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Eliquis for Deep Vein Thrombosis User Reviews

Rating: 5.0

Eliquis has an average rating of 5.0 out of 10 from a total of 45 reviews for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis. 27% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 36% reported a negative experience.

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Reviews for Eliquis

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Kas...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 6, 2019

"I was put on Eliquis by my MD just because he liked it better than Warfarin. I was previously on Warfarin with no problems. On Eliquis, I have experienced severe muscle spasms and weakness. I am also very tired, eyes are blurry, nose bleeds, weight gain, itching, and just general malaise. I asked my doctor several times to take me off Eliquis and put me back on Warfarin. He refused. I changed doctors, got off the Eliquis, and back on Warfarin. I now feel so much better, and my muscles are getting stronger, and I have my energy back. This Eliquis is poison to me. I also will note I had no A-Fib. I never did. Listen to your body. It knows best."

5 / 10
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  • Pho...
  • June 2, 2020

"I was prescribed Eliquis after experiencing an upper extremity deep vein thrombosis due to thoracic outlet syndrome. The clot was dissolved in the hospital through thrombolysis. I was sent home with Eliquis 10 mg x2 per day for a week, then 5 mg x2 per day for maintenance. I didn't realize how horrible this drug made me feel until I called my hematologist after 3 months and begged him to reduce the dose. I experienced extreme fatigue, depression/apathy, muscle pain all over my body, and joint pain that would keep me up at night in my hips and lower back. My whole body began to hurt all the time after about 5 weeks on the medication. I couldn't do any exercise without being unable to get out of a chair for days afterwards. Not to mention the horrible heartburn. Fortunately, I see a TOS expert soon, and fingers crossed will be able to drop the Eliquis entirely. Has been an awful experience."

2 / 10
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  • Gar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 3, 2020

"Had leg pain, told my Primary Care Doctor. She had the hospital take an ultrasound and they admitted me to the hospital immediately. Said I had a DVT. On heparin while in the hospital, no side effects to mention. Started Eliquis as soon as I got home. Feel like I am dead. Weak, dizzy, can't stand, off balance, my body hurts all over like I was someone's punching bag. Wicked tremors, itchy skin feeling. Head feels like it's full of cotton, hard time concentrating. And this has only been for one week!"

1 / 10
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104 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Den...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 6, 2023

"Wanted to add my review because this drug started a month of unnecessary doctor appointments, ER visits, and just plain mysterious symptoms. No doctor told me it was Eliquis and that it was 'safe' to take, but it was too late. I already developed side effects that lasted over a month. Shortness of breath, chest pains, headaches, numbness, and a weird feeling in my right and left sides, and I wasn't even on this medication long (about a week, 5mg x2). I can't imagine what it's doing to other folks who may or may not be sensitive to medications like this. I would suggest starting ANY meds on the lowest dose to check for tolerance first and go up from there. Do not make the same mistake as I did. I no longer trust my doctor who prescribed me this. Still suffering from weird symptoms even stopping for a month now. Eliquis is very dangerous for those who can't tolerate it. I was rather healthy before this."

1 / 10
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  • Ore...
  • March 13, 2020

"Update from a previous comment. Switched from Xarelto to Eliquis about 12 months ago. Horrific side effects as with Xarelto. I had days where I can't remember simple basic things, difficulty remembering family members' names. Am dizzy, nauseous, osteoarthritis, joint pain, ears ringing, complete loss of vision. Penile bleeding. Strange pimples. Horrific lack of energy. Chest pains and fluttering heart, feels like a heart attack. WEIGHT GAIN... I went from 150-165 average to becoming 210. But adding weight plus the inability to exercise and strengthen the body.. any mishap fall or jump or avoidance of sudden movement and you can be SEVERELY INJURED. As I lay here with a back injury also related to NEUROPATHY from Eliquis."

2 / 10
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  • Sur...
  • April 12, 2017

"This drug is dangerous. After a DVT, I was placed on the drug 5mg twice a day. After a week, my colon started to feel funny. A couple of days later, I developed significant rectal bleeding. I went to the ER where they diagnosed it was due to the Eliquis. I stopped the drug and the bleeding stopped within two days. I am now on 10mg Xarelto once a day. No bleeding after seven days. I have a friend who is now in intensive care with a brain bleed. He was also on Eliquis for atrial fibrillation. He had been on the drug for four months. His symptoms started with minor headaches. The FDA has it listed as a Black Box, which means it could be fatal. None of this was told to me at the ER for my DVT."

1 / 10
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  • den...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 25, 2019

"I was put on Eliquis (Apixaban) 2 years ago for DVT, initially, all was well, but now I get sores on my scalp, itching all over my body, and several dizzy spells a day that last only a second, but my whole body tingles for several minutes and severe ringing in my ears. I don't like it. I am seeing my Dr on the 7/11/19, need to change it as it has caused me to resign from my job due to the unpleasant side effects."

