I have many bad reactions to Eliquis, taken for paroxysmal Afib and would like to cut the pills in half; currently I take twice daily (2.5 x2) Is there research or experience with this dosage reduction from real people, not the pharma monopoly?
Apixaban - Cutting Eliquis 2.5 in half?
Question posted by DrDavidson on 9 Aug 2022
Last updated on 11 August 2022
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Answers
Cartybabe13
9 Aug 2022
I take 2.5 mg Eliquis twice daily. Used to take 5 mg x 2. Lower dose is better but still side effects. Fatigue. Serious body and muscle aches. Stomach upset. Some muscle cramps. I know it’s the Eliquis as I was off it 6 months and symptoms gone. Back on it and here again. Not sure what your question is. Looking for experience with this dose? Or can u cut it in half? You can. As dose is reduced the side effects diminish but so does efficacy. 2.5 is lowest allowed dose. If prescribed I assume u meet criteria for this dose
DrDavidson
10 Aug 2022
Thank you, Cartybabe. I am on 2.5mg now but want to reduce to 1.25mg twice a day since 2.5mg makes me feel like crap.There is no "research"on this and I seek answers from people who have done this.
Cartybabe13
10 Aug 2022
Are u doing this under doctors care? I doubt any doc will
Support less than 2.5. Perhaps get switched to different med? They Xarelto or Pradaxa or Savaysa? Even Warfarin may be better but need tracking. I’m very sensitive to meds and react to everything. Even daily aspirin may protect u better than less than 2.5 of eliquis.
DrDavidson
11 Aug 2022
No, the MD electrophysiologist told me there is no info, no research into a lower dosage than their ((drug co.)
prescribed dosage so he does not know.
I bought a tried Xarelto and it was worse for me than Eliquis. In addition, I have read about reactions to Savaysa and they are similar to mine after a year on Eliquis. I have no heart problems but had Afib twice so it's the clot risk factor that med profession stresses to me,
i.e. stroke . I'm in Eliquis' minimal dosage group.
Cartybabe13
11 Aug 2022
Understand. I’m in exactly same position. Not sure if your stroke risk. Mine is high. Had a fall ( passed out from COVID booster traction) on eliquis and had brain bleed. Minor but scary. Resolved. Off eliquis 6 months and on 325 mg aspirin. Much better but neurologist wanted me back on eliquis. Went back on and back to side effects. Choices are that ablation surgery but I’m am 81 and paroxysmal too. Low burden. So I choose meds. Unfortunately we all have those choices. With little use of low doses and no research I’d say it depends on yourCHADS score and stroke risk. To chance it or try aspirin or natural thinners.
Related topics
atrial fibrillation, dosage, apixaban, eliquis, pill, reaction, research
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