Recently, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as Pradaxa and Xarelto have been highly publicized as the basis of lawsuits brought by individuals who claim to have suffered as a result of internal bleeding caused by these allegedly dangerous drugs. Another blood thinner, Eliquis, is also known to carry a high risk of internal bleeding which could prove fatal to patients.

Eliquis Side Effects

Eliquis (apixaban) was approved in 2012 to help prevent blood clots which may cause strokes in patients who have atrial fibrillation. The drug was later approved to help prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Made by Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eliquis is one of a new generation of anticoagulants called direct thrombin inhibitors, along with Xarelto and Pradaxa. Like Xarelto and Pradaxa, Eliquis has been aggressively marketed as a superior alternative to Warfarin (Coumadin), an older blood thinner, because they require less patient monitoring.

However, the truth is that all blood thinners pose a risk of internal bleeding, but  Warfarin side effects can be stopped with Vitamin K. However, there is currently no reversal agent for Eliquis internal bleeding.

In August 2014, a study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery put to words what many patients injured by Eliquis and other anticoagulants are now stating in lawsuits: “Despite their convenience, efficacy and lower (brain bleed) risk, a major limitation of the targeted OACs is that there is currently no specific antidote for any of the agents.”

The Risk of Taking Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants, or blood thinners like Eliquis, are often prescribed to people who have a high risk of developing blood clots that could prevent the free flow of blood through arteries, potentially causing a stroke. Blood clots can also lead to other serious health conditions, including deep vein thrombosis (clotting that causes swelling in the legs and thighs) and pulmonary embolisms (the blockage of arteries in the lungs).

While anticoagulants are vital to the health of many patients, there are risks associated with their use. The possibility that the drug will cause internal bleeding is one of the most serious concerns.

For years, Warfarin has been the most frequently prescribed anticoagulant. The correct dosage of Warfarin is difficult to control and an incorrect dosage can cause internal bleeding and other health problems. Fortunately, an antidote to Warfarin is available that can be administered to patients who experience internal bleeding as a result of using the drug.

In recent years, drug companies have developed a new generation of anticoagulants such as Eliquis, which are designed to overcome the problems of Warfarin. The manufacturers claim that the same dose of the drug can be given to any patient so that doctors and patients will not need to monitor and adjust dosages as they do with Warfarin.

However, many observers have concluded that the new drugs were rushed to market without an adequate warning of the key problem that patients who take them may encounter.

Eliquis Lawsuits

When a patient takes a prescribed medication, he or she does so with the trust that the drug will help their condition and protect their health, and also with the trust that the drug will not cause additional harm to them.

Unfortunately, many Eliquis patients who suffered Eliquis side effects such as internal bleeding as well as those who lost a loved one to Eliquis internal bleeding claim that this trust was violated when they were not properly warned about the side effects of Eliquis.

In an Eliquis internal bleeding lawsuit, plaintiffs may pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.