Stop Eliquis

I've been taking Eliquis for a couple months after a bout of a-fib. I'm back in sinus rhythm and am in the low risk (Cat 1) group for clots. Due to the side effects and cost, I want to stop Eliquis and take aspirin daily. But the FDA black box warning makes me scared to stop Eliquis. Is tapering the dose over time a good way to get off it safely? IS there a safe way, or is it a scare tactic to have me pay for Eliquis for the rest of my life? I'm really angry - if I'd known about the FDA warning, I'd never have agreed to take it in the first place. ## I was on Elequis for 2 years. I needed to go off of it. My doctor said to just go off of it cold turkey. I did. Have been off of it for a month. ## In reality, this medication is usually just stopped, cold turkey, as Jo ...

40 REPLIES

I have been taking Eliquist since October 2015. Three weeks ago, I developed a severe rash on my right calf and hive like bumps on both forearms with constant itching and redness. This is the first time that this has happend since I had a stroke, caused by a fall and hitting my head, in April 2015. I have been diagnosed with A-fib for over 10 years and also take digoxin ( 0.125 mg ) and Plavix during that time prior to the stroke. what are my options for getting off of Eliquis? Right after my stroke, I was given warfarin and had no problems, only now after taking Eliquis have I developed this rash and itching. Any sugestions would be appreciated. Thanks. Dave in Mexico ## You could speak to your doctor about possibly going back on Warfarin, or trying an alternative medication, there are...

1 REPLY

Hello, I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this. My m was on blood thinner eliquis for several years and doing fine, one day she told the doctor that there may be blood in stool. The dr immediately said stop taking eliquis now! Three days later she went in for a scope of her upper abdominal and such to check for and bleeding and She came though with flying colors mom was sent home with photos of what they didn't find and paper work with instructions on how to finish the day but there was never any instructions to restart the eliquis! 12 days later I lost my mom to a massive stroke. She was a 65 year old living in and 83 year old body and was completely capable of eeveryday duties and could take care of her self. Does my story relate to anyone else out there? ## Yes...my...

14 REPLIES

A very large blood clot behind my left knee resulted in several blood clots in each lung. My vascular clinic rolled me directly to the ER and once stabilized I was sent to cardiology. 3 days later I proved I could give myself shots so was released and ultimately put on warfarin. Three weeks later my pancreas was shutting down and my cardiologist immediately weaned me off to start Eliquis. It has been fine as far as my tummy is concerned but like others writing their experience I have put on about 10 pounds in 2 months. I am so stiff when I get up in the morning I just want to get to my recliner and sit down. I sleep a lot and have no desire to so much as make my bed. I am definitely fighting depression. In fairness I think the depression is from this 72 year old who looks 59 and proud o...

3 REPLIES

I was on Eliquis for 4 PEs and 1 DVT for roughly 6 months. I had a CT scan and ultrasound that verified they were gone and my doctor took me off Eliquis. 2 weeks later I was rushed to ER by ambulance. Heart attack and Saddle PE and large DVT in right leg. In 2 weeks time I got a Saddle PE and another clot in my leg. Now I will be on Eliquis for the rest of my life. BTW: Embolectomy was not fun. Very painful. ## Wow! That's a lot of clotting problems, I am so glad you're still here to make this post. Unfortunately, this has been known to happen, sometimes, and usually does require lifelong medication to help prevent more occurrences. The FDA lists the most common side effects of Eliquis as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, joint/muscle aches, and increased risk of b...

1 REPLY

I’ve been told I can discontinue sintrom after taking it for three weeks the cardiologist said I can stop it and start taking eliquis 5 mg I thought you had to wean off sintrom but worried about ingesting another coagulant while sintrom is still in my system shall I wait five days of not taking a anticoagulant ie sintrom before starting the eliquis (Apixaban) ?

Hi I recently broke my hip, I'm 25 and have been given eliquis to take. It's been 6 weeks now and I'm experiencing my hair start to thin and fall out including my eyelashes. Does anyone know how long it takes to grow back or how long after stopping taking it, your hair stops falling out. At 25 losing my hair is pretty distraught, I could deal with the constant insomnia, low blood pressure and nausea but not this. ## That can be a normal side effect of this medication, according to NIH reports. Are you also taking any others? I have had that happen from medications in the past, so I understand how upsetting it is. You should probably talk to your doctor about trying a different medication.

