Liver function problems resulting from Apixaban medication?

[TraceyAD]

Is there anyone on here that has been on Apixaban and have found it to cause liver function problems? I had blood test to check for my liver function before going on to Apixaban and the results were normal but since being on this medication for 2 and half months my bloods have come back saying that my liver function is quite high? Has anyone else had this happen?

[Hidden]

Hi Tracey, I’m not medically trained however it’s my understanding that those of us who take Apixaban (and some other DOAC’s) need regular liver and kidney function tests is because they are the means by which any excess chemicals leave the body. The tests are not normally carried out because the medication adversely affects the organs so it will be interesting to hear what others say. There are a number of reasons which could cause your levels to reduce but clearly the coincidence ought to be checked out and maybe an alternative offered…..

[TraceyAD in reply to Hidden]

Well the nurse said the normal level is between 40-50 and mine is at 118. I'm going to speak to the nurse today so I will ask her what it all means.🤦‍♀️

[BobD Volunteer]

The liver filters the drug from your body which is why you need regular checks. A higher reading may indicate that the liver is not working so well rather than be caused by the drug but as FJ suggests it should be investigated.

[TraceyAD]

I have been booked in for more bloods and then further investigation. Thank you both for your help and advice.

[MarkS]

There have been reports of liver damage from Eliquis (Apixaban), see: drugwatch.com/eliquis/side-...

The National Institutes of Health reported that after the drug was approved in 2012, reports of mild liver injury occurred, stating “liver injury arose within days of starting apixaban.” I would wait and see what the further tests show but you might need to switch to another anticoagulant.

[TraceyAD in reply to MarkS]

That's interesting to read. I'm having repeat bloods taken so I'll see what that shows and I'll speak to the nurse on Friday. Thank you.

[Tryfan]

Very interesting. My surgery has written to me out of the blue, to book a blood test. " Your 56th in the queue on our new automated hospital booking system". So no time soon. "You can of course book using are interactive web site". Having spent a career in IT. I can confirm "oh no you can't it doesn't exist"."Nurse, where are my blood pressure pills".

[wilsond]

Yes ,now and then I get raised liver levels. Usually have to get redone in 12 weeks. Always gone back down touch wood.Lots of influences on liver function not just our meds.

Try not to worry but ask for a re test if not offered.

Did they make any suggestions as to response ? Xx

[TraceyAD in reply to wilsond]

I managed to get myself booked in for the nurse to do the bloods again, but they haven't said why it's showing a higher reading. I'll be speaking to the nurse again on Friday so I will ask them why I'm liver function could be so high and see what they say. Thank you.

[Ellie-Ann]

Yes Tracy. Me! I started on Apaxiban and also had my first AZ jab in the same week. My liver function went right up too. It was ok before. I reported it to the drug company who later asked my GP for a report. Still under supervision of a liver doctor now at the hospital and had a couple of scans. He’s phoning me again in a week or two with recent blood test results. Just hoping it’s now going back down but not sure yet at all. Worrying. The live r doctor said it could also have been the jab but thats a rare thing apparently. So I don’t know which it was. Frustrating.Good luck. Hope you go on ok. Report it in….it’s easy and you can do it on line. Look them up and write in.

Regards. Ellie Ann.

[TraceyAD in reply to Ellie-Ann]

I had my first AZ jab the end of May and I had to go into hospital a week after with severe headaches which is when they took bloods and found a clot and then put me on Apixaban. But my blood results for liver function were normal then. Its only 2 and half months later that my bloods have shown problems with the liver function. So for me it definitely wasn't the AZ jab that caused that problem. Its all very strange... but ill hopefully have some answers soon.

[Ellie-Ann in reply to TraceyAD]

Yes. Frustrating isn’t it? I’m waiting for last blood test results. Hoping they have gone down a bit. 🤔. Good luck Tracey.

[belindalore]

Are you on any beta blockers? Metoprolol will also affect the liver. Don't let the Drs brush you off. Push for answers. Hope you will be fine. Take care.

[TraceyAD in reply to belindalore]

No.. I'm not on any beta blockers... but ill definitely not let the doctors brush me off. I'll probably get on their nerves for asking too many questions and nagging them. LolThank you.

[belindalore in reply to TraceyAD]

👍

[Ellie-Ann in reply to belindalore]

On Bisoprolol 2.5 am and pm. Thanks for your reply.

[belindalore in reply to Ellie-Ann]

You're welcome. Everyone in this forum wants the best health they can possibly achieve.

[Ellie-Ann in reply to belindalore]

It’s a good forum and you can learn a lot from others. 👍