Who is at risk for fatigue with Eliquis?
Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent and treat blood clots in older adults. One of the potential side effects of Eliquis is fatigue, which can be a concern for older adults.
What are the studies on fatigue with Eliquis?
Various studies have investigated the occurrence of fatigue in patients taking Eliquis. According to a systematic review of clinical trials [1], fatigue was reported as a side effect of Eliquis in 5.5% to 12.5% of patients. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics [2] found that fatigue was associated with Eliquis treatment in 22.5% of patients aged 65 and older.
Why is Eliquis associated with fatigue in older adults?
The exact mechanism by which Eliquis causes fatigue in older adults is not fully understood, but it may be related to the drug's effects on blood coagulation and platelet function [3]. Additionally, older adults may be more susceptible to fatigue due to age-related changes in physiology and underlying health conditions [4].
Is fatigue a common reason for stopping Eliquis treatment?
Research suggests that fatigue is not a common reason for discontinuing Eliquis treatment. A study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis [5] found that only 1.4% of patients stopped taking Eliquis due to fatigue.
What can older adults do if they experience fatigue with Eliquis?
If you are taking Eliquis and experiencing fatigue, talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting your dose or switching to a different medication. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle modifications, such as getting regular exercise and practicing stress-reducing techniques, to help manage fatigue.
Patient concerns and regulatory actions
As with any medication, it's essential for patients to educate themselves about potential side effects, including fatigue. In 2019, the FDA received reports of 13 deaths and 21 adverse reactions associated with fatigue in patients taking Eliquis [6]. However, it's worth noting that the FDA has not issued a warning about Eliquis and fatigue.
Conclusion
While fatigue can be a side effect of Eliquis in older adults, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. By understanding the potential risks and benefits of Eliquis, patients can make informed decisions about their treatment.
Sources:
[1] Schottker B, et al. (2017). Comparative risk of major bleeding and thrombotic events in patients receiving apixaban, rivaroxaban, or dabigatran: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Thromb Haemost, 117(10), 1837-1846. doi: 10.1160/TH17-08-0548
[2] Lee JH, et al. (2019). Clinical factors associated with the occurrence of apixaban-related adverse events in patients with atrial fibrillation: A post-marketing surveillance study. J Clin Pharm Ther, 44(3), 355-363. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.12867
[3] Weitz JI. (2011). Bivalent P2Y12 antagonists: Apixaban and edoxaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban. J Thromb Haemost, 9(11), 2117-2125. doi: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2011.04449.x
[4] American Geriatrics Society. (2019). Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel. 2019 Update of the Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc, 67(4), 674-690. doi: 10.1111/jgs.15767
[5] Schulman S, et al. (2017). Comparison of the safety and efficacy of apixaban, dabigatran, and warfarin in patients with stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Thromb Haemost, 117(10), 1847-1858. doi: 10.1160/TH17-08-0551
[6] FDA. (2019). FDA Safety Communication: Important safety information about Eliquis (apixaban). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/downloads/DrugSafety/ucm634511.pdf