1 REPLY

I got a DVT blood clot resulting from a severe ankle injury 7almost months ago. I had a procedure to clear up the problem. Also, I was on eliquis for six months. Two and a half weeks ago I got an ultrasound and my doctor said it was cleared up and time to get off the eliquis. He told me to take 325mg of asprin in the morning for the next six months witch I have been doing. The pain I had in the back of my knee and in my quadricept muscle is back with a vengeance. Is this normal? ## It is hard to say, it could be rebound effects from stopping the Eliquis, according to NIH studies, but there is also a chance you may have developed another clot. How are you doing, now? Has there been any change? What type of procedure was done? Are you on any other medications?

1 REPLY

I have been taking eliquis for 4 mos, because of a clot in my leg. I have recently been diagnosed as having heterzygous, I went to a hemotologist and he told me to just discontinue the medication, i want to know if this is safe? I also have mitral valve prolapse. ## would like to get an answer to the question i posted for safety of the drug eliquis and abruptly stopping it. thank you. ## Hello, Pearl! How are you? Yes, doctors often do have patients do that with this medication, it is sometimes used for just short-term treatment. However, if you are concerned about stopping it, perhaps you should go speak to him about it, again, to make sure? You are also free to get a second opinion from another doctor, if you'd like. The FDA lists the typical side effects of Eliquis as possibly in...

5 REPLIES

I am 67 and have afib. I am put on eliquis, but ever since I have been on eliquis I am having very bad lower back, hip, shoulder, ankle etc. pain!! I will be having an ablation in the very near future. When my heart returns to normal I will stop eliquis. I will be taking Tattokinase. It is a natural enzyme that gets the job done without the side effects. Please reserch about the benefits of nattokinase on the internet and get educated about it; it would take me too long to explain things about it here. And tell your doctor about it, demand that he would look into getting informed about it instead of pushing dangerous pharmaceuticals on you!! Nattokinase is a very effective blood thinner, it is natural with NO side effects. Since no body makes big money from it, it is discouraged by big ...

2 REPLIES

have used this here in the u.k for 4 months as I was diagnosed with a.f. 5mgs x2 per day. Wish I had never been given them. So far strange pain in the top of head. stomach cramps. blood in urine. pain in back passage cant sleep more than 3 hours per night. affecting spinal stenosis and arthritis. Recently diagnosed with muscle wasting disease Myasthenia Gravis and I think there is a problem with taking Eliquis and having this condition. ANYONE HAVE PROBLEMS LIKE THIS? oh forgot urine bleeding started after a 5hour flight ## I began Eliquis on thursday evening and within a day began feeling my pulse pounding in my brain and top of the head. Also felt unbalanced, like I might fall over. Also, felt like I had a weight on the top of my head. Stopped taking it yesterday morning and began war...

3 REPLIES

I am to receive an epadureal amd the doctor wants me to stop yaking the drug four days before the procedure. Is this safe? ## Hi John, According to an 'important warning' from the US National Library of Medicine, apparently the risk of having a blood clot form in or around your spine (that could cause you to become paralyzed) is increased if you have an epidural while taking blood thinning medications such as Apixaban (Eliquis). Ref: nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a613032.html This is probably why your doctor wants you to stop taking Eliquis several days before hand, to ensure that this risk factor is minimized as much as possible. Although I would still encourage you to discuss it in more detail with him/her before undergoing the procedure just to be on the safe side. Ho...

1 REPLY

I had a pace maker put in and stopped taking Eliquis for 6 weeks. When I started taking it again I am not bruising. When taking it before the pace maker I bruised really easy and a lot. Any suggestions as to why this is happening? ## Hello, Diane! How are you? Your body may just be better adjusted to the medication, now. Most side effects are typically transient and go away, after awhile. However, given your concern, you should make sure to inform your doctor to be sure. Other typical side effects for this medication may include nausea, dizziness, headache and increased risk of bleeding. Is there anything else I can help with?

1 REPLY

My husband was put on Eliquis after he was diagnosed as having a-fib. The DR stopped his blood pressure medication and 81mg aspirin. He went through cardio aversion to get his heart back in rhythm...as been in rhythm since Dec. However, he is suffering from the tiredness, shortness of breath, gout attacks, ankle swelling and abdominal swelling that I have been reading about. He also has a very productive cough that has been going on since late December. He has been on numerous antibiotics, cough syrups, allergy pills, and even something for reflux. After reading some of these posts about Eliquis, could it be responsible for his chronic coughing? ## Hello, Ann! How are you and your husband doing? Yes, according to FDA reports it has been known to cause coughing as a side effects. It may ...

