can apixaban cause upset stomach

[Norfolk_spaniel]

My GP put me on apixaban two weeks ago. Fine to start with except I did become constipated. I now also have an upset stomach and some griping stomach pains. No blood in stools. Has anybody else suffered with constipation and/or stomach problems with apixaban? Just wondering if it is due to apixaban or could be something else. I do not tolerate any medication well and am struggling to get over covid which I had 10 weeks ago.

[Hidden]

All I can say is it has never had that affect on me………

[Desanthony in reply to Hidden]

Nor me. Covid can cause stomach problems too - though it didn't for either me or my wife recently.

[Czech_Mate]

I've been on apixaban for nearly a year now. For me it's been without any stomach problems, just being careful with higher possibility of bleeding. Let us know if you find out what has caused your problems.Good luck.

[mrgwair567]

Have been on Apixaban for 7 years without any issues of this kind

[wilsond]

No,been on since 2017 no extra probs from it. I have had IBS bouts for years prior but not worse since. I have heard of gastric issues with the other NOACs though( Edoxaban etc)

[valthomas15]

Yes, I too was put on Apixaban and suffered dreadful constipation, the GP changed me to Edoxaban, but unfortunately it has made no difference. Because as the doctor explained it is necessary to remain on this he has now also prescribed Senna. I have tried everything else, kiwi fruit, prune juice etc, nothing helps, only now the senna!

[Norfolk_spaniel in reply to valthomas15]

Thanks. Have you tried papaya? On a recent holiday we had lots and lots of fruit and fresh juices resulting in the runs. We were then told that papaya is a natural laxative.

[richard_jw in reply to valthomas15]

I will try senna. It might be some sort of ibs. I have had some success in the past with low dosage amyltryptiline which is an anti depressant. It fixed the problem for me. The problem is that gp won't prescribe it because of other meds

[Tapanac in reply to valthomas15]

4-6 soft prunes snd 2 soft figs (any supermarket amongst the home cooking section) work very well for me anyway for breakfast with hot water

[richard_jw]

I was put on rivaroxaban 20mg in January. It was OK for a few weeks but then I started to have terrible stomach cramps mostly at night. I was getting only 3 hours sleep.I found that it's a problem with rivaroxaban and cardiologist changed med to apixaban 5mg bd.

It has not helped. I'm taking fybogel and mebeverine (colofac) and even glycerol suppositories just to get some sleep.

Cardiologist says it's not the apixaban and recommended seeing a gastroenterologist

Which I did and I'm having a colonoscopy this Sunday.

I think it's a waste of NHS money and the apixaban is the problem.

If so I don't know what to do since I presumably need anticoagulant. I have filled in a yellow card for what its worth.

I see lots of people have no problems with apixaban but that does not help me. Or you

Sorry about your problems but they seem identical to mine. Uncannily so. I will post about the results of the colonoscopy

[Auriculaire in reply to richard_jw]

You could try Pradaxa (Dabigatran). It can give digestive issues too but more of the upper digestive tract type - burping indigestion etc. Apixaban gives me these to a lesser degree than Pradaxa did but awful back pain.

[valthomas15 in reply to richard_jw]

I too have had bowel tests and liver scans and the GP has agreed that it's probably the blood thinners causing the constipation. I have a friend who suffers the same also on Apixaban. I am sorry that you are having the same problem, but in some ways it's comforting to know that it's not just me, especially when others say they don't have a problem! Try the Senna. 🤞

[frazeej]

I posted previously asking for advice for the constipation/apixaban issue, so I can offer follow up now: I found prune juice to be a disaster-prune juice contains an unnatural sugar, sorbitol, which acts as a potent laxative. Perhaps I have a particular sensitivity to sorbitol, but 2 small glasses of prune juice provided almost immediate and "explosive" results-not at all satisfactory!

However, I found that a psyllium fiber supplement (generic of Metamucil, much cheaper) was VERY satisfactory. 1 tablespoon in water after lunch, 1 tablespoon in water after dinner-now regular as clockwork with no bloating, distension, gas or pain. Couldn't be better! I use the pleasant tasting orange flavored product, but it does have added sugar to it-the unflavored is also available with no added sugar.

[Tapanac]

no problems here. Hope you feel better soon

[Golitely]

Since I have been taking Eliquis I have been in the same boat. I take a good probiotic along with psyllium husk.