Does Eliquis Cause Diarrhea? Understanding Gastrointestinal Side Effects

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

In clinical trials, gastrointestinal side effects including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea were reported as common side effects of Eliquis (apixaban), occurring in 1% to 10% of patients. While typically mild, understanding if Does Eliquis cause diarrhea? and how to manage it safely is crucial for patients taking this anticoagulant.

Quick Summary

Eliquis can cause diarrhea, though it affects a small percentage of users. This article explains the frequency of gastrointestinal issues, distinguishes between mild discomfort and serious bleeding symptoms, and provides safe management strategies for diarrhea.

Key Points

Diarrhea is a possible side effect: Clinical trials list diarrhea as a 'common' side effect of Eliquis (apixaban), affecting 1% to 10% of users.
Monitor for signs of bleeding: Distinguish between mild digestive upset and serious gastrointestinal bleeding, which can appear as black or red stools.
Stay hydrated and adjust diet: For mild diarrhea, focus on drinking plenty of fluids and eating bland foods like the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).
Consult before using anti-diarrheal medication: Do not use over-the-counter anti-diarrheals without a doctor's approval, as they could mask serious bleeding symptoms.
Contact a doctor for persistent symptoms: Seek medical advice for diarrhea that lasts more than a couple of days, or if accompanied by severe pain, fever, or dehydration.
Eliquis is less diet-sensitive than Warfarin: Unlike warfarin, Eliquis is not significantly affected by dietary vitamin K changes, which can be altered during a diarrheal episode.

The Connection: Does Eliquis Cause Diarrhea?

Eliquis (apixaban) is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) used to prevent and treat blood clots. While highly effective, it can cause a range of side effects, including issues affecting the digestive system. According to clinical data, diarrhea is a known potential side effect. The likelihood falls within the “common” range, meaning it has been observed in 1% to 10% of people in some studies.

For most individuals, this gastrointestinal discomfort is mild and may subside as the body adjusts to the medication. However, it is essential to be aware of this possibility and differentiate between minor digestive upset and more serious, potentially bleeding-related, issues.

Differentiating Mild Digestive Upset from Serious GI Bleeding

While mild diarrhea is a manageable symptom, patients on any anticoagulant, including Eliquis, are at an increased risk of bleeding. This risk extends to the gastrointestinal tract, and internal bleeding can manifest as changes in bowel movements. It is vital to recognize the difference between a mild, self-limiting case of diarrhea and a sign of a more severe condition. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding:

Red or black, tarry stools
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Severe, uncontrolled bleeding from any part of the body
Severe abdominal pain
Headaches, dizziness, or weakness
Unexpected bruising or bleeding from the gums

Management Strategies for Mild Diarrhea on Eliquis

For mild, non-bloody diarrhea, several strategies can help manage the symptoms. It's important to discuss any persistent side effects with a healthcare provider, but these general tips can help alleviate discomfort.

Hydration and Diet:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, including water, broths, and juices, to replace lost electrolytes and prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can further irritate your digestive system.
Adopt a BRAT diet: The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is often recommended for managing diarrhea. These low-fiber, bland foods can help firm up stools.
Avoid trigger foods: For a few days, avoid dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods, and highly seasoned dishes that can exacerbate symptoms.
Eat small, frequent meals: Instead of three large meals, try smaller, more frequent portions to ease the burden on your digestive system.

Medication Considerations:

Consult before using anti-diarrheals: Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications, like loperamide, should not be taken without a doctor's approval. Some conditions that cause diarrhea, particularly bacterial infections, should not be treated with these medicines, and their use could mask more serious bleeding issues associated with an anticoagulant.
Discuss with your doctor: If your diarrhea is persistent or worrying, your healthcare provider may investigate the cause and, if necessary, adjust your Eliquis dosage.

Managing Diarