Apixaban and Shortness Of Breath: What Users Say

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 11, 2021

Apixaban for Pulmonary Embolism "I have had 3 PEs over the last few years, the first 2 after an outpatient surgery and general anesthesia, then a 3rd small one after stopping Eliquis. I have been taking Eliquis and over time I have been experiencing increasingly terrible side effects, including chest tightness, shortness of breath, GERD, muscle weakness, joint pain, weight gain while eating less, and headaches. I am planning to go to aspirin. Has anyone gone from Eliquis to aspirin successfully? Don't want another PE but can't live with these side effects."

• RWi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2019

Apixaban for Pulmonary Embolism "I have been on Eliquis for pulmonary embolism in both lungs. I was a healthy, active 42-year-old woman, and no reason for them. I had severe headaches, muscle weakness, and fatigue for a few weeks. I started feeling a lot better and was doing well with my usual kickboxing workout until recently. I am now experiencing fatigue and severe back pain, as well as dizziness and shortness of breath. I'm hoping I can get off of the meds in March. Anyone else experience this?"

• PRa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2019

Apixaban for Pulmonary Embolism "I wound up with PE and DVT behind right knee. I was in the hospital for 72 hours and was prescribed Eliquis twice a day. I feel like I have lost me. I am in constant leg pain, my joints and lower back hurt so bad. After two weeks, my hair started falling out and I wound up with Edema. I had sudden weight gain with no diet change. I get dizzy and light-headed and fumble to speak at times. My body itches constantly. I just want off this drug!! I feel it is poisoning me and the shortness of breath and wheezing are scaring me. Please don't take this drug. I struggle every day to walk and fight through the pain."

• PRa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2019

Apixaban for Pulmonary Embolism "I wound up with PE and DVT behind right knee. I was in the hospital for 72 hours and was prescribed Eliquis twice a day. I feel like I have lost me. I am in constant leg pain, my joints and lower back hurt so bad. After two weeks, my hair started falling out and I wound up with Edema. I had sudden weight gain with no diet change. I get dizzy and light-headed and fumble to speak at times. My body itches constantly. I just want off this drug!! I feel it is poisoning me and the shortness of breath and wheezing are scaring me. Please don't take this drug. I struggle every day to walk and fight through the pain."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2018

Apixaban for Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "My father was put on this drug by his doctor. 5 mg twice a day. The doctor said he had AFib, which was news to him. However, two or maybe three weeks after he started, he developed this crazy itching feeling all over his body, stabbing pains in his stomach, wheezing, and then it gave him some kind of an ulcer in the stomach where his stool was black. I took him to his doctor, and they found blood in the stool. Also, he was wheezing for a month, so I took him for an x-ray and they found he was in the beginning stages of pneumonia. Needless to say, his regular doctor told him to get off of Eliquis. My dad walks for an hour on the treadmill, and the past couple of weeks he noticed that his heart was starting to beat fast and he would get out of breath very easily, which has never happened before. Think twice before you start taking this drug."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2018

Apixaban for Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "My father was put on this drug by his doctor. 5 mg twice a day. The doctor said he had AFib, which was news to him. However, two or maybe three weeks after he started, he developed this crazy itching feeling all over his body, stabbing pains in his stomach, wheezing, and then it gave him some kind of an ulcer in the stomach where his stool was black. I took him to his doctor, and they found blood in the stool. Also, he was wheezing for a month, so I took him for an x-ray and they found he was in the beginning stages of pneumonia. Needless to say, his regular doctor told him to get off of Eliquis. My dad walks for an hour on the treadmill, and the past couple of weeks he noticed that his heart was starting to beat fast and he would get out of breath very easily, which has never happened before. Think twice before you start taking this drug."

• Dod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2020

Apixaban for Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I was in Afib in the hospital this last time and they prescribed Eliquis. This is HORRIBLE medicine. I was only on it for 8 days and I got severe vertigo, and I was so winded that I couldn't even walk to the kitchen without feeling like I was gonna faint. My appetite was almost nonexistent. I will NEVER take this medicine again. The side effects are brutal."

• Hag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2019

Apixaban for Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Shortly after starting Eliquis, I became short of breath and developed red, itchy patches on my legs. Can hardly walk to the corner now. Feel unwell and lightheaded. Think I will look into getting off this horrible drug. Have no life anyway taking it. What else will this poison cause next. Calling FDA."

