What does Eliquis do to the heart?

Asked by: Alvah DuBuque  |  Last update: June 28, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (64 votes)

Anticoagulants such as Eliquis make your blood less able to form clots. Specifically, Eliquis is approved for use in adults to: prevent blood clots and stroke in people with a type of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AFib) treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

What is the downside of taking Eliquis?

ELIQUIS can cause bleeding, which can be serious, and rarely may lead to death. This is because ELIQUIS is a blood thinner medicine that reduces blood clotting.

How long can you safely take Eliquis?

If you're taking Eliquis to reduce the risk of DVT occurring again, it should be taken for at least 6 months to lower your risk of a stroke or blood clots. And for some people, it will be a lifelong treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about how long you'll need Eliquis.

Is Eliquis good for your heart?

More than a decade ago, the anticoagulant apixaban, trade name Eliquis, was shown to be superior to aspirin for preventing recurrent stroke in patients with a heart condition called atrial fibrillation.

Why is Eliquis given for AFib?

ELIQUIS is a prescription blood thinner used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients who have atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat, not caused by a heart valve problem.

Eliquis (Apixaban) : How It Works, How to Take It, and Side Effects | GoodRx

30 related questions found

Why can't you eat salad on blood thinners?

However, for some individuals on the medication Coumadin, eating salads can be worrisome because many lettuces and trendy greens are rich in vitamin K, which can interfere with this medication. Coumadin is prescribed to reduce the risk of forming blood clots.

Why do doctors prefer Eliquis?

If you're taking warfarin, consider talking to your doctor about ELIQUIS for both these reasons: ELIQUIS was proven effective to reduce the risk of stroke due to atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem. Plus, ELIQUIS had significantly less major bleeding* than warfarin.

Do blood thinners clean arteries?

Blood thinners reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, and blockages in your arteries and veins by preventing clumps of blood (blood clots) from forming or growing.

What is the number one drug for AFib?

Heart rate controlling medicines, such as beta-blockers that include Coreg (Carvedilol) and Lopressor and Toprol (Metoprolol), is the best way to treat AFib. These medications can control or slow the rapid heart rate so that the heart can function in a better way.

Can you ever get off Eliquis?

You can stop taking Eliquis without tapering your dosage first. However, if you stop Eliquis sooner than your doctor recommends, you may have an increased risk of blood clots. Eliquis has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What foods should I avoid while on Eliquis?

Foods that may increase the concentration of Eliquis® in your system
  • Grapefruit juice.
  • Lime juice.
  • Oats.
  • Mangoes.
  • Wild blueberries.
  • Fish oil.

Is 5 mg of Eliquis twice a day a lot?

The usual dose in adults if you: have a heart condition called atrial fibrillation is one 5mg tablet, taken twice a day. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of one 2.5mg tablet twice a day if you're over 80 years old, weigh less than 60kg (9st 6lb), or have kidney disease and are at higher risk of bleeding.

Can you eat eggs on blood thinners?

On the positive side, patients are able to consume many foods considered safe if they are taking any anticoagulants. These are the foods that are considered safe to consume: Meat, fish, and eggs.

Why is Eliquis being recalled?

Bristol-Myers Squibb is taking this precautionary measure based on a customer complaint that a bottle labeled as Eliquis 5 mg was found to contain Eliquis 2.5 mg tablets. Patients should not stop taking Eliquis without consulting with their physician.

Does Eliquis make you tired?

Tiredness wasn't reported in clinical studies of Eliquis. However, tiredness can be a symptom of blood loss or anemia, which are possible side effects of Eliquis. If you have tiredness while taking Eliquis, talk with your doctor. They may check you for any symptoms of internal bleeding.

What is the safest blood thinner to be on?

A 2022 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found apixaban to be the safest blood thinner among direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), with the lowest risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Can I eat broccoli while taking Eliquis?

However, apixaban (the active ingredient in Eliquis) does not rely on the Vitamin K-dependent clotting pathway, and instead acts on clotting factor Xa. As a result, Eliquis levels and effectiveness are not altered by vitamin K intake from foods such as spinach, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts.

Why did they take Eliquis off the market?

Eliquis lawsuits claim clinical trials supporting the blood thinner's approval was flawed, leading to patient injuries. The FDA delayed approval for nine months due to misconduct and errors in a trial site in China.

What should I watch when taking Eliquis?

While you are on this medication you will need to be watched carefully for bleeding and bruising. Your health care provider will work with you to keep you safe and healthy while you are taking apixaban (ELIQUIS®). Please notify your health care provider if you have any questions.

Can you eat chocolate while on blood thinners?

If you take blood-thinners (anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelets like aspirin), you should know that chocolate (like garlic) can slow blood clotting, increasing your risk of bruising and bleeding. Unsweetened dark chocolate has significant health benefits but surprising drug interactions.

What is the best sleeping position to prevent blood clots?

Sleeping on your side promotes better circulation, which can help prevent blood clots. Side sleeping also encourages better breathing and digestion at night, which can help you experience more deep, restful, restorative sleep. Try sleeping on your left side more than your right if you can.

What can you not mix with Eliquis?

You should alert your doctor when taking Eliquis with the following medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve)