Side Effects After Switching From Xarelto To Eliquis

Since switching from xarelto to eliquis two years ago, I have been experiencing extreme bouts of sluggishness, itching and hives. Is that normal?

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I was switched to Eliquis low twice daily dose after 9 months on 20mg once daily Xarelto as i wanted to come off blood thinners altogether but specialist felt i was candidate for repeat blood clots due to age and other health factors. Dreadful experience - only on Eliquis 3 days before side effects of intense pins and needles all over body, pounding head, made me stop them. Back to Xarelto at specialist's insistence. Lesser side effects on Xarelto but still unhappy with feelings of weakness in legs, muddled thinking, loss of balance. Finally stopped Xarelto last month (my choice, not specialist's) and have slowly regained balance and clearer thinking.

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Hives could be a symptom of an allergic reaction, so you should consult your doctor, since the NIH warns that allergic reactions tend to get worse with repeated exposure. Thus, it could turn into your having trouble breathing, in the future, if you experience swelling.


Hyacinth, are you on any other medications? How long were taking the Elqiuis this last time?

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Verwon, only other medication i am on is ACE inhibitor Fosipril 20mg daily - been on it for 15 years with no side effects. Was on the 20mg Xarelto (once daily) for 10 months, then swapped to 2.5mg Eliquis (twice daily) as specialist thought side effects of Xarelto may disappear on low dose Eliquis. Instead new and frightening side effects appeared within 36 hours on Eliquis. So, only lasted 4 days before stopping Eliquis and contacting specialist. He put me back on 15mg Xarelto (once daily) but within a few days I had reacted badly enough to them to end up in the Emergency Dept. of local hospital with very high blood pressure, and another attack of severe pins and needles all over body. Since then the specialist has agreed to me only taking a daily low dose aspirin (Cartia), and being careful of any symptoms of returning PE. I honestly think my system had just enough of the blood thinners after 10mths - though i would certainly take them again if I have a repeat DVT or PE episode.

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I did the opposite, switched from Eliquis experiencing severe itching and burning on arms/legs to Zarelto a couple of days ago. I know wake up at night with skin rashs on my body and lower legs. If this continues I may switch base, lesser of two evils. Good luck......

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Greg, if you are having skin rashes from medication you really need to tell your doctor as that is listed as one of the reasons to be taken off it, if I remember correctly. I didn't get rash, just strong feeling of pins and needles all over body and pounding in head, feeling of real weakness in legs so it felt like I was walking on a waterbed and I had trouble keeping my balance. After a month off the blood thinners, those feelings have disappeared.

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Hello I had to stop Xarelto too, it put to much presser in both legs, from my knees down.

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57M, DVT and two microscopic PE in April. Was started on Xarelto 15 twice daily for 3weeks then 10 for 7 weeks. Back pain, weakness in legs, fatigue after 5 weeks. On Eliquis for 10 days with no side effects so far. I can now play golf again. Crossing my fingers.

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Re: Hyacinth (# 1)

My husband has been prescribed Eliquis, and has been on and off blood thinners for a long time, but doesn't stay on them long as he feels depressed, heavy headed, tired and lacks get up and go. He is also very constipated. What should we do? I feel doctors over medicate people and scare them into taking this medication, saying that the person is more likely to have a stroke and end up in a wheelchair. Trying to find something with less nasty side effects (as in visits to health shops) where their nutritionists say these medications are poison. We don't know what to do for the best. He does take Cartia and feels better on them, but then the doctor shoots him down in flames.

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Re: Linda (# 8)

It’s a “no win” situation isn’t it. My latest tests show another (so far) tiny clot has appeared in one of my lungs so, of course, the specialist is pushing me to go back on blood thinners. Says for me to try Warfarin this time because I reacted so negatively to Zarelto and Eliquis. But Warfarin has to be tied in with dietary restrictions and repeated blood tests, so I am currently simply taking a daily Cartia and taking my blood pressure regularly and watching for any return of increase in shortness of breath. Dr. only gave in to me coming off blood thinners last time when I promised to keep an eye on BP and breathing. I’m in my 70s and decided that quality of life was more important than taking blood thinners “just in case” and suffering the awful side effects I had. But that’s only me. Your husband may really need them for another medical reason. Good luck.

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Re: Hyacinth (# 9)
My husband has apparently a slightly diseased heart, but otherwise strong and healthy looking gets out of breath a bit walking up a bit of a hill but can lift heavy items without a problem. This apparent diseased heart has been going on for some years and he is showing no frailness, ( he is 74) I can see the change in him as soon as he starts taking this medication (not good) and I agree with you that quality of life is far more important than putting up with the side effects of these ghastly tablets. Thank goodness I am not on anything at all, couldn't stand it.

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Re: Hyacinth (# 9)

I’ve been on Warfarin since 1997. And yes there are a few dietary restrictions such as green leafy vegetables or cauliflower (anything that has vitamin K). If you wanted to eat them, it would need to be on a regular basis so they can adjust you meds. I’ve had 3 clots & a PE (on different occasions) however never had another clot since. Once in a while, I’ll have a very small portion of broccoli & still had no problem. If you read some of the people on Eliquis or Xelto, they have had some strange side effects.

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What can you take to stop itching while on eliquis, Had to switch from zarelto because of itching

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Re: Hyacinth (# 1)

How did you come off it!? Did you wean yourself and if so how?

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