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Rare serious side effect of Eliquis: Muscle weakness

Posted by cmauncc1 @cmauncc1, Dec 27, 2021

In late July 2017 I was admitted for very high heart rate and Afib. Had been, and still am, on minimal meds. Hospitalist put me on Eliquis, 5mg 2X/day.

Within a month my leg muscles were weakening to the point where I could no longer play Pickleball or walk golf. Within a few weeks my Cardiologist did an ablation and inserted a loop recorder. For the next 2-1/2 years the loop recorder saw MINIMAL Afib, under 0.5%; the ablation did its job.

By November 2017 I needed a walker. By December 2017 I needed to be wheelchair pushed through an Ice Sculpture display as there was no way I could walk the 25-30 minutes of the exhibit.

When I finally got to see a Neurologist at Shands (Univ of FL, Gainesville) in July 2018, he ran an extensive battery of blood work tests but could find nothing to explain the muscle weakness.

Has anyone else encountered similar muscle effects following being prescribed Eliquis?

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

techcat50 | @techcat50 | Jan 5 12:12pm
In reply to @sandy811jakester "For 2 years I experienced my legs weakening. My legs would give out for no apparent..." + (show)
@sandy811jakester

For 2 years I experienced my legs weakening.
My legs would give out for no apparent reasons. After many tests, my neurologist suggested an MRI of my thoracic spine and they found a cyst. He referred me to a neurosurgeon who removed the cyst and fused t4-t7. That was in Feb of 2023.

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Hi, how are you doing now after the surgery?

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1 reply
sandy811jakester | @sandy811jakester | Jan 5 12:53pm
In reply to @techcat50 "Hi, how are you doing now after the surgery?" + (show)
@techcat50

Hi, how are you doing now after the surgery?

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Doing well.
Legs have not given out since surgery. Had to wear a brace for about 2 months. Then back stimulator for about 10 weeks.
Using a cane to walk due to balance but all in all happy I had it done

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techcat50 | @techcat50 | Jan 5 1:17pm

Thanks for the update. Glad you're doing well. I'm considering vein ablation as well.

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joaf37 | @joaf37 | Jan 6 8:34am

Me as well .. these comments today were of special interest.

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cominer1 | @cominer1 | Jan 10 4:32pm

HOW OLD ARE THESE COMMENTS ABOUT ELIQUIS ? 2024 OR 2025

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timheart1 | @timheart1 | Jan 11 12:12pm

Hi I replaced Eliquis w/ Garligin form Natural Slim. Garlic and ginger capsule, take 3 times a day. I have been on it for years, it works fabalous as a blood thinner with no side effects. I know is works because if a cut myself I bleed and bleed.

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alyon917 | @alyon917 | 1 day ago

WARNING - BEWARE: This drug Eliquis almost killed me. I am lucky to be here writing this message.
Before taking this horrible drug Eliquis, Grill your doctor to thoroughly explain the dangers of taking it.
After spending several days in the hospital and being released for pneumonia they sent me home. I live in a rural area 20miles from the nearest hospital. Before leaving the hospital a nurse told me the doctors prescribed me a blood thinner. 5 MG twice a day of Eliquis because the felt my blood pressure was low. No one - I mean No one ever told me there is or could be a downside to taking this drug. After Three days at home the main artery in my colon bust and if it was not for my wife and son calling the paramedics quickly I would have died.
After arriving at the hospital and reversing the Eliquis drug and receiving a transfusion of 13 IUs of blood they operated on me for 4 hours to stop the bleeding. I was told by staff I was very lucky. I am home again now and having muscle problems in my legs. (Walking) So I am not a big fan of this poison.

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2 replies
celia16 | @celia16 | 1 day ago
In reply to @alyon917 "WARNING - BEWARE: This drug Eliquis almost killed me. I am lucky to be here writing..." + (show)
@alyon917

WARNING - BEWARE: This drug Eliquis almost killed me. I am lucky to be here writing this message.
Before taking this horrible drug Eliquis, Grill your doctor to thoroughly explain the dangers of taking it.
After spending several days in the hospital and being released for pneumonia they sent me home. I live in a rural area 20miles from the nearest hospital. Before leaving the hospital a nurse told me the doctors prescribed me a blood thinner. 5 MG twice a day of Eliquis because the felt my blood pressure was low. No one - I mean No one ever told me there is or could be a downside to taking this drug. After Three days at home the main artery in my colon bust and if it was not for my wife and son calling the paramedics quickly I would have died.
After arriving at the hospital and reversing the Eliquis drug and receiving a transfusion of 13 IUs of blood they operated on me for 4 hours to stop the bleeding. I was told by staff I was very lucky. I am home again now and having muscle problems in my legs. (Walking) So I am not a big fan of this poison.

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Glad you made it through such an ordeal! Is it thought the Eliquis caused it? What are you taking now?

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2 replies
alyon917 | @alyon917 | 1 day ago
In reply to @celia16 "Glad you made it through such an ordeal! Is it thought the Eliquis caused it? What..." + (show)
@celia16

Glad you made it through such an ordeal! Is it thought the Eliquis caused it? What are you taking now?

Jump to this post

My cardiologist incidentally was never consulted, is a doctor in the same hospital.
I consulted with him and he put me back on baby aspirin until I am evaluated for a Watchman.
Incidentally my blood pressure has elevated since that ordeal.

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abob | @abob | 1 day ago

Does anyone have the Watchman implant?

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