Can Eliquis (apixaban) cause headaches?
Headaches are not listed in the provided materials as a common side effect of Eliquis. However, like other medicines, Eliquis can cause side effects in some people, and any new or worsening symptom (including headaches) should be discussed with a clinician.
What kinds of “headaches” should raise concern while on Eliquis?
With Eliquis, the key safety issue is bleeding. A headache can sometimes signal bleeding in the brain or around the head, especially if it is:
- sudden and severe
- different from your usual headaches
- associated with neurologic symptoms (weakness, numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, vision changes)
- linked with a recent fall or head injury
If any of these occur, seek emergency care.
How to think about headaches when you start or change Eliquis
People sometimes notice new symptoms during the first days to weeks of a medication change, during dose changes, or after starting another medicine. Headaches can also be caused by many non-Eliquis reasons (dehydration, blood pressure changes, migraines, infections, caffeine changes, or other drugs). A clinician can help sort out whether the timing and pattern fit Eliquis.
What should you do if you’re getting headaches on Eliquis?
- Don’t stop Eliquis on your own, since stopping can increase clot risk.
- Contact your prescriber to report the symptom and ask whether you should be evaluated or whether another cause is more likely.
- Get urgent help for red-flag symptoms (sudden severe headache, neurologic changes, or after head injury).
Are there alternatives if headaches become a problem?
If a prescriber thinks headaches are related to Eliquis (or if bleeding risk is a concern), they may consider changing the treatment plan to another anticoagulant strategy, depending on why you take Eliquis (for example, atrial fibrillation vs. treatment/prevention of clots). This is individualized.
Sources: None provided in the prompt.