend a medication other than Eliquis.
Note that if you’re taking Eliquis when you go into labor, you may have a risk of spinal blood clots if you receive epidural anesthesia for pain relief. Eliquis has a
Side effects aren’t common with Eliquis. Most are minor and related to an increased risk of bleeding with this drug. However, some serious side effects are also possible.
If you’d like to learn more about Eliquis, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.
Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:
- More information about Eliquis. For details about other aspects of Eliquis, refer to this article.
- Drug comparison. Learn how Eliquis compares with Xarelto and warfarin.
- Interactions. To find out about Eliquis’s interactions, see this article.
- A look at blood clots. For details about blood clots, see our list of blood and hematology articles.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.