Why do doctors prefer Eliquis?
Asked by: Francisca Herman | Last update: August 19, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (29 votes)
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.
Why would a doctor put you on Eliquis?
Eliquis® (apixaban) is a drug you swallow to prevent and treat blood clots. As a direct factor Xa inhibitor, it blocks factor Xa. You need this factor to make a clot. You may need to take Eliquis® if you have an operation to replace your knee or hip.
Is Eliquis the safest blood thinner?
"There's lab research that suggests the blood-thinning with [Eliquis] is more stable and consistent." That suggests it's less likely to either trigger bleeding or fail to prevent clots, Fralick said.
How is Eliquis different from other blood thinners?
Plavix (clopidogrel) and Eliquis (apixaban) are both effective blood thinner medications, but they work differently. Plavix prevents platelets from sticking together to form blood clots. Eliquis blocks a protein that signals blood clots to form. Plavix and Eliquis are approved to treat different health conditions.
Blood Thinners for AFib: Do You Need Them?
What is the best blood thinner with least side effects?
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.
What does Eliquis do to the heart?
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 best blood thinner for seniors?
Novel anticoagulants, dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban, are at least as effective as warfarin in reducing the risk of stroke and are safer in elderly patients than warfarin. These agents are also easier to use and unlike warfarin do not require frequent blood test monitoring.
What supplements should not be taken with Eliquis?
Eliquis and Pradaxa are both taken twice a day. It is very important not to miss a dose! (This means making sure you do not run out of samples or refills as well.) While taking any of the medications listed above a patient should stop the following supplements: fish oil, krill oil, vitamin E, garlic, and bromelaine.
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.
Why is Eliquis so good?
Based on the results of these clinical studies, ELIQUIS was approved to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem. For people taking ELIQUIS® (apixaban) for atrial fibrillation: Do not stop taking ELIQUIS without talking to the doctor who prescribed it for you.
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.
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)
Is Eliquis hard on the kidneys?
Eliquis hasn't been reported to cause kidney-related side effects, such as kidney damage or reduced kidney function. However, Eliquis can sometimes cause serious bleeding. This may include bleeding in organs such as the kidneys.
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.
What is the number one prescribed blood thinner?
Warfarin remains the preferred choice for people with liver disease, kidney failure, mechanical heart valves, and certain clotting disorders (thrombophilia). Warfarin offers protection for several days, whereas DOACs have much shorter half-lives.
Why can't you eat peanut butter on Eliquis?
While taking Eliquis, there are no specific foods to avoid, but people with cardiovascular issues should steer clear of coffee and foods heavy in fat. Eliquis, an anticoagulant, works by inhibiting clotting factor Xa. Unlike warfarin, Eliquis doesn't interact with vitamin K-rich foods.
Can you take vitamin D with Eliquis?
No interactions were found between calcium / vitamin d and Eliquis.
What is a safe alternative to Eliquis?
Alternatives like Pradaxa, Xarelto, Savaysa, warfarin, or heparin are available for those seeking different options. Pradaxa, Xarelto, and Savaysa are direct oral anticoagulants like Eliquis, offering similar benefits but with different side effects and dosing requirements.
At what age do you stop Eliquis?
Published in 2019, the analysis estimates the net clinical benefit of oral anticoagulation beyond age 75 in patients with AF, showing that the benefits become marginal after age 87 for warfarin and after age 92 for apixaban (Eliquis; Bristol-Myers Squibb).
What are the long-term effects of taking Eliquis?
People taking Eliquis who must undergo a spinal (lumbar) tap, epidural, or other spinal procedure have an increased risk of developing a blood clot in their spinal cord (called a spinal or epidural hematoma), that could cause long-term or permanent paralysis.
Why can't you eat broccoli on blood thinners?
Foods containing a lot of vitamin K can affect how warfarin works. These include: green leafy vegetables, including broccoli, spinach and lettuce.
Does Eliquis affect bowel movements?
Interestingly both constipation and diarrhea are listed as possible side effects of Eliquis.
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.