Is Fever a Side Effect of Eliquis?
No, fever is not listed as a side effect of Eliquis (apixaban) in the FDA-approved prescribing information. The official drug label does not identify fever as an adverse reaction associated with apixaban use 1.
What the Evidence Shows
The FDA drug label for Eliquis comprehensively lists adverse reactions observed in clinical trials, and fever (pyrexia) is notably absent from these listings. The most common adverse reactions documented include:
Bleeding complications (the primary safety concern)
- Major bleeding events
- Clinically relevant non-major bleeding
- Minor bleeding
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
Hypersensitivity reactions (occurring in <1% of patients)
- Skin rash
- Drug hypersensitivity
- Anaphylactic reactions including allergic edema
Syncope (occurring in <1% of patients) 1
Important Context from Pediatric Studies
Interestingly, one pediatric safety study did report pyrexia (fever) as the most common adverse event in children receiving apixaban, occurring in 4 out of 15 pediatric subjects 2. However, this finding has not been replicated in adult populations and is not recognized as a standard adverse effect in adults taking Eliquis.
Clinical Implications
If a patient on Eliquis develops fever, clinicians should investigate other causes rather than attributing it to the medication. Fever in a patient taking anticoagulation therapy warrants evaluation for:
- Infection (particularly important given potential bleeding risks with invasive procedures)
- Underlying disease processes
- Other medication effects
- Complications related to the condition being treated (e.g., thromboembolism, post-surgical complications)
The absence of fever as a documented side effect in the FDA label means it should not be expected as a drug-related reaction in adult patients taking Eliquis for standard indications including atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism treatment, or thromboprophylaxis after orthopedic surgery 1.