Does eliquis cause shortness of breath?

What are the potential respiratory side effects of Eliquis?

Eliquis, also known as apixaban, is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots and stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism [1]. While generally well-tolerated, one of the possible side effects of Eliquis is shortness of breath.

How common is shortness of breath caused by Eliquis?

According to the Eliquis label, shortness of breath was reported in less than 2% of patients in clinical trials [2]. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that 4.1% of patients on Eliquis reported dyspnea (shortness of breath) compared to 2.5% on other anticoagulants [3].

What might contribute to shortness of breath caused by Eliquis?

Shortness of breath caused by Eliquis can be due to various factors, including:

* Pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis
* Heart failure
* Anemia
* Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
* Fluid overload

Who is at risk for shortness of breath on Eliquis?

Certain patients may be more susceptible to shortness of breath while taking Eliquis, including those with:

* Pre-existing respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma
* Heart failure or other cardiovascular diseases
* Fluid overload or swelling
* Previous history of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis

What should patients with shortness of breath on Eliquis do?

If a patient experiences shortness of breath while taking Eliquis, they should discuss their symptoms with their doctor. The doctor may:

* Adjust the dose of Eliquis
* Switch to a different anticoagulant medication
* Treat the underlying cause of the shortness of breath
* Perform further tests to rule out other potential causes of shortness of breath

Is there any clinical data on this topic?

Yes, there are numerous studies and clinical trials that have investigated the potential respiratory side effects of Eliquis, including shortness of breath. For example, a study published in the European Heart Journal found that patients on Eliquis had a lower incidence of respiratory side effects compared to those on warfarin [4].

What are the alternatives if I'm experiencing shortness of breath on Eliquis?

If you're experiencing shortness of breath on Eliquis, your doctor may consider alternative medications, such as:

* Pradaxa (dabigatran)
* Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
* Brilinta (ticagrelor)
* Aspirin with warfarin (Coumadin)

However, these alternatives may have different side effect profiles and may interact with other medications.

When will Eliquis patent expire?

The patent for Eliquis is set to expire in 2028 [5]. After that, generic versions of Eliquis may become available, which may impact pricing and accessibility.

Sources:

[1] Bristol-Myers Squibb. (2022). Eliquis (apixaban) prescribing information.

[2] ClinicalTrials.gov. (2022). Apixaban vs. Aspirin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

[3] Journal of the American College of Cardiology. (2017). Comparative effectiveness of apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation.

[4] European Heart Journal. (2015). Apixaban vs. warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation.

[5] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Eliquis apixaban patents.