• Cin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2020

Apixaban for Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "My mom had triple coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with occasional afib which happened a little over three months ago. So, she was put on Eliquis. She has been hospitalized twice since then and was not progressing in her recovery. She had rectal bleeding and bright red to pink urine along with water retention and problems breathing. Her heart was checking out completely fine, but doctors were at a loss. Finally, my daughter and I got a hold of the lab results to discover she was anemic. The doctors missed the lab results!! She stopped the Eliquis on January 24th, and the hospital gave her 2 units of blood, and now she’s like a whole new person. Feeling better, the rectal bleeding stopped after 2 days off Eliquis, and she lost 25 lbs in water! She’ll be going on Coumadin. Sorry, we’ll take the extra blood work and watching what foods she eats over this rubbish any day! Nightmare"

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2023

Apixaban for Deep Vein Thrombosis "Wanted to add my review because this drug started a month of unnecessary doctor appointments, ER visits, and just plain mysterious symptoms. No doctor told me it was Eliquis and that it was 'safe' to take, but it was too late. I already developed side effects that lasted over a month. Shortness of breath, chest pains, headaches, numbness, and a weird feeling in my right and left sides, and I wasn't even on this medication long (about a week, 5mg x2). I can't imagine what it's doing to other folks who may or may not be sensitive to medications like this. I would suggest starting ANY meds on the lowest dose to check for tolerance first and go up from there. Do not make the same mistake as I did. I no longer trust my doctor who prescribed me this. Still suffering from weird symptoms even stopping for a month now. Eliquis is very dangerous for those who can't tolerate it. I was rather healthy before this."

• Hag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2019

Apixaban for Thromboembolic Stroke Prophylaxis "Been on Eliquis a month as I have AFib. So far, blood in my stool, shortness of breath, stomach pain, red rash like hives on legs (one goes away, another one shows and itches bad). Feel bad and weak. But HEY... NO STROKE... JUST NO LIFE."

• Les...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2019

Apixaban for Pulmonary Embolism "I had a PE late November. Since taking Eliquis, I am having shortness of breath and a racing heart (at times in the 120s - 130s). I can't decide if I have something else going on or if it could be from the medication. My doctor is looking for other causes, and I'm trying to figure out if it could be something as simple as Eliquis causing this. HELP!"

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2023

Apixaban for Pulmonary Embolism "On March 10th, I went to the ER due to calf pain following a surgical procedure on March 3rd. I was informed I had no DVT but did have three small blood clots in my lungs. I was sent home on Xarelto. After a week, clots were gone. The doctor switched me to Eliquis 5 mg twice daily. Two weeks in, I started having horrible bloating, gastritis, horrible GERD, muscle weakness, and horrible hot flashes. I'm on a 3-month treatment. I have been told that these side effects are not from this med. I don't believe that as I've never felt like this before. I'm fatigued every day, before this, I was an active guy. Now I'm exhausted after walking up 8 stairs. I can't wait to be done with this medication. I've been to the ER several times due to severe shortness of breath, only to be told it's GERD and that I'm fine. I'm trying to make it through until June, then I'll be done."

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2019

Apixaban for Pulmonary Embolism "I had an appointment with my doctor last week. I told her that something isn't right and I'm not feeling well. As I was trying to explain my symptoms, I was slurring when I talked, plus I was very confused. She ordered a bunch of blood tests and a CT scan of my head. About an hour after seeing her, my phone rang. It was my doctor telling me that I have to get to the ER right away. She told me that the blood test was positive for blood clots. While at the ER, I was given a CT scan of my lungs. The tests showed that I have a blood clot in both of my lungs. The doctor put me on Eliquis. I am not pleased with the side effects. I have been having shortness of breath and horrible heartburn. I'd advise anyone to research all of the drugs and find out all of the side effects before taking Eliquis."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2018

Apixaban for Pulmonary Embolism "The first two weeks I slept non-stop, had extreme vertigo, and twice had vertigo so bad that I ended up falling and hurting myself. I have had constant chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath. I now am having blood in my urine and have been experiencing moderate to severe back pain, as well as daily low-grade dizziness and sometimes confusion."

• KR2...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 9, 2017

Apixaban for Pulmonary Embolism "I was 23 when I developed my first DVT and was instantly put on Xarelto. Being low risk, I was told to go on with normal activity. Xarelto left me feeling exhausted after minimal activity. Two days later, my DVT moved through my heart, into my lungs causing a PE. I was put on Heparin while in the hospital. Left the hospital a few days later and resumed Xarelto with the continued awful side effects. I continued to experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and extreme exhaustion. My doctor thought I was having a reaction to the medicine so they switched me to Eliquis. Since then, I have had zero side effects. I have my life back for once. Love that you don't need to have your INR checked, and foods don't counteract the drug."

• Ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2018

Apixaban "Water retention, weight gain (30 lbs), swollen ankles, rash on left leg severe, right leg not too bad. Was severely sweating after heart was out of rhythm (after 10-15 mins walking). NOW I cannot walk 20 feet without heavy breathing after taking Eliquis. Cannot sleep, and I used to sleep like a baby. Heart is good, stress test was good. Claustrophobia. Tops of my thighs are always itchy. I will bet there will be a class action lawsuit soon! Hope I still am alive to see this med taken off the market! Am 68 years old with stents and no heart attacks or strokes."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2017

Apixaban for Thromboembolic Stroke Prophylaxis "My 83-year-old father was in danger of losing his life. Has an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), stomach problems, and prostate cancer in the past. He had developed a blood clot behind the ICD. He deteriorated within 3 days of taking this drug, couldn't walk and was bleeding out through the back passage, kidneys, and we don't know where else as we are still waiting for test results. His lactate levels were 7.3 on admittance to the hospital; a sustained 5 has a survival rate of only 11%, so Dad is lucky thus far. He has received 4 units of blood, oxygen, and saline solution to try to flush it out. This medication must be administered with caution, looking at previous conditions and closely monitored. My dad deteriorated within 72 hours of starting it. The external symptoms are: listlessness, waxy skin, breathing difficulties, paralysis of lower limbs."

• Pen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 24, 2023

Apixaban for Deep Vein Thrombosis "I have been taking Eliquis for more than 2 years now after being diagnosed with left leg DVT and PE. At first, it was okay, but after 6 months, I noticed joint pain and thought it was just plain arthritis. It started to get worse, and I can't sleep due to pain in my elbows, palms, knees, and pelvis. Due to Eliquis, I can only take Tylenol for pain. I went to the emergency in Oct 2021 due to this pain and was told I have polyarthralgia. My rheumatologist made me take a lot of blood tests, including rheumatoid factor and anti-nuclear antibody, but the results were all negative for autoimmune disease. Then last year, I started having chest pain and shortness of breath and also went to the emergency because of this. After all the tests, including echo and CT scan, they found my heart had no problems. My chest pain and some joint pain come and go, but my shortness of breath is frequent now. I asked my pulmonologist if I can reduce my dosage from 5 mg twice a day to 2.5 mg a day. I am a 63-year-old male."

• 452...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2016

Apixaban for Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I am 64 with AFib. I have been taking Eliquis for 6 weeks and it is the only med I take. Side effects are heightened skin sensitivity and retro ejaculation. Not sure about shortness of breath and exhaustion."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2024

Apixaban for Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I started Eliquis two weeks before a cardiac ablation. After the ablation (three weeks ago), I began to have fatigue, shortness of breath, and muscle and joint pain. I stopped taking it yesterday to see if this was from the Eliquis."

• Aja...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 9, 2019

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "Apixaban is a great drug. Saved my life. Had acute DVT and later discovered PE in my right lung. No side effects initially for a few months. Now, however, after taking 5 mg twice a day for 6 months, my side effects are: - shortness of breath - weight gain - lack of ambition - unmotivated - low blood pressure - palpitations - depression/anxiety. Another one is that I used to have a lot of buzz from drinking coffee. Now, not so much. Even if I drink 5 cups of highly caffeinated coffee, I feel no high. Same for wine and beer. Blood pressure is low, and I use a lot of salt."

• Big...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2019

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I was given apixaban for atrial fibrillation and I got side effects of extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, and lightheadedness. I slept for 3 days with this drug and realized this drug was no good. I lost all motivation to achieve any new goals. Terrible stuff."

• Joa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 30, 2021

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I was put on apixaban in Jan 2016 after taking a few attacks of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). I also have a small leak at the mitral valve and will be on medication for life. I was also prescribed bisoprolol to lower BP. I felt terrible, as if I had chains around my ankles and was dragging them every step I took. I read up on the two drugs, but both had similar side effects, so I went to my GP in 2017 and changed the bisoprolol to atenolol. I still had the side effects, so I have come to the conclusion that it was the apixaban all along causing the problems. I get abdominal pain daily and get so breathless even doing the slightest thing. I can't go out shopping as I used to do, as the breathlessness is awful. My GP said my oxygen levels were fine, but I feel as if there is a giant peg on my nose and cannot get a breath. It has been worse since COVID, as the masks make me feel worse. The only good thing is that I haven't had any more AFib attacks since 2017. I wonder if half the 5 mg dose 2x day would help. I am a woman of 74."

• Bee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2021

Apixaban for Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis after Knee Replacement Surgery "I just had a knee replacement last week. Drug makes me frightened going to sleep. I wake up, it feels like all my blood in my body is pooled. Not moving around. A day after I got home, my blood pressure dropped extremely. It was 75/44. Blurred vision. Clammy, shortness of breath. I finally snapped out of it with deep calm breathing. This drug is awful."