Eliquis and iron

[hike4u2]

I am have been on Eliquis for a few years and recently my hematocrit and my iron dropped dramatically. Could Eliquis cause this? My doctor told me to take Iron supplements, but could there be unwanted interactions with the iron and the Eliquis? I have not had any A-Fib for the last couple of years, but doc wanted me to stay on Eliquis. I am thinking that maybe I should take less. Will be talking to her on Thursday about this, too. Thanks for your replies.

[mjames1]

Depending on the numbers, you may need a GI work up to rule out bleeding.

Jim

[ForensicFairy]

Do you take a PPI (nexium)? It can cause low iron. Given you’re on an anti coag you really need to be checked for bleeding as Jim said.

[hike4u2 in reply to ForensicFairy]

Not on PPI. I will talk to my doc about GI work up. Would that be an upper endoscopy? A colonoscopy too?

[ForensicFairy in reply to hike4u2]

Normally only a colonoscopy as issues with the digestive tract are normally more noticeable. Still, it’s easy for them to do both at the same time. I have a hiatus hernia and issues with polyps so always have had both done. Speak to your doc. They’re the best to advise.

[mjames1 in reply to hike4u2]

They generally do both if they suspect a GI bleed. If negative they might also do a capsule endoscopy which looks at the small intestine as well.

Jim

[Jajarunner]

This must be investigated as should any unexplained bleeding. The anticoagulants will make bleeds slower to clot but should not cause bleeding. If your iron has dropped the reason should be identified. Best wishes x

[Ppiman]

Your doctor is the only worthwhile guide. Did the doctor check for any hidden blood loss as apixaban can presumably worsen blood loss from things like stomach ulcers or diverticular issues?

Steve

[KenRC]

I recently had a full blood count & am the same. I’ve been on eliquis for around a year & been in nsr since an ablation last October. GP had me supply stool & urine samples, both came back negative (thank goodness). Still trying to establish the cause….

[birdpie]

Have you had a CBC blood test? If so check your hemoglobin level and that will tell you if you are bleeding. If you haven't gotten a CBC do so ASAP. I personally had a very bad reaction to Eliquis. Over time I had multiple transfusions and hospitalizations because of dropping hemoglobin counts while on Eliquis. I also had multiple colonoscopies and upper GI and pill cam tests and none showed the source of bleeding. Finally I had a Watchman device placed which totally solved the problem. I no longer take Eliquis, just a baby aspirin and have not bled since. (August 2023). However since I can't tolerate blood thinners it narrows my treatment choices going forward.

[Spud12345]

I would ask for other options instead of eliquis especially if you haven’t had a fib for years. Tumeric is a natural blood thinner or aspirin or nothing if u don’t have episodes you can always restart it later if afib comes back. I would ask to get of wlaquis if you r having problems with hematocrit and iron

[Vnorkus1]

Please investigate other reasons for you numbers to suddenly be so low. This happened to someone I know and he had colon cancer which was causing a loss of blood. Happy to say that he is fine now, after treatment.

[hike4u2]

Thanks to all of you for your wisdom and kindness. I did have a CBC and the hemoglobin was 10.5 and hematocrit 31.4, RBC 3.61 - all low. Then I tested for Iron - Total - 23, Sturation - 6, Ferritin 8 - all low but the iron binding capacity was 402 in the normal range. No black or bloody stools. I think because of my age 77, gender and one TIA the numbers says I have a high stroke risk. So we will see on Thursday where we go from here.