I’ve been on Eliquis since 2008 and in the beginning no problems. Then the bruises started. I fell on both knees recently and was black and blue from my knees to the ankles. The bruising is getting worse. I saw cardiologist recently and she refused to take me off it due to health risks…two being heart attack or stroke. I asked for an alternative drug but said in her experience the patient ends up coming back to Eliquis. I have afib, CHD, CAD, CKD, and I still would like to try something else. Even my primary, who sees all the bruising, would like me on something else! I’d hate to have a heart attack and hear “I told you so” but I’m about to roll the dice and just try a coated aspirin. I’m afraid regular aspirins would mess with an already messed up digestive system! What to do, what to do!

Thanks for the referral to the 3 articles. I've read one and came away with oral blood thinners are better for AF than aspirin but, they aren't really sure. I'm guessing that aspirin may be alright for some and not for others. I've read other articles and age and aging plays a big part in getting blood clots. I'm 85 and pretty sure I'm a short timer and don't want to spend that time bleeding and being hospitalized. I'm also cranky.

I'm not taking Eliquis anymore. Spent 4 days in the hospital from bleeding. I really fought taking the drug because it's so expensive and I didn't think I need a blood thinner. It does make sense taking less.

My new cardiologist has me back on Eliquis. About 3 weeks now and I’m again getting off and on blood in urine. Doc anticipated this and has me taking a blood test to see what is going on and continue to monitor. I don’t have any other bruising or bleeding. I don’t want to put off this ablation again.

I know patients on Warfarin test frequently. Why don’t our doctors track Eliquis related issues?

Thank you Judy for the information. I went off Eliquis at Christmas time and haven't gone back on. I know I'm rolling the dice on maybe having a stroke but, I'm not taking a pill that caused me to spend 4 days in the hospital from bleeding. I feel fine now and my body has adjusted to the pills they prescribed and that took a while. I don't know what the answers are but, I think we get over-medicated by doctors.