Can Eliquis Cause Muscle Weakness?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Eliquis is associated with muscle weakness.
I have been taking Eliquis for over 2 years without any side effects except for the occasional bruising. Lately, however, I have noticed some muscle weakness in my legs that caused a notable loss of balance. Is muscle weakness one of the "hidden" side effects of taking Eliquis over a long period of time?
Nov 02, 2022- Muscle weakness is a reported but uncommon side effect of Eliquis that could indicate a more serious condition like bleeding in the muscle or a blood clot in the spine, so you should contact your doctor right away if you experience it.
- If you've recently had spinal anesthesia or a spinal procedure while taking Eliquis, watch closely for muscle weakness, tingling, or numbness in your legs and feet, as these could signal a dangerous spinal blood clot requiring urgent medical attention.
Answer
Muscle pain (and weakness) is a reported side effect of Eliquis (apixaban), but it doesn't appear to be common. However, if you are experiencing muscle pain on Eliquis, you should speak to your doctor right away, since it could be indicative of a more serious side effect where muscle weakness is a symptom.
Based on the available data, it appears that if muscle weakness does occur, it may be from:
- A bleed in the muscle
- A spinal blood clot (although this is rare)
Muscle-Related Side Effects
Clinical trials for Eliquis reported 'muscle hemorrhage' (i.e., bleeding from the muscle) occurred in less than 1% of individuals. A bleed from the muscle could certainly cause weakness, but you generally would notice if it was occurring by seeing bruising or other skin discoloration (this isn't always the case, however).
The prescribing information for Eliquis does warn of muscle weakness/tingling in a specific situation. Individuals taking Eliquis are at a higher risk of blood clots in the spine if you've recently had medicine injected into it (e.g., for anesthesia). It states:
If you take ELIQUIS and receive spinal anesthesia or have a spinal puncture, your doctor should watch you closely for symptoms of spinal or epidural blood clots or bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you have tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness, especially in your legs and feet.
A blood clot in the spine may cause muscle weakness, tingling and numbness, especially in the lower extremities and is an urgent medical situation, which is why you should seek help right away if it occurs.
Talk To Your Doctor
If you take Eliquis and are experiencing muscle weakness, you want to be sure you talk to your doctor right away.
Muscle weakness isn't common and could be indicative of something more serious (as talked about above). It certainly could just be a benign side effect but it is important that you are evaluated in a timely manner.
Final Words
Thanks for reaching out and I hope you found this helpful!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Eliquis
- A prescription blood thinner medication (apixaban) used to prevent blood clots.
- Side effect
- An unintended reaction that occurs in addition to the main therapeutic effect of a medication.
- Muscle hemorrhage
- Bleeding that occurs within or from muscle tissue.
- Spinal anesthesia
- Numbing medication injected into the area around the spinal cord to prevent pain during surgery or procedures.
- Spinal puncture
- A medical procedure where a needle is inserted into the space around the spinal cord, also called a lumbar puncture.
- Epidural blood clots
- Blood clots that form in the space surrounding the outer membrane of the spinal cord.
- Extremities
- The outer parts of the body, primarily the arms and legs.
- Benign
- Harmless or not serious in nature.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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