
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to treat blood clots and prevent new clots from forming in adults and children. It is also used to reduce the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation. Eliquis is associated with several side effects, and some patients have reported muscle weakness and muscle pain as rare but serious adverse reactions. However, muscle cramps are not specifically mentioned in the literature. It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider if you experience any side effects while taking Eliquis, as some can be severe or even life-threatening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Cramps | Eliquis is a blood thinner that can cause muscle spasms, joint and muscle pain, and muscle weakness. However, muscle cramps are not explicitly mentioned as a side effect. |
| Common Side Effects | Anemia, hemorrhage, nausea, bruising, bleeding, fatigue, low blood pressure, hypersensitivity reactions, thrombocytopenia, haemorrhagic anemia, gout, diabetes mellitus, blood glucose increase, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, decreased appetite |
| Uncommon Side Effects | Muscle haemorrhage, joint swelling, hypersensitivity, skin rash, anaphylactic reaction, allergic edema, increased transaminases, increased AST, increased ALT, increased gamma-glutamyl transferase, abnormal liver function, increased blood alkaline phosphatase, increased blood bilirubin |
| Rare Side Effects | Muscle weakness, bleeding at a critical site |
| Serious Side Effects | Increased risk of blood clots, stroke, severe bleeding, hypersensitivity reactions, paralysis |
| Risk Factors | Intake of NSAIDs, blood clotting medicine, history of epidural punctures, spinal problems, surgery, diabetes, intake of grapefruit juice, other medications or supplements |
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What You'll Learn

Eliquis can cause muscle weakness
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in adults with atrial fibrillation (AFib). It is also used to treat blood clots in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis-DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism-PE). Eliquis is known to have several side effects, and muscle weakness is one of them.
While taking Eliquis, patients may experience muscle weakness, especially in their legs and feet. This side effect can be serious and may occur within a month of taking the medication. Patients have reported that their leg muscles became weak to the point where they could no longer perform certain physical activities such as playing sports or walking.
It is important to note that Eliquis can also increase the risk of blood clots in the spine or epidural area, which may lead to long-term or permanent paralysis. Patients should be vigilant about any signs or symptoms of muscle weakness or numbness and immediately inform their doctor if they experience any such issues.
Although muscle weakness is a rare side effect of Eliquis, it can significantly impact a person's quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks. It is important for patients taking Eliquis to be aware of this potential side effect and to seek medical advice if they experience any muscle weakness or other adverse reactions.
If you are experiencing muscle weakness while taking Eliquis, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjusting the dosage or exploring alternative medications to alleviate this side effect. It is crucial not to discontinue Eliquis without medical advice, as doing so can increase the risk of stroke.
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It can also cause bruising and bleeding
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). It is also used to treat blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs. As a blood-thinning medication, it can cause bruising and bleeding, which can be serious and may even lead to death. This is because Eliquis reduces blood clotting, so while taking it, you may bruise more easily and it may take longer than usual for any bleeding to stop. You may also experience minor bleeding, such as a nose bleed, or more severe bleeding. Your risk of bleeding is even higher if you take certain medications with Eliquis, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. Eliquis may also increase the risk of blood clots in the spine or epidural area, which may lead to long-term or permanent paralysis, especially if you have an epidural catheter in your back, are taking NSAIDs or blood clotting medicine, have a history of repeated epidural punctures, or have had spine surgery.
If you experience any signs or symptoms of bleeding, such as unexpected bleeding or bruising, or bleeding that lasts a long time, seek medical attention right away. Do not stop taking Eliquis without speaking to your healthcare provider, as this can increase your risk of stroke. It is important to be aware of the potential side effects of any medication you are taking, and to consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
While muscle weakness is a rare but serious side effect of Eliquis, it is not clear if this is directly related to muscle cramps. Some individuals have reported experiencing leg weakness within a month of taking Eliquis, with no pain but soreness when walking. However, there have also been reports of joint and muscle pain, muscle spasms, and osteoarthritis as potential side effects of similar medications. It is always important to consult your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking medication.
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It increases the risk of blood clots
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat. It is also used to treat blood clots in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis-DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism-PE). Eliquis is a blood thinner that helps to prevent clots from forming and reduces the risk of them occurring again after treatment.
While Eliquis is effective in preventing blood clots, it can also increase the risk of blood clots in certain situations. One important factor is that discontinuing Eliquis or any oral anticoagulant prematurely can increase the risk of thrombotic events and blood clots. Therefore, it is crucial not to stop taking Eliquis without consulting a healthcare provider, as doing so can increase the risk of stroke and blood clots.