1 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Kat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 8, 2023

"I was prescribed Eliquis 5 mg twice a day a week ago for 2 blood clots in my lower leg. I started having a gassy stomach and a full feeling even though I ate less, but I blamed that on eating more vegetables. My legs felt heavy in spite of my compression socks, but I blamed that on the socks. I had a headache and random itching, but I blamed that on my allergies. But after taking it for 5 days, my stomach hurt too much to eat. I drank some milk, which always helps my stomach, but I felt worse. I went ahead and took my usual dose that evening, then woke up at 2 a.m. with severe diarrhea. I had several more episodes that evening and the following day in spite of hardly eating anything. I had to skip work because I could not leave the house. I telephoned my doctor and left a message that I was not going to take Eliquis anymore, and I started taking a calcium antacid. That was yesterday. Today my stomach is still gassy and hurts, but the diarrhea, headache, and itching have stopped."

1 / 10
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  • Tor...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 6, 2023

"I was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis this past summer in my lower calf muscle. No injury to the area, so it was labeled an unprovoked event. I started taking Eliquis at 10 mg twice a day for 7 days and then 5 mg twice a day until last week. I am waiting for the doctor's consultation about the results of the last ultrasound. There was a gradual increase in side effects severity. My blood pressure spiked from low 90's-100's to 150 last week. My heartbeat is steady at low 60's per minute but pounds in the chest. My muscle and joint pain has stopped my exercising, as it causes me to limp for days, and minor use of the arms causes rib cartilage and sternum pain. Constipation followed by diarrhea is on a 1-3 day cycle now. The anxiety started out rare to now almost a daily occurrence. The answer I got to these concerns last week from the doctors was to keep taking my full-dose pill or die from a heart attack or stroke. The doctors don't seem to listen to the patients."

5 / 10
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  • Rai...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 27, 2019

"Yes, so far I haven't had any bleeding experiences, nor have I had any further complications from my DVT. However, my leg pain and swelling are still present, and I've had a headache the entire time. I also just feel like my body hurts and my mouth hurts quite noticeably, gums swollen, but it's kept me from dying due to pulmonary embolism. I do not like this medicine, I would rather be on warfarin or heparin because I have taken them before and didn't experience these side effects."

7 / 10
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  • RLC...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 1, 2019

"Put on Eliquis for a DVT in leg due to May Thurner Syndrome. I’ve felt really tired on it (5 mg twice a day). Also gained weight despite exercising and eating the same. Have taken it for just over four months and have developed another DVT whilst taking this as prescribed."

1 / 10
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  • Bow...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 16, 2020

"I had a blood clot in the abdominal superior mesenteric artery. I was prescribed Eliquis following open surgery to bypass the thrombosed SMA artery in the abdomen. Side effects for me are predominantly GI-related: severe abdominal/intestinal cramping/pain within 20-40 minutes after taking it, which lasts a couple of hours. It has been confirmed I am now getting adequate blood to my GI system since surgery, so that is not the problem. Bloating and gas are also a problem since taking Eliquis for 2 1/2 months. Hoping my cardiologist will agree to switch me to a different option, even if it means INR blood tests. I had lots of GI issues prior to surgery that affected my quality of life. Albeit the GI issues I now have are different than pre-bypass, Eliquis is a key factor in my continued reduced quality of life."

2 / 10
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41 Report
  • You...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 13, 2020

"From the second day of 5 mg every 12 hr, I could walk again. I got a clot in the popliteal vein behind the knee. I discovered this after 3 weeks of mild pain and difficulties bending the knee, and increasing swelling in the left leg. After 8 months, doctors reduced the amount to half (2.5 mg every 12 hr). Apixaban works like a miracle for me. No problems at all and the peace of mind to not have to check the blood every so often."

10 / 10
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  • Hst...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 20, 2016

"38 years old. Take blood thinners as prevention of blood clots due to a clotting disorder. I've experienced on again, off again dizziness and wooziness during the day. Will need to talk with my doctor about this."

7 / 10
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48 Report
  • Arc...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 16, 2018

"Following knee surgery, I developed a blood clot. The doctor originally put me on Xarelto, and that was a disaster. The doctor had to take me off of it after 3 weeks, and we switched to Eliquis. Almost immediately after beginning to take Eliquis, I started to have random itching sensations all over my body. At first, I didn’t think anything of it, but after 4 weeks on it, I started to have uncontrollable itching late at night and extreme swelling in my hands and feet due to the scratching. I would also develop hives and what looked like diaper rash all over my body. Luckily, between the two drugs, the clot is gone, and I am back on aspirin. I have only been off of Eliquis for 5 days, and some of the rash and itching have gotten better but not yet gone. I think some of the interactions seemed to be related to what I would eat."

