Eliquis (apixaban) is a new generation oral anticoagulant (NAOC) that is used to prevent the body from forming blood clots.

The blood thinner works by blocking a clotting protein in the body known as thrombin.

Despite its ease of use and apparent superiority to older oral anticoagulants, Eliquis side effects have raised concerns.

Indications of Eliquis Use

Eliquis and other new generation anticoagulants were developed as alternatives to warfarin (Coumadin) and were made to be easier to use than their older counterpart.

The medication is primarily used to treat atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm. Left untreated, atrial fibrillation can lead to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack if blood clots form.

Warfarin was used almost exclusively for the past six decades since its release in 1954. Warfarin requires frequent patient monitoring and patients must follow a special diet while taking the medication.

When Eliquis was developed, patients and physicians alike were pleased to have a warfarin alternative that had more standard dosing, required less monitoring and had no dietary restrictions associated with it.

It wasn’t long after Eliquis was being used, however, that doctors and patients began to notice that Eliquis side effects called into question the drug’s safety.

Eliquis Side Effects

As with any anticoagulant medication, Eliquis has the risk of bleeding as one of its side effects. Warfarin was no exception, and patients on the older anticoagulant experienced an increased risk of birth bleeding as well.

However, with warfarin, there is a reversal agent available to counteract the uncontrolled bleeding and to restore the body’s natural clotting mechanisms. Fresh frozen plasma and intravenous vitamin K can be used as an antidote to warfarin.

Eliquis has no such antidote, which poses grave concerns for those with internal bleeding side effects.

Patients experiencing Eliquis side effects of uncontrolled bleeding must wait until the drug processes out of their system while hospital personnel keep the patient stable.

Symptoms of Internal Bleeding

Though internal bleeding can occur anywhere in the body, sites of bleeding from Eliquis side effects usually include the brain and the gastrointestinal system.

The following symptoms can alert patients that internal bleeding may be an Eliquis side effect.

Gastrointestinal bleeding symptoms:

• coughing up blood
• stools that are black, bloody or tarry
• fainting and dizziness
• bruising easily or unusual bruising
• vomit that looks like coffee grounds or has visible blood

Intracranial bleeding symptoms:

• headache that is severe with sudden onset
• speaking difficulties or difficulty understanding speech
• vision disturbances
• weakness in the arms or legs
• impaired coordination or motor skills
• paralysis on one side of the body
• tremors
• seizures
• difficulty with swallowing or abnormalities in taste

If any of these symptoms are experienced, a physician should be consulted immediately to rule out any potentially dangerous Eliquis side effects.

Filing an Eliquis Side Effects Lawsuit

If you have experienced Eliquis side effects of uncontrolled internal bleeding, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. An Eliquis attorney can review your case for free to determine your eligibility and can discuss your legal options with you.