Connect
Rare serious side effect of Eliquis: Muscle weakness
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?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.
Connect
@sally55 I met my new cardiologist and he also said he never heard of that being a side effect. Referred to an EP after starting a new 14 day holter monitor. He says he doubts I have not have additional afib espisodes, is betting I just don't feel them. Then the EP takes over and makes the decision if I can drop the eliquis. My hand is now developing trigger finger and my hip is terrible, sent to an orthopod for that..and he also said never heard of eliquis having that side effect but the onset was a bit to coincidental for me. Will see how the holter goes.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@rushhome I can't believe the doctors are saying they never heard of muscle/joint pain being a side effect of Eliquis. From what I am reading and hearing from others, it is a common side effect of Eliquis. Good luck with your monitor. Hope all goes well.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@rushhome WHen doctors tell me
they have never heard of the side effect of muscle weakness, I say to them, " I am a member of a support group through the Mayo Clinic and there are many of us who report these side effects." The doctors get quiet then, and stop telling me it's not a side effect. Grateful for all of you!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI have been on 5mg of eliquis in for close to four months now and have experienced an increase in hair shedding. Has anyone else experienced hair loss as a side effect of eliquis?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction5 mg of eliquis twice a day.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@dfar it is a super common side effect
@dfar
OMG Yes! Will it stop or should I purchase a headpiece? I had planned to donate my hair, too. I better do it soon!
@devotion
Be true to yourself. We know our bodies better than anyone. We need to be dedicated representatives of our own bodies. Persistence and confidence in your beliefs and fight for your life!
@rushhome
Got mine on as well. I'm right there with ya!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@sally55 It's reported as a rare side effect, and I believe it is. But when you're reading through a public forum in which muscle/joint pain as a side effect of Eliquis is being discussed, you'll see a gathering of those folks who are experiencing those side effects from Eliquis ( or who are convinced their symptoms are caused by this drug). It may only be a few folks from the universe of everyone who actually takes the drug, but with the lively back and forth discussions of their symptoms, often in dramatic and graphic detail, it makes it sound as though the incidents of these side effects occur much more often than they actually do.
I've taken Eliquis for close to 5 years, and I know quite a few others who also take it, and I've yet to hear anyone complaining about any side effects. I have heard complaints about the cost, however.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction