Questions about Eliquis and Meds for Pain Relief

Posted by cece55 @cece55, Mar 2, 2019

I have a question for the group. I was diagnosed with AFib three months ago and after my first event I was put on a low dose aspirin along with my metoporal that I had been taking for a year. The dosage for the metoporal was 12.5 MG three times a day. After my second event of AFib six weeks ago, my electrophysiologist put me on Eliquis. The dosage is 5 MG twice a day. I felt fine for 4 weeks and then two weeks ago I started to have aching and stiffness in my lower back and hips. I might also add that I have very tight hips and lower back for years before this and have seen a physical therapist and added yoga and advil to my regimen. That seemed to give me a tolerance level over the years and I have been able to live with it.

Now...no advil allowed and I just saw a physical therapist again today who I will start working with next week. How do I know if I am having a reaction to the Eliquis or I am in a flare with my already tight hips and back? Is there a blood test to request? Possibly checking my liver and kidney function? The physical therapist also said I have osteo arthritis which could be contributing to this.

I am frustrated because I don't know how you tell the difference between a side effect and an existing condition that has worsened. I really don't want to chance going off the blood thinner....but what other way is there to tell?

Has anyone experienced this aching and does it finally go away if it is the Eliquis? I am not having any other problems with this drug except that there is not an over the counter medication for pain that you can take with it except Tylenol which has no effect on me.

Thank you for your input.
CeCe55

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

Some sense in all of the replies.
You might try topical pain relievers that have no side effects that I am aware of at this time such as Aspercream with Lidocaine or Salon Pas.
You likely can take up to two 500mg xtra strength Tylenol three times a day. I doubt that the Eliquis is causing the pain that you describe. The Advil is an anti-inflammatory and the Tylenol is not. It is difficult to manage your meds when you are taking many, they all interact to a degree. Eliquis is a difficult one to mange by itself. Normally excessive bleeding is a concern. 5mg is a solid dose although common.

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@yorlik

to understand, you say you had a ablation that worked so far: then why are you still taking blood thinner? I understand that warafin is less expensive than the othr two big namepbrand ones, but my dr put me on both at different times: they cost in excess of $ 2,000.00 per year! Not an easy choice!

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I am a high risk for strokes too! That's why according to my Cardiologist. He is a very well known, acclaimed Cardiologist! I have fibromuscilar Dysplasia also. I have had stomach and kidney stents also. 5 heart and carotid stents too . I am a mess.

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husband on Eliquis, switched recently from Coumadin. Sudden weight loss and much sleepiness. Blood upper and lower endoscopies excellent. Has Afib for years. All otherr studies so far good. Weight loss seems to be rare...others experiended this?

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@diane18

husband on Eliquis, switched recently from Coumadin. Sudden weight loss and much sleepiness. Blood upper and lower endoscopies excellent. Has Afib for years. All otherr studies so far good. Weight loss seems to be rare...others experiended this?

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I had weight loss also, however, I was really working at trying to lose weight anyway. I wonder if it has something to do with sugar levels? I am not taking it any longer and have still lost a few more pounds, its a mystery!

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@diane18

husband on Eliquis, switched recently from Coumadin. Sudden weight loss and much sleepiness. Blood upper and lower endoscopies excellent. Has Afib for years. All otherr studies so far good. Weight loss seems to be rare...others experiended this?

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Hi @diane18 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry your husband is having side effects from Eliquis. You will see that I moved your post to a long ongoing conversation about Eliquis so that you can read and connect with other members who are on the same medication and have had questions about it.

Here is some reference information: "Jan 28, 2019 — But weight loss, another focus of the updated guidelines, is likely good for anyone with a-fib. The guidelines say losing weight can reduce ..." --- Cardiologist Groups Say Newer Blood Thinners Best Against A-Fib:
https://consumer.healthday.com/cardiovascular-health-information-20/atrial-fibrillation-959/cardiologist-groups-say-newer-blood-thinners-best-against-a-fib-741993.html

How long has he been on the medication and how dramatic was the weight loss?

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about 4-6 months and about 18 pounds. thank you, since starting Eliquis. will use the link

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@amandaa

Hi @diane18 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry your husband is having side effects from Eliquis. You will see that I moved your post to a long ongoing conversation about Eliquis so that you can read and connect with other members who are on the same medication and have had questions about it.

Here is some reference information: "Jan 28, 2019 — But weight loss, another focus of the updated guidelines, is likely good for anyone with a-fib. The guidelines say losing weight can reduce ..." --- Cardiologist Groups Say Newer Blood Thinners Best Against A-Fib:
https://consumer.healthday.com/cardiovascular-health-information-20/atrial-fibrillation-959/cardiologist-groups-say-newer-blood-thinners-best-against-a-fib-741993.html

How long has he been on the medication and how dramatic was the weight loss?

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used link in post, thank you..but how do I get to the Eliquis group? Can you send me a link?

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@diane18

used link in post, thank you..but how do I get to the Eliquis group? Can you send me a link?

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just searched Eliquis and do not see my post

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I am 87 and was very healthy and wass trong, on Eliquis I have very dizzyy spells, the VA suggested taking Dramamine, is this an effective detererrent for this condition or am I just talking another chemical my body doesn't need?

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@yorlik

Keep in mind this unkinks the SI joint - that is not the same as hip pain. SI joint pain is in the middle of your lower back, hip pain is in groin or outside of thigh. If your pain is hip pain, then SI joint back pain relief won't help.

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I have been told my pain is from the SI Joint I have had RF Ablation and still have pain. My pain is lower right waist and right side of waist with pain in outer thigh and off and on groin and down leg. After reading this I am thinking it may be hip related. So glad I read this I will be discussing the possibility with the doctor.

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