Additionally, people who undergo neuraxial anesthesia, spinal puncture, or have medicine injected into their spinal or epidural area while taking Eliquis are at an increased risk of developing a blood clot in the spine or epidural area. This complication can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis, causing a loss of the ability to move. Certain factors, such as having an epidural catheter in the back, taking blood clotting medicine, or having a history of spinal problems, further increase the risk of spinal or epidural blood clots.
Furthermore, drug interactions can influence the effectiveness of Eliquis and increase the chance of severe side effects, including blood clots. For example, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or certain herbal supplements like St. John's wort and turmeric with Eliquis can increase the risk of bleeding and potentially hinder the drug's effectiveness in preventing blood clots. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider about any medications or supplements taken concurrently with Eliquis to minimize these risks.
In summary, while Eliquis is designed to prevent blood clots, it is important to be aware of the potential risk factors that may increase the likelihood of blood clots. These include prematurely discontinuing the medication, certain medical procedures, and drug interactions. Close monitoring, consulting healthcare providers, and being vigilant about potential side effects are crucial to mitigating these risks.
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It can lead to paralysis in some cases
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to treat blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke in adults and children. It is also used to prevent blood clots from forming in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism). Eliquis is a blood thinner, which means it reduces blood clotting. While this can be beneficial for preventing strokes and blood clots, it also increases the risk of bleeding. This includes minor bleeding as well as more severe, uncontrollable bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
One rare but serious side effect of Eliquis is muscle weakness, which can lead to paralysis in some cases. This occurs when a blood clot forms in the spine or epidural area, increasing the risk of long-term or permanent paralysis. Patients taking Eliquis who have an epidural catheter placed in their back, are taking NSAIDs or blood clotting medicine, have a history of repeated epidural punctures or spinal problems, or have had spine surgery are at a higher risk of developing blood clots that can lead to paralysis. It is important to notify your doctor immediately if you experience any tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness, especially in the legs and feet, as these could be signs of a more serious condition.
In addition to muscle weakness and paralysis, other rare but serious side effects of Eliquis include hypersensitivity reactions, low blood pressure, and allergic reactions. Some patients have also reported experiencing joint and muscle pain, particularly in the knees, as well as osteoarthritis and muscle spasms. While these side effects are not life-threatening, they can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks.
It is important to note that not all individuals taking Eliquis will experience these rare and serious side effects. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and to notify your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any adverse reactions. Discontinuing Eliquis without medical supervision is not recommended as it can increase the risk of stroke.
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It may cause joint pain and swelling
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in adults with atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heartbeat not caused by a heart valve problem. It is also used to treat blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism). Eliquis is classified as a blood thinner, which means it reduces blood clotting.
While Eliquis is an effective medication, it may cause some unwanted effects. The most common adverse events are related to bleeding, including minor bleeding, severe bleeding, and bruising. Other common side effects include fatigue, anaemia, haemorrhage, nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity reactions. Eliquis may also increase the risk of blood clots in the spine or epidural area, which can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis.
In addition to these side effects, Eliquis may cause joint pain and swelling. This is a rare but serious side effect, with some patients reporting joint and muscle pain in their knees, as well as a burning sensation at night that disrupted their sleep. This joint pain may be accompanied by muscle weakness, which can develop within a month of taking Eliquis. Patients have reported progressive leg weakness, making it difficult to walk or perform physical activities.
If you experience any side effects from Eliquis, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking the medication or let your prescription run out without consulting your doctor, as this can increase your risk of stroke. While rare, the joint pain and swelling caused by Eliquis can significantly impact your quality of life and daily functioning, so it is crucial to seek medical advice to manage these side effects effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Eliquis is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation. While muscle cramps are not listed as a side effect of Eliquis, muscle weakness is a rare but serious side effect.
The most common side effects of Eliquis include bleeding, bruising, fatigue, anemia, nausea, and vomiting.
Yes, Eliquis may cause serious side effects, including severe bleeding, low blood pressure, hypersensitivity reactions, and an increased risk of blood clots if you suddenly stop taking it.
If you experience any side effects after starting Eliquis, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not stop taking Eliquis without first consulting your doctor, as this can increase your risk of stroke.









































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