Can Eliquis Cause Muscle Weakness?

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!