As we age, we become aware that it is imperative to manage our health and to make conscious efforts to be healthier. For some people, strokes and blood clotting become a very real and serious issue. Proper management is essential in the promotion of good health, as well as the prevention of blood clots, strokes, and other similar health risks referred to as thrombotic events. A product called Eliquis has been introduced for this very reason, and while it has proven to be widely successful with millions of people, it is important to ensure that you are a good candidate for the medication. This article will discuss Eliquis side effects, good and bad.
Eliquis is a medication designed to make wonderful contributions to the medical community, but it may not be suitable for everyone's specific needs. Continue reading for more information about Eliquis, as well as Eliquis side effects, so you can make an informed decision with your physician as to whether this medication is right for you.
What Is Eliquis?
Eliquis is the official brand and marketing name for a prescription drug known clinically as Apixaban. It is an anticoagulant which is also referred to as a factor Xa inhibitor. Eliquis is a blood thinner, designed to ensure the regular, smooth, and uninterrupted flow of blood through the bloodstream by thinning it, making it almost impossible for the blood to coagulate and clot. Eliquis became FDA-approved in 2012 in Europe, and it is marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
It was approved, along with other types of blood thinners, in an attempt to replace the blood thinner Coumadin, otherwise known as Warfarin. Unlike Coumadin, Eliquis does not require the regular monitoring of blood-plasma levels. This saves patients from having to attend doctor's appointments as much as they would have to in the past with the prior generation of blood thinners. As much as Eliquis is designed to help patients medically, it also does wonders to help an individual's overall happiness.
Fewer trips to the doctor's office can make a large difference in someone's life, especially in older age, when doctor's appointments are nearly unavoidable. Eliquis also does not require any specific adjustments to the patient's diet, which is a considerable and notable improvement from the blood thinners that were available prior to Eliquis' release.
As long as the medication comes in the form of a tablet, usually taken twice daily. Like most medications, the dosage is dependent upon the patient's personal medical history, as well as their current condition. Eliquis can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to be taken around the same time each day for optimal performance and efficiency.
What Is It Used for?
Eliquis is used in the prevention of thrombotic events, such as blood clotting, stroke, and decreased blood flow. It is also usually prescribed for about 35 days to individuals who have recently had hip replacement surgery, and 12 days after a knee surgery has been done. This is done in order to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis, also known as DVT. Deep Vein Thrombosis, when left untreated, can eventually lead to blood clots in the lungs. This condition is known as Pulmonary Embolism and is incredibly dangerous.
Eliquis has proven to be quite successful for individuals who struggle with blood clotting as well as those at risk of stroke. It is also used to treat patients with Atrial Fibrillation, also known as A-Fib. Essentially, Eliquis impairs the body's ability to naturally form clots and keeps the blood moving throughout the circulatory system smoothly and without blockage. This can be extremely useful, but it can also be dangerous, as it can cause internal bleeding and can prove to be an issue when the individual is cut; thinner blood means that the cut will bleed more profusely and for a longer amount of time than it normally would.
Blood Clotting in Arteries and Veins
The majority of Eliquis prescriptions are written by physicians to help their patients combat blood clotting. It is important to fully understand blood clotting in the arteries and veins, what causes them, and how the condition can be treated.
Veins and arteries are blood vessels that are integral parts of the circulatory system. The buildup in the arteries usually form due to a buildup of plaque that narrows the canal and prevents the passage of blood. The buildup of plaque usually happens due to poor diet. The small amount of blood that is able to pass between the narrow opening eventually becomes blocked up, fully constricting the artery or vein. This places immense pressure on the plaque, eventually causing a rupture of the plaque buildup.
The rupture is what causes a blood clot, which is what eventually leads to stroke or heart attack, depending on where the blood has been constricted. When there is a clot in a vein, the blood returning to the heart is blocked, which causes swelling, numbness, and pain in the extremities, and can eventually lead to cardiac arrest.
Complications of Blood Clotting:
- Stroke
- Cardiac arrest (heart attack)
- Kidney failure
- Numbness and discoloration in extremities/limbs
- Neurological impairment
- Extreme fatigue
- Impaired vision
Conditions That Place Individuals at Risk for Developing Blood Clots:
- Diabetes
- Atrial fibrillation
- Obesity/Overweight
- Old age
- Cancer
- Atherosclerosis
- Conflicting medications
What Are the Side Effects, Good & Bad
Eliquis side effects should be fully considered by anyone who is considering taking the medication to improve their health. While there is a myriad of benefits and positive side effects, there are also negative Eliquis side effects that should be considered. It is important to consider and evaluate all aspects of a new medication, and of course to consult your physician to determine if you are a candidate. Continue reading for the good and bad side Eliquis side effects compared with one another so that you will be able to make a more informed decision.
Good Eliquis Side Effects
Bad Eliquis Side Effects
Those Who Should Not Take Eliquis
Certain pre-existing conditions will ultimately prevent individuals from taking Eliquis safely. These pre-existing conditions have the potential to react negatively with Eliquis, and in some cases, can be potentially fatal. Continue reading for some conditions and medications that react negatively with Eliquis.
Conditions and Medications That React Negatively with Eliquis
- Artificial heart valve
- Recent surgery or illness
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Age over 80 years
- Recent spinal tap
- Currently taking another type of anticoagulant
- Underweight
- History of spinal surgery or spinal tap
- Long-term use of NSAID's (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Meloxicam)
- Antidepressants
If you have any history with any of these conditions and medications, make sure that your physician is aware if you are consulting him or her about taking Eliquis. Being placed on Eliquis while having any of these pre-existing conditions has the potential to become hazardous to your health, and even fatal in some cases.
It is always best to ensure that you are not placing yourself in danger by starting a new medication that could cause a negative reaction. Your physician will advise you on whether or not you should take Eliquis, and if they feel you should not take this medication, they will refer you to a similar type of anticoagulant that is better suited to both you and your personal medical history and condition.
Conclusion
Now that you are more educated on the anticoagulant Eliquis as well as the good Eliquis side effects and the bad Eliquis side effects. These are important to consider when potentially starting a new medication like Eliquis; you will be able to make a more informed decision as to whether you would like to start taking this medication as well as if it is right for you. This medication was designed to create and promote an entirely new generation and class of anticoagulant and has undoubtedly helped millions of people, but it is always best to be cautious and knowledgeable when selecting a new medication.
It is imperative to always consult your physician when you are considering a new medication and ask he or she what they recommend based on your personal medical history and current condition. Together, you and your physician can decide if Eliquis is right for you. Thanks to medications like Eliquis, issues with blood clotting and decreased blood flow are hopefully destined to become a thing of the past. As always, make an informed decision on the subject of medications, and you are sure to reap the benefits for years to come.
Please tell me if Eliquis can cause bone loss. I have had significant bone loss since starting on Eliquis 5mg 2x/day for three years.
GPS seem to ignore these warnings and do not accept and act upon any side effects complained about by the patient.