Eliquis/Apixaban and rectal bleeding

[dixiedad]

1. I've been on Eliquis for about three weeks. I've had 3-4 episodes of rectal bleeding, usually two or three days apart. I think maybe it's just some hemorrhoids "encouraged" by the Eliquis. I'm seeing my GI in three days, so I'll know more then.

What has been your experience with Eliquis?

2. Here in the U.S you cannot buy Apixaban, the generic for Eliquis. My Eliquis costs $10 per tablet (2 a day). I've ordered Apixaban from Canada Pharmacy Online canadapharmacyonline.com/ for about $3.60 per tablet. Still expensive, but better than $10. one to three weeks for delivery.

[Hidden]

Hello Dixiedad, I was going to say welcome but I see you have been a member for nearly 3 years. If it’s OK, I’ll share some thoughts on both of your posts here. As you intimidated, it is unlikely that Eliquis (Apixaban) has caused the rectal bleed, and I rather like the term “encouraged”. As you obviously are aware, there could be a number of reasons for the bleed, all anticoagulants tend to do is make the bleeding more obvious which ironically, can have its benefits. We often hear from members who are pleased because something which could have turned nasty has been found much earlier than it might otherwise have been so fingers crossed you will fit into that category next week. Here in the UK we have some knowledge of the cost of drugs in the US and those of us who have reached pension age are fortunate to get our medication free of charge. However, when working, we did all make significant contributions to cover health care so in real terms, it’s been far from free. I’ve now changed my mind and will respond to your Flecainide post separately……

[Moongold7 in reply to Hidden]

My GP told me just weeks ago that a side-effect of taking Apixaban is some bleeding. I had a long string-like strip of blood land in the bowl from it seems my bladder, so I guess it can happen anywhere.

[mav7]

Hi Dixie

May I ask is the blood noticed just on the tissue or in the toilet bowl ? And is the blood color bright red or darker ?

If just on the tissue and bright red and not or lightly noticed in the bowl, likely hemorrhoids. Please note I am not a doctor, but someone who has experienced hemorrhoids and colon polyps. Eliquis will definitely result in hemorrhoids being noticeable.

Good you are seeing your doctor. Would be good to have a colonoscopy if it has been awhile. Best to You !

[dixiedad in reply to mav7]

Yes, bloody water in toilet. A couple of time clots caught in the pad I wear now.

In a way, it's funny. I have permanent 'MANopause from the androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, hot flashes plus the 3 Bs of gynecomastia: Boobs, Belly, and Butt.

And now, to top it off, I have my 'period'.

But I'm still here.

😁

[DawnTX in reply to dixiedad]

You are cute 😊 it’s obvious you are taking this. Seriously not everyone does you know. My dad had colon cancer BUT because he did take it serious even way back when in the 70s, he remained cancer free for over 25 years. Yes it did come back, but then he fought it another nine years fairly painless if you can believe it not even losing his hair. We lost him a week after he turned 82 he passed watching his beloved Red Sox baseball in his recliner.

I couldn’t not answer some thing to you when I saw what you said previously. We are all different. I forget your age but I say you need to double it.❤️

[dixiedad in reply to DawnTX]

82 in August.

During my seven years as a fighter pilot I became somewhat of a fatalist. When your number's up, it's up...HOWEVER...I also learned that there are things you can do to postpone your number coming up.

BTW, I'm a Texan-by-marriage. She was born in Orange.

😊

[DawnTX in reply to dixiedad]

I worked law enforcement, so I know what you mean. FYI I’m a Bostonian by birth, gypsy by nature lol came here for several reasons, but medical was a big one. I almost moved to Austin 20+ years ago was married to a pilot which is how I became a gypsy lol I have no idea where Orange is as I moved here about a year and a half ago and until March after the pacemaker, I have been pretty much homebound in bed for most of the time. Anyway, I do not like the roads here I had been in Florida over 20 years much different pace, but I love the people here. It’s still a small world.

[dixiedad in reply to DawnTX]

My daughter lives in a small town just outside of Boston and we lived in southern NH for 16 years. Boston is my favorite city.

[DawnTX in reply to dixiedad]

my last 25+ years were in the north end across from the Coast Guard base prior to that I have lived both North Shore and south. Yep really is a small world lol it has changed so much. I miss what I know but the last time I was there it didn’t feel like home anymore.

[dixiedad in reply to mav7]

I found out yesterday that in all likelihood it's radiation proctitis. Going back for another colonoscopy next week and my gastro doc says he's optimistic about a cure.

[mav7]

Great you are seeing your GI doctor who may well prescribe a colonoscopy.

Best to You !

[dixiedad in reply to mav7]

Yes, I think so.

Thank you

[dixiedad]

HOLY SHIT!

You're certainly a little ray of sunshine.

☹️

[opal11uk]

Any bleed needs investigation, we can not guess at the reason but there has to be a reason so please see your medics urgently. Could be nothing but don't leave anything to chance.

[Frances123]

Sorry, but that was too over the top and scaremongering.

[Thomas45]

In my case it was because of a polyp in my colon. It was easily dealt with, without any pain, and as a CT scan had shown it was in the Sigmoid colon, in the first few inches, I only had an enema, before it was removed. 3 years later I had 2 colonoscopies, one while on Warfarin to look for polyps, the next to cut out one polyp in my sigmoid colon and three much smaller ones in the rest of my colon. 3 years later, earlier this year, I had another colonoscopy when nothing untoward was found. The worst bit of a colonoscopy is the preparation you do before getting to the hospital. I chose not to have sedation, and felt no pain. Watching the screen as the camera went up and down the colon was fascinating.

[dixiedad in reply to Thomas45]

A few years ago I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy, back to back. I was happily 'asleep'.

[DawnTX in reply to dixiedad]

🥲💩

[DawnTX in reply to Thomas45]

oh my goodness I want to be out cold, and even then when I was due to go last time, I had such a panic attack it had to be canceled. When they did my heart cath , I couldn’t feel anything, and the doctor said you can watch if you want. I told him thanks no thanks I get woozy if I see the needle when you take my blood. You are a brave one. I prefer my doctors cocktail and more and a nice sound rest lol

If anyone didn’t know, there is a prescription of pills they can give you instead of drinking a gallon of “go lightly “or whatever it is, they gave you. It might hit you the same but at least you don’t have to drink all that in this day and age, can’t they find a different way like from the outside lol

[Nightmare2]

Glad you are not replying to me, you surely are one of the doomwatch brigade, sorry but thats how it comes across.🤥

[djmnet]

If you're on Medicare, there's no reason I can think of for the Eliquis to be that expensive. Check your Medicare D coverage; I have a $47/month co-pay for it.

[DawnTX in reply to djmnet]

whoops I hit the wrong one with my novel. Sorry about that.

[DawnTX]

I hope that you have had this checked out by now unless you know you have hemorrhoids, etc. it would freak me out. Please take care of yourself.

[dixiedad in reply to DawnTX]

Scheduled colonoscopy with my gastro.

[DawnTX in reply to dixiedad]

😊