I had one AFIB episode the week after Christmas, possibly due to a stressful family situation. Afterwards, I had all the tests and all were negative. I was put on metoprolol and Eliquis. My Afib PA said I could get off of the metoprolol a few months ago and only take as needed. I haven't had to take any. A few weeks ago I got up with a severe lower back strain but didn't know how I got it. Nothing OTC helped, started getting PT. Then I read on this site that it could be a side effect of the Eliquis. I stopped taking it and my back got somewhat better, but my PT therapist is doubtful it was due to the Eliquis as I'd been taking it for 8 months. Someone on this site suggested going to a hematologist to have my blood clotting checked and that's what I plan to do, as I don't want to have to take this for the rest of my life if I don't have to.