From the Guidelines
If you experience headaches after taking Eliquis (apixaban), contact your healthcare provider promptly to report this side effect and continue taking your medication as prescribed unless directed otherwise by your doctor. While headaches are not among the most common side effects of Eliquis, they can occur and should be evaluated, especially if they are severe or persistent. According to the latest clinical guideline from the American College of Physicians 1, for acute episodic migraine headache, treatment options may include over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, which your doctor might recommend for temporary relief. However, it's crucial to avoid taking aspirin or NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) without medical approval, as these can increase bleeding risk when combined with Eliquis.
Key Considerations
- The American College of Physicians guideline 1 suggests considering the use of CGRP antagonists-gepants (rimegepant, ubrogepant, or zavegepant) or ergot alkaloid (dihydroergotamine) for moderate to severe acute episodic migraine headache in nonpregnant outpatient adults who do not tolerate or have inadequate response to combination therapy of a triptan and an NSAID or acetaminophen.
- It's also recommended to consider using the ditan lasmiditan to treat moderate to severe acute episodic migraine headache in nonpregnant outpatient adults who do not tolerate or have inadequate response to all other pharmacologic treatments included in the guideline 1.
- Patients should be aware of medication overuse headache, a potential complication of migraine treatment, and the importance of lifestyle modifications, including staying well hydrated, maintaining regular meals, securing sufficient and consistent sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress 1.
Next Steps
- When you call your provider, be prepared to describe the timing, severity, and duration of your headaches, as well as any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
- Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or consider alternative anticoagulants if the headaches are determined to be medication-related, always prioritizing the management of potential bleeding risks associated with Eliquis.
From the FDA Drug Label
Apixaban can cause bleeding which can be serious and rarely may lead to death. ... Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of these signs or symptoms of bleeding when taking apixaban tablets: ... headaches, feeling dizzy or weak The patient should inform their doctor about the headaches after taking Eliquis (apixaban), as it may be a sign of bleeding. The doctor will assess the situation and provide guidance on the next steps to take. 2
From the Research
Headaches after Taking Eliquis (Apixaban)
- The provided studies do not directly address the issue of headaches after taking Eliquis (apixaban) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- These studies primarily focus on the safety and efficacy of apixaban compared to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease.
- They discuss the risks of bleeding, stroke, and systemic embolism, but do not mention headaches as a side effect.
- Therefore, there is limited evidence to provide guidance on what to do if you experience headaches after taking Eliquis (apixaban).
Potential Next Steps
- If you are experiencing headaches after taking Eliquis (apixaban), it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and determine the best course of action.
- Your healthcare provider may consider alternative anticoagulation therapies or adjust your current treatment plan to minimize any potential side effects.
- It is essential to continue taking your medication as prescribed and not to stop or change your dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
Importance of Medical Supervision
- It is crucial to be under the supervision of a healthcare provider when taking anticoagulation medications like Eliquis (apixaban).
- Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments can help identify any potential issues or side effects, including headaches, and allow for prompt intervention if necessary.
- By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can ensure that your treatment plan is optimized to minimize risks and maximize benefits.