Eliquis is one of three medications connected with severe bleeding side effects. Eliquis, in addition to Pradaxa and Xarelto, has been promoted as alternatives to warfarin.

While warfarin has an antidote if complications ensue, Pradaxa and Xarelto do not. However, an Eliquis antidote to Eliquis bleeding may be forthcoming as clinical trials continue on a potential reversal agent.

Eliquis is used to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation as well as to prevent blood clots in patients undergoing certain surgeries. Warfarin has been a leader in these types of medications, but it also requires more monitoring and a strict diet.

Eliquis has no such requirements. Pfizer and Bristol-Meyers Squibb introduced Eliquis to the market in 2012.

Pradaxa has been used since 2012 and Xarelto since 2011.

Eliquis Bleeding Side Effects

Eliquis is the newest anticoagulant, but already several Eliquis lawsuits have been filed over alleged Eliquis bleeding side effects.

Plaintiffs have claimed that Eliquis caused bleeding on the brain, intestinal bleeding, kidney bleeding, uncontrolled bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, and even death. Both Pradaza and Xarelto have also been associated with these bleeding side effects.

On their own, Eliquis side effects have caused concern over the drug’s safety. However, it is the lack of an antidote that has led to lawsuits being filed against Pfizer and Bristol-Meyers. Eliquis lawsuits have claimed that the drug manufacturers sold a dangerous drug while failing to adequately warn users about the lack of reversal agent.

Eliquis Antidote

Portola Pharmaceuticals suggested that an Eliquis antidote may not be far away in a statement issued in October. The company stated that a possible antidote, Andexanet alfa, has done well in clinical trials.

The statement said, “[the possible antidote] met its primary and secondary endpoints with high statistical significance. Andexanet alfa was well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported.” The report continued to state that the drug “significantly reversed” Eliquis bleeding side effects.

While other companies are attempting to find antidotes for Pradaxa and Xarelto as well, having an Eliquis antidote first could make Eliquis the primary choice for patients requiring an anticoagulant.

The drug makers expect the Eliquis antidote to be approved by the end of 2015. A Pradaxa antidote is also in the clinical trials stages and is being tested in 30 countries. It has the potential to be approved before the Eliquis antidote.

While an Eliquis antidote will go a long way in preventing people from suffering severe bleeding side effects in the future, it does not fully address the adverse events experienced by previous users of the drug. Eliquis lawsuits have been filed against the drug manufacturers which include claims of negligence and product liability.