muscle weakness from blood thinners like Eliquis

Posted by twessel @twessel, Jan 29, 2025

I have been taking Eliquis for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation Recently, I have experienced muscle weakness in my arms and knees. Has anyone experienced this type of issue

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Profile picture for mtnmarge @mtnmarge

@twessel I hear all of you loud and clear. Went on Eliquis three - four years ago and at first no problem. Last two years are not so good. Suffer from fatigue and weakness every day now. It's very hard for me to not be able to do what I enjoyed in the past (always busy with activities such as cycling, kayaking, hiking, gardening etc. Now it's a big deal just to get dinner ready! Just recently was told I have some kind of tricuspid valve problem that is serious (so I was told). Doc said fatigue and weakness probably due to tricuspid problem. Why did it take so long to decide this may be it - after all the EKGs, scans, echos etc they are just finding this out? Anyway, I think that the Eliquis may be playing a part in this also. I want to be daring and stop the Eliquis and find out if it indeed is the root of the problem but.......almost a lose/lose proposition. Hope this makes sense. Fatigue also affects my mental state so I'm never sure if I'm doing/saying the right thing or not. Aging is hell....no cure!

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@mtnmarge On Eliquis for six months. When I mentioned side effects, was told that I'd be off it after six months and then we'd find out. What I have found out is that the side effects have continued. Hurting all over has stopped, but joints in hips, knees and shoulders are incredibly painful at initiation of first use, as getting up from a chair. Like most of those who comment, I've always been active but also hyper flexible. Wish there was research into why it affects some people and not others.

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Yes, i’ve been on Eliquis after my heart attack in December 2024 and it’s now March 2026. I started noticing a difference in my capability of walking one month after Starting the Eliquis and it’s gotten worse. My legs feel stiff and weak. I can’t even go Grocery shopping holding onto the cart and make it through the whole store before my legs feel like they’re ready to give out. I’ve tried mentioning that to my cardiologist and she doesn’t think that Eliquis would cause side effects like that, but I have a follow up appointment with her in a few weeks and I’m going to tell her I want off of Eliquis. It’s too expensive for one thing and I am pretty sure that’s what’s causing my problems in my muscles not just my legs, but my arms.

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Profile picture for twessel @twessel

I posted my first question about muscle weakness from Eliquis about 6 months ago. I was diagnosed with paramoxal atrail fibralation in September of 2021 and have been taking Eliquis since then.About a year and a half ago I started noticing lack of muscle strength. Now, I am 83 and assumed it was old age but in the last year, my muscles have become painful. When I checked the Eliquis data sheet one of the side effects was muscle weakness When I use my muscles even slightly I have pain. Even to the point the pain causes me to not sleep well. When I do no work, the pain is less. As with the post above, tylenol does nothing and nsaids are not to be used with Eliquis. In the past 2 months, my legs feel like they are getting weak and my feet are always cold. I am starting to see my heart doctor and my primary doctor to analyze my situation.

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@twessel you’re not alone. I was on Eliquis15 Months after my heart attack and I noticed a difference in my legs a month after I started taking it but as of yesterday that my cardiologist appointment I told her I wanted to get off that for one thing it’s too expensive I’ve told her in the past about how my legs are stiff and hurt in my arms ache and I am weak I’m 79 and at first I pushed it aside and thought it was because of my age. But after reading some Remark from people that were on it her still on it. I don’t think it’s just old age.. So now she put me on Cumindin..
I started yesterday and take 2 mg at Suppertime, I read up on some of the Side effects people could have in a kind of makes me nervous, but I will give it a try not looking to all the blood work that has to be done till it’s regulated. Fingers crossed that I’ll notice the difference.

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Profile picture for ruth36 @ruth36

Yes, i’ve been on Eliquis after my heart attack in December 2024 and it’s now March 2026. I started noticing a difference in my capability of walking one month after Starting the Eliquis and it’s gotten worse. My legs feel stiff and weak. I can’t even go Grocery shopping holding onto the cart and make it through the whole store before my legs feel like they’re ready to give out. I’ve tried mentioning that to my cardiologist and she doesn’t think that Eliquis would cause side effects like that, but I have a follow up appointment with her in a few weeks and I’m going to tell her I want off of Eliquis. It’s too expensive for one thing and I am pretty sure that’s what’s causing my problems in my muscles not just my legs, but my arms.

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@ruth36 Definitely insist that she take you off, but don’t accept Xarelto as a switch!!! Same problems with it, just a little different and just as bad, or worse. I was on Xarelto for 3 months and refused to take it any more. Was switched to Eliquis for 4 months and now can’t hold a coffee cup and making a meal is almost impossible. Be glad you gained a little weight, I have lost 40-50 pounds, nearly all of it muscle. My thighs have zero muscle definition now.

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Profile picture for gabriig @gabriig

@mtnmarge On Eliquis for six months. When I mentioned side effects, was told that I'd be off it after six months and then we'd find out. What I have found out is that the side effects have continued. Hurting all over has stopped, but joints in hips, knees and shoulders are incredibly painful at initiation of first use, as getting up from a chair. Like most of those who comment, I've always been active but also hyper flexible. Wish there was research into why it affects some people and not others.

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@gabriig I’ve read that the side effects, especially muscle/joint problems can take a minimum of 2 months to resolve and sometimes much longer. I’ve been off for 6 weeks now and still having problems.

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Profile picture for charley7wills @charley7wills

@gabriig I’ve read that the side effects, especially muscle/joint problems can take a minimum of 2 months to resolve and sometimes much longer. I’ve been off for 6 weeks now and still having problems.

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@charley7wills Am not sure when I went off, imagine six months. The symptoms are slow to go away and seem to change. I'd love to see a list of what symptoms and how long and anything that has been tried. I'm trying lysine in an effort to help muscle growth. and have an appointment with my acupuncturist, who specializes in various kinds of pain. I'll share anything ideas that work. Getting a lot of sleep makes a difference. And walking. I do best walking on a hard surface. The support of knowing it's happening to others is very helpful.

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Yes I have extreme muscle weakness can barely walk

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I am on warafin and it’s crazy how many times I brought this condition up to various doctors who do not seem to know it’s a side effect . But is the alternative a stroke?

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Profile picture for agent0017 @agent0017

I am on warafin and it’s crazy how many times I brought this condition up to various doctors who do not seem to know it’s a side effect . But is the alternative a stroke?

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@agent0017
I just went off Eliquis after telling my cardiologist I want to get off it and now I just started the warafin 2mg once a day at supper time.
I’m hoping my weakness in my legs will go away and there’s no other major side effect

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