3 / 10
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42 Report
  • Sle...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 14, 2022

"Within a month of taking Eliquis, I lost 95% of my ability to walk, lost my job, needed to be cared for, could barely make it to the bathroom. Months later, I am about half recovered, still can't work, can walk about a mile to 2 miles per day. The doctors at the hospital that prescribed me deny Eliquis can do that, but a doctor diagnosed me with drug-induced myopathy. I also know of two similar occurrences in my area. It's poison, take any other blood thinner! Not this, I went natural and had a good result, no PE, etc."

1 / 10
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  • BGa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 27, 2021

"Absolutely despise this expensive drug with so many side effects. I experienced frequent urination (almost hourly at night), itchy red rashes on my forearm and upper arm, gas, easy bruising, and the onset of a mild headache for someone like me who NEVER got headaches. I was prescribed it for a lower leg DVT, initially 2-5 mg tablets twice a day for a week, then 1-5 mg tablet twice a day. After 6 weeks, I began a gradual tapering off (AMA, of course, against medical advice). My plan of action was to increase my daily water intake by 400% (used to just drink maybe 8 ounces, plus tea, juice, fruits, and veggies, which do count for water intake), reduce oily, fatty processed foods, and add additional speed walks throughout the day and early evening as my exercise regimen. I believe these changes will prevent any new blood clots. All side effects went away within 36 hours of stopping the medication."

1 / 10
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  • Pen...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 24, 2023

"I have been taking Eliquis for more than 2 years now after being diagnosed with left leg DVT and PE. At first, it was okay, but after 6 months, I noticed joint pain and thought it was just plain arthritis. It started to get worse, and I can't sleep due to pain in my elbows, palms, knees, and pelvis. Due to Eliquis, I can only take Tylenol for pain. I went to the emergency in Oct 2021 due to this pain and was told I have polyarthralgia. My rheumatologist made me take a lot of blood tests, including rheumatoid factor and anti-nuclear antibody, but the results were all negative for autoimmune disease. Then last year, I started having chest pain and shortness of breath and also went to the emergency because of this. After all the tests, including echo and CT scan, they found my heart had no problems. My chest pain and some joint pain come and go, but my shortness of breath is frequent now. I asked my pulmonologist if I can reduce my dosage from 5 mg twice a day to 2.5 mg a day. I am a 63-year-old male."

4 / 10
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  • jji...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 23, 2016

"I'm 21. Despite being active, managed to get a DVT in the last weeks of pregnancy. Was on Fragmin injections, then was swapped to this tablet, 5 mg twice a day. Not noticed any physical changes to my affected leg, swelling is still apparent. Feel dizzy and on the verge of fainting more than three times a day... that's the side effect I have had."

5 / 10
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36 Report
  • RAL...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 25, 2020

"I've been on Eliquis for a little over a month now. Started on the 7 days, 20 mg, and am now on the 10 mg dose until Oct. I sometimes feel dizzy or get mild headaches while on it. The headaches come and go. I can't wait to be off it."

5 / 10
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23 Report
  • tir...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 10, 2020

"Stented for May-Thurner syndrome in August 2020, no history of clots, developed a small one from surgery. Put on Eliquis 5 mg 2x daily + 1 baby aspirin a day. First week, body aches from head to toe were terrible...it faded...reared again 2 months into treatment. I will be so glad to get off of this medicine. The body aches for me are awful."

3 / 10
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19 Report
  • Dee...
  • July 16, 2019

"I have had no real issues. The only thing I experience is easy bruising, sores, and sores on my head/scalp. I had an issue getting covered by insurance, but after fighting with the company, it was covered."

10 / 10
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24 Report
  • Diz...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 13, 2020

"Been on this med, Eliquis, for almost 2 months, but also going through chemo. Been having dizziness and feeling lightheaded. I attributed it to chemo, but after reading other reviews, can't rule out that Eliquis may be the problem."

6 / 10
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19 Report
  • Car...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 7, 2022

"I’ve been diagnosed with DVT and PE 2.5 years ago and have been taking Eliquis until this time. While reading some of the comments, I should say that those are common side effects (headache, body malaise, fatigue, low energy, hip and joint pains) that can also be triggered by other factors like your lifestyle and age. If you’re young and on Eliquis and you’re not eating and exercising, you can have issues. If you’re older, these side effects could be part of the aging process and other body issues that you have. A drug may work for some but not for all. I just want to say that what keeps you alive and does not put you in the graveyard is the considerable drug to take. If the drug hinders you from earning a living or keeps you bed-bound, then switch to another blood thinner. Research, and with the help of a doctor, do what’s best for your body."

9 / 10
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14 Report
  • 25...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 29, 2021

"I am 67 years young, pescatarian, no sugar. Exercise daily, take 5 mg x 2. The only side effects I have are some minor itching and fatigue. Been on Eliquis for over 10 years. It does well for me. An occasional espresso helps some, but eating well is the key. Don’t fool yourself by eating junk."

8 / 10
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14 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.

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