Eliquis (apixaban) is the most recent addition to the anticoagulant market. Questions have already arisen over how safe the drug may or may not be.

Even though this drug was just released back in 2012, there have already been allegations of uncontrollable bleeding injuries.

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Inc. advertise Eliquis as one of the safest anticoagulants available, but many experts are questioning if that’s really the case.

When the companies released the medication they marketed Eliquis as safer than older anticoagulants, stating their drug is less likely to cause internal bleeding.

The marketing claims stem from the fact that Eliquis was delayed from its initial release date, after the FDA ordered Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb to run addition tests.

According to the ARISTOTLE clinical trials, Eliquis had shown to be very efficient in preventing blood clots while having minimal risk for internal bleeding.

The FDA did not grant approval at first, based on the lack of adverse events not reported and other concerning factors. However, the FDA ultimately decided to approve Eliquis, based on the results from other clinical trials.

Overview of Eliquis Anticoagulant Treatment Effects

Similar to other anticoagulants already on the market, Eliquis works by inhibiting the blood’s clotting process and overall improving circulation. Eliquis and other anticoagulants are often prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation, who are at high risk for stroke.

Eliquis and other new generation anticoagulants are prescribed in a single daily dose, and they do not require frequent dose adjustments like warfarin (Coumadin).

Since the new generation of anticoagulants began to be released in 2010, patients have preferred the convenience of the single dose prescription regimen that new generation anticoagulants offered.

Even though Eliquis and other anticoagulants prevent blood clots from forming, this medication also inhibits the body’s ability to recover from internal bleeding injuries.

At this time, there is currently no bleeding antidote available for Eliquis patients who suffer from internal bleeding injuries.

Unlike Eliquis, warfarin does have a readily available reversal agent. Patients can take vitamin K to slow or stop internal hemorrhaging.

Internal bleeding complications have been a concern in the anticoagulant market since warfarin’s release in the 1950s, with the new generation anticoagulant manufacturers allegedly not addressing the risks.

Even though Eliquis is touted to be one of the safest anticoagulants on the market, numerous reports of internal bleeding suggest it may have the same problems as the other new anticoagulants: Pradaxa and Xarelto.

Patients also alleged the drug makers failed to warn them of these bleeding events, and that there was no bleeding antidote available on the market at the time.

Overall the risk of internal bleeding is present regardless of which anticoagulant the patients chooses to take, but some patients say regular consultations with their physicians would not hurt their prevention efforts.

Patients who have been affected by Eliquis or other anticoagulant internal bleeding injuries may be eligible for legal action. A consultation with a knowledgeable Eliquis lawyer can give a patient a better understanding of their legal options.