Does Eliquis Cause Fatigue? Tips for Managing Tiredness

How Eliquis May Cause Fatigue as a Side Effect

Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant or blood thinner prescribed to lower the chance of stroke and prevent blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation. Like other anticoagulants, a potential side effect of Eliquis is fatigue or tiredness. Let's discuss why this blood thinner can make some people feel drained of energy.

How Does Eliquis Work?

To understand why fatigue may occur with Eliquis, it helps to first understand what exactly this medication does. Specifically, Eliquis is a factor Xa inhibitor that thins the blood by blocking factor Xa, which is an important component in the body's natural blood clotting process.

By inhibiting factor Xa, Eliquis prevents thrombin from forming, which subsequently prevents blood clot formation. This blood thinning effect helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and other problems that can occur from dangerous clots.

Why Might Eliquis Cause Fatigue?

There are a few reasons why some people report feeling tired or fatigued while taking Eliquis:

• Blood thinning effects - Thinning the blood reduces its ability to carry oxygen and nutrients effectively throughout the body. This may result in fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, or weakness.
• Side effect of the drug - Fatigue and tiredness are listed by the manufacturer as common side effects possibly caused directly by how the medication works in the body.
• Underlying medical issues - Many people are prescribed Eliquis for atrial fibrillation or heart disease, which themselves can cause fatigue even without medication.

Who Is Most At Risk for Fatigue with Eliquis?

Those most likely to experience tiredness or exhaustion as a side effect of Eliquis include:

• People over age 75 - Older adults are more vulnerable to medication side effects and frequently report fatigue.
• Those with kidney problems - Impaired kidney function can prevent the body from effectively clearing the drug, leading to a buildup in the bloodstream.
• People who take certain other medications - Some additional prescriptions may interact with Eliquis in a way that increases fatigue.
• Those with low iron levels or anemia - Since Eliquis can inhibit the blood's oxygen carrying capacity already reduced in those with anemia, it may substantially worsen fatigue.

Managing Eliquis Fatigue

If you feel constantly drained while taking Eliquis, don't just accept debilitating exhaustion as inevitable. There are things you can try to help regain your energy despite needing to take this essential medication.

Rule Out Other Causes

First, talk to your doctor to help determine if Eliquis itself is directly causing your excessive tiredness, or if there may be another underlying health issue contributing to fatigue. Thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, depression, heart failure, and other problems can all sap energy.

Your doctor can run tests and refer you to specialists as needed until any separate condition potentially causing fatigue is identified and treated.

Adjust Timing of Doses

Pay attention to when during the day you feel most tired, and try adjusting when you take your twice daily Eliquis doses. If fatigue seems worst in the afternoons, try taking your second tablet earlier in the day. This can help determine if spreading out doses better may provide more consistent coverage without dips in energy.

Supplement With Iron

Ask your doctor about supplementing with iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body to give you more energy. Just don't take iron on your own, as Eliquis and iron can both increase bleeding risk. Your doctor can recommend a safe iron supplement regimen if appropriate.

Stay Properly Hydrated

Dehydration makes fatigue much worse. Be diligent about drinking enough fluids daily, and reach for water anytime you feel particularly drained. Electrolyte-rich sports drinks can further help replenish what's lost through Eliquis treatment.

Improve Sleep Habits

Make getting enough high quality sleep every night a top priority. Turn off screens an hour before bed, limit caffeine past the morning, keep your bedroom cool and dark, invest in a comfortable mattress, and adopt other healthy sleep habits. Solid rest makes dealing with medication side effects much easier.

When to See Your Doctor

While some degree of manageable fatigue is common with Eliquis, excessive or long-lasting tiredness can be a sign of a more serious problem. Contact your doctor promptly if you experience:

• Severe fatigue that prevents normal activity
• Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
• Dizziness, weakness, chest pain, or fainting
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Dark urine or pale stools

These may indicate complications from medication side effects, dehydration, or underlying medical conditions potentially requiring immediate treatment adjustments. Stay in close contact with your doctor while taking Eliquis so any problems can be addressed quickly.

The Bottom Line

Eliquis is an important and commonly prescribed blood thinner to lower stroke risk and prevent dangerous clots. However, its blood thinning mechanisms can potentially lead to fatigue or tiredness as a side effect for some patients.

By identifying any independent health issues causing symptoms, optimizing hydration and nutrition, improving sleep quality, and adjusting your Eliquis dose schedule, medication-related exhaustion may be reduced. But notify your doctor about severe or lingering lack of energy, which could signify complications requiring prompt medical intervention.

Working closely with your doctor allows most people to manage fatigue and continue benefiting from the vital protective effects of Eliquis despite its challenging side effects.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.