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Rare serious side effect of Eliquis: Muscle weakness

Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (100)
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@colleenyoung

Hi @cmauncc1, welcome. I added your question to the Heart Rhythm Conditions group as well. See here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-rhythm-conditions/

I'm tagging other members who also take Eliquis for afib like @cece55 @hmccarth5 @diane18 @mayofeb2020 @phillipdobrien @spudmato to see if they have some suggestions for you.

In the meantime, here are 2 related discussions you may wish to review.
- Questions about Eliquis and Meds for Pain Relief https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/side-effects-of-eliquis/
- Taking Eliquis and Metoprolol for A-fib: Concerned about side effects: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/afib-5/ -

According to Mayo Clinic, you should tell your doctor right away if you have tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness, especially in your legs and feet. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. See here: Apixaban (Oral Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/apixaban-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20060729?p=1

Did your doctor suggest you continue taking apixaban (Eliquis)?

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Replies to "Hi @cmauncc1, welcome. I added your question to the Heart Rhythm Conditions group as well. See..."
cmauncc1 | @cmauncc1 | Dec 27, 2021

I looked at the links you suggested, but didn't see anything relating muscle weakness to Eliquis.

I am, unfortunately, a naive patient. It never occurred to me or my wife that muscle weakness was a possible side effect of Eliquis as that isn't mentioned in the literature accompanying its initial Rx or any refills.

All I knew was that my legs were getting progressively weaker! No, we didn't connect that to my being on a new med! Yep, naive

Six weeks ago my Cardiologist dropped me to Eliquis 2.5mg 2x/day following a Watchman consult that declared me a marginal candidate for the procedure due to my only clot/stroke risk factor being my age (79). The ablation in late 2017 worked; less than 0.5% Afib since then.

I was only clued in ten days ago by my Chiropractor that he has seen several patients with my ongoing leg issues that began shortly after starting Eliquis. He printed off a sheet that indicates "Muscle weakness" is rare but "Serious" side effect.

It has now been four+ years since I was first put on 5mg Eliquis 2x/day, complaining frequently to my 2013-2020 primary and to my 2021++ primary [change due to insurance changing], and to my Cardiologist about my leg weakness. At 79 I am otherwise in very good condition (heart, BP, lungs, other organs, and labs within normal range), with the Afib under control.

At this point, quality of life (the HOPE of being able to improve my leg strength and my ability to walk better by eliminating Eliquis completely) outweighs the minimal risk of clot/stroke. [A verbose way of saying that "No, I have not consulted my Cardiologist!]

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