1 REPLY

After knee replacement I had one blood clot and was prescribed Warfarin. No problems except nuisance of regular INR. Changed to Eliquis 2.5 mg twice daily. After a week or so I noticed excessive bleeding from small scratches, blood spots on handkerchief, dark brown urine and then PANIC -JET BLACK faeces. Dr said stop eliquis! I stopped and after 3 weeks, no more bleeding. Any ideas on whether I need this stuff? I am 86 and otherwise pretty healthy. I have had 2 short episodes of AF in my lifetime and Eliquis prescribed for this to prevent stroke, but I think E could cause a stroke with a bleed in the brain ## It is always best to follow your doctor's instructions and not everyone needs to take such medications for the rest of their lives, according to NIH reports. Many times they ar...

3 REPLIES

Anyone know how to safely get off eliquis and back on just aspirin? ## Hi cynthia, Depending on how long you've been on Eliquis (Apixaban) for, I think it would be wise to talk to your doctor about developing some sort of tapering schedule that reduces any risk of serious withdrawal symptoms. According to ucsd.edu, apparently Eliquis comes with a "black box warning label" regarding its withdrawals in patients with A-Fib (atrial fibrillation); with some articles stating that Eliquis may trigger a stroke if suddenly stopped. So working closely with your doctor to avoid that risk seems to me like it should be first priority. Does anyone else here have personal experience coming off Eliquis who can offer some pointers on what to expect? ## Hi Cynthia I have also come off Elequis...

188 REPLIES

66 yr old male, 5'11", 191 lbs. Exercise daily. Prescribed 5MG Eliquis x 2 day. Since starting approximately 3 weeks ago I have become extremely depressed to the verge of crying. Never been like this before and I contribute this depression to the drug. Also very lethargic which I contribute to Eliquis. Anyone with similar reaction? Was on a aspirin and I think I should return. I suspect this depression to be directly linked to the drug. ## Hello Abel! How are you? I'm very sorry about the way you're feeling. Yes, depression can be a side effect of this medication, as listed by the FDA. You may also experience nausea, dizziness, headache, increased risk of bleeding and easy bruising. If it is that severe, then yes, you should most likely consult your doctor about stopping...

22 REPLIES

I am not able to tolerate many meds. Cardiologist had me try all the anticoagulants and all gave me terrible side effects. I've a very understanding electrophisiologist and we decided on an ablation. Post ablation he convinced me to try eliquis. I had the joint pain and GI upset that others have reported but also had burning skin. Doc said it was not a reported side effect but he had two other patients who also complained of burning skin. He advised me to stop the eliquis and said he would report it to the FDA. I have no more A-Fib after the successful ablation and am doing fine on a low dose aspirin daily. Wondering if anyone else had the burning sensation while on eliquis. I am so thankful to have a doctor who listens to his patients. ## Hello, Henrie! How are you doing? I'm v...

9 REPLIES

When taking Eliquis as an alternative to Warfarin, I was bleeding from nose, kidneys and bowels with black stools and copious bleeding from a slight scratch. Also easy bruising with purple bruise marks. I have now stopped taking this medication and all bleeding stopped, but there is a lingering effect of purple bruising.Will I ever recover from this? Fortunately I have had no other major side effects but I shall never take this medication again. Far from preventing stroke from a blood clot, I believe that there is an increased chance of a stroke from bleeding in the brain I urge extreme caution about this medication. ## It has been known to cause these issues in some people that take it, according to NIH reports. It may take awhile for the bruising to go away, they can sometimes linger ...

1 REPLY

Since taking Eliquis my weigh keeps going up. If I take a waterpill once a week, I lose 3-4 pounds overnight. I think there is a lower dosage like 2.5. It must be available at that strength. My food intake or activity are the same. I always maintained the same weight. ## Yes, weight gain is a typical side effect of Eliquis, many people have reported experiencing it. As reported by the FDA, you may also experience nausea, dizziness, headache, increased risk of bleeding and easy bruising. And yes, it is available in both 2.5mgs and 5mgs. Is there anything else I can help with? ## I have gained 25 pounds and recently stopped eating any carbs and back working out 1 hour a day. not even a budge on the scale. I also have a swollen belly not sure if this is a side effect or not. ## I have been...

7 REPLIES