Does Eliquis affect your bowel movements? Understanding Gastrointestinal Side Effects

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to clinical trial data, common gastrointestinal (GI) side effects like constipation and diarrhea affect between 1% and 10% of Eliquis users. While many experience these minor digestive changes, it is crucial to understand how Eliquis affects your bowel movements and recognize signs of more serious complications like internal bleeding.

Quick Summary

Eliquis can cause minor gastrointestinal side effects, including constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. A more significant risk, due to its blood-thinning effect, is internal gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients must distinguish between minor issues and urgent symptoms like bloody or black stools, which require immediate medical attention.

Key Points

Common GI Side Effects: Eliquis can cause minor digestive issues like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea in a small percentage of users.
Serious Bleeding Risk: The primary concern for bowel movements is the potential for gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a serious, though less frequent, side effect.
Watch for Bloody Stools: Signs of GI bleeding include red or black, tarry stools, and should be treated as a medical emergency.
Mild Symptom Management: Taking Eliquis with food can help with nausea, and staying hydrated is important for diarrhea.
Consult Your Doctor: It is essential to report all changes in bowel habits to your healthcare provider, especially if symptoms are persistent or severe.
Other Factors: Be aware that other factors like diet, other medications, and existing health conditions could also contribute to changes in your bowel movements.

Common Eliquis Effects on Bowel Movements

Eliquis (apixaban) is a powerful anticoagulant designed to prevent blood clots. While it is highly effective, its mechanism of reducing the blood's clotting ability can have systemic effects, including on the digestive tract. For some individuals, this can lead to changes in bowel habits that are usually mild and manageable.

Constipation

Constipation is listed as a possible common side effect of Eliquis, affecting approximately 1% to 10% of users. However, it is not considered one of the medication's defining gastrointestinal issues. Factors like diet, hydration, physical activity, and other medications can often be the primary cause of constipation in patients also taking Eliquis. If you experience constipation after starting Eliquis, a healthcare provider can help determine the root cause and recommend appropriate management strategies.

Diarrhea

Similar to constipation, diarrhea is also a common, though not frequent, side effect reported by Eliquis users (1-10%). While mild diarrhea may resolve on its own as your body adjusts to the medication, persistent or severe cases should be reported to a doctor. Maintaining hydration is especially important when experiencing diarrhea.

Nausea and Upset Stomach

Nausea and other general stomach problems are among the most common gastrointestinal side effects, with studies reporting nausea in over 10% of participants. Taking Eliquis with food or a light snack can often help reduce these symptoms. An upset stomach can sometimes lead to changes in appetite or other mild digestive disturbances.

Serious Bowel-Related Side Effects: Gastrointestinal Bleeding

The most serious risk associated with Eliquis affecting bowel movements is gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Because Eliquis prevents blood clotting, any bleeding that occurs in the digestive tract can be more severe. This can range from minor rectal bleeding to a major, life-threatening hemorrhage.

Signs of GI Bleeding

It is crucial to be aware of the signs of internal bleeding and seek immediate medical help if they appear. The symptoms can include:

Bloody or red-colored stools: This often indicates bleeding in the lower GI tract.
Black, tarry stools (Melena): This is a key indicator of bleeding higher up in the digestive system, such as the stomach or esophagus, where blood has been digested.
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds: A sign of upper GI bleeding.
Severe stomach pain: Unexplained or worsening abdominal pain could signal internal bleeding.
Unusual fatigue or weakness: This can be a symptom of blood loss.

Distinguishing Minor Discomfort from Major Bleeding


Feature	Minor GI Side Effects	Serious GI Bleeding
Symptom Type	Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, mild abdominal pain	Bloody or black, tarry stools; vomiting blood; severe stomach pain
Symptom Severity	Mild, may subside over time or with simple management	Severe and persistent; indicates a medical emergency
Frequency	Common (1-10%), though often manageable	Uncommon (<3% of users in studies), but life-threatening
Action Required	Monitor symptoms; try management tips like food with medication; consult doctor if persistent	Seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Managing Digestive Issues on Eliquis

For managing minor digestive discomforts while on Eliquis, consider the following strategies in consultation with your healthcare provider:

Take with Food: Taking your dose with a snack or meal can help mitigate nausea and an upset stomach.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is important, especially if you experience diarrhea, to prevent dehydration.
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of any new or worsening gastrointestinal symptoms to discuss with your doctor at your next appointment. Do not ignore persistent symptoms.
Consider Other Factors: Remember that other medications you are taking, such as NSAIDs, or pre-existing conditions could also be impacting your GI health.

Conclusion

Yes, Eliquis can affect your bowel movements, with some users experiencing minor side effects like constipation or diarrhea. However, the most critical consideration is the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Monitoring your bowel movements for signs of bleeding, such as black or tarry stools, is vital for your safety. While minor symptoms can often be managed with simple adjustments, any sign of serious bleeding should be treated as a medical emergency. Always consult your healthcare provider to discuss any concerns and ensure the safest use of this important medication.

For more information on the side effects of Eliquis, consult a reliable medical resource such as Drugs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Constipation and diarrhea are possible side effects of Eliquis, though they are not reported by a majority of users. Clinical data indicates these issues affect between 1% and 10% of people.

If you experience constipation, consult your doctor. They may suggest increasing your fluid and fiber intake. If the issue persists, your doctor can investigate other causes or recommend appropriate remedies.

Serious GI bleeding can cause bloody or black, tarry stools. Other signs include vomiting blood or material that resembles coffee grounds, severe abdominal pain, and unusual weakness or dizziness.

If you experience nausea or an upset stomach with Eliquis, taking it with a small snack or meal is often recommended to help reduce these symptoms.

Before using any over-the-counter medication, including laxatives, you should speak with your healthcare provider. Some products can interact with blood thinners or worsen existing GI problems.

You should seek immediate medical help if you notice any signs of serious bleeding, such as black or bloody stools, or if you experience severe abdominal pain, bloody vomit, or unusual fatigue.

Yes, many medications can affect bowel movements. Common examples include opioids, iron supplements, and certain pain relievers. Your healthcare provider can review your medication list to identify potential causes.