Eliquis Side Effects You Shouldn’t Ignore—Plus Why Aspirin Can Raise Bleeding Risk
While the blood thinner is safe and effective, there's one potential big risk to watch for
It’s an extremely common and effective medication used to prevent and break up blood clots and as part of a treatment protocol for atrial fibrillation (AFib). But does Eliquis have side effects? We asked a top cardiologist to weigh in on one key issue to watch for and what you need to know before taking the prescription blood thinner with aspirin.
What is Eliquis?
Eliquis (apixaban) is a blood thinner that makes blood less likely to clot, explains preventive cardiologist Elizabeth Klodas, MD. “A lot of different factors have to come together to form a blood clot, and Eliquis interrupts a key step in that ‘coagulation cascade,’ making it impossible for a clot to form.”
How effective is Eliquis? “It’s a very good blood thinner,” she confirms. “I do prescribe it, though I wish I didn’t have to—after all, that prescription means someone has or is at risk for a blood clot. That said, it’s an effective medication with a strong safety profile.”
Woman's World Answers
3 main uses for Eliquis
Here, Dr. Klodas shares some of the most common ways Eliquis is used:
As part of treating atrial fibrillation (AFib)
If you have AFib, your heart’s irregular rhythm can allow blood to pool inside the upper chambers of your heart, making it easier for clots to form, explains Dr. Klodas. The danger? “Those clots can break off, travel to the brain and cause a stroke. That’s where Eliquis comes in—it significantly reduces that risk by preventing clots from forming in the first place.”
Preventing blood clots after surgery
Eliquis is sometimes used as a prophylactic to prevent a clot from forming inside a vein after surgery, particularly following an orthopedic procedure like a hip or knee replacement, explains Dr. Klodas. A blood clot in a large vein is referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and it can be a serious concern.
“The risk of developing DVT increases after surgery on a large limb, especially when your mobility is limited. When you’re not moving as much, blood can stagnate or pool in the legs, which makes clot formation more likely. In those cases, Eliquis may be used temporarily as a preventive measure.”
Breaking up blood clots in the legs and lungs
DVTs can also be caused by prolonged inactivity for other reasons, like long periods of travel. Once a blood clot is present in a large vein, it can break loose, travel to the lungs and cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Eliquis treats DVTs that have already formed or traveled to the lungs and helps prevent new ones from forming.
The #1 potential Eliquis side effect to watch for
As Dr. Klodas notes, Eliquis is considered safe and effective. Like all blood thinners, however, the main potential side effect is an increased risk of bleeding. In fact, it carries an FDA “black box” warning for the potential risk of serious bleeding.
“Since the medication reduces the blood’s ability to clot, cuts may bleed longer and people may bruise more easily,” she says, adding that paper cuts, shaving nicks or bruises may take a bit longer to heal. Inconvenient though they are, they’re not a major concern.
The most serious issue to watch for is major bleeding—especially the kind that could be life-threatening, such as bleeding in the brain, Dr. Klodas says. “Fortunately, the risk of major bleeding events is low in most people. However, it’s still important to discuss your individual risk with your personal physician, as everyone’s situation is different.”
Why taking aspirin with Eliquis could be risky
If you’re on Eliquis, you may want to reconsider taking a common over-the-counter medication often used to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack. “I think a lot of people take aspirin for various reasons and then also may be started on Eliquis,” says Dr. Klodas. “In some cases, people do need to take them together. But what we’re finding more often is that Eliquis alone is enough, and adding aspirin can increase bleeding risk.”
That’s because aspirin works through a different pathway, so you’re essentially layering one blood thinner on top of another, she explains. “You may not get additional benefit, just a higher risk of bleeding.”
Still, she emphasizes that this doesn’t mean everyone should stop aspirin; it’s important to talk to your doctor before making any changes.
The bottom line on Eliquis side effects
Eliquis is a highly effective blood thinner with a strong safety profile. For many people with AFib or at risk for blood clots, it’s an excellent choice. Just be sure to have a conversation with your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter options like aspirin, to minimize the risk of side effects. That simple step could make a real difference for your health and peace of mind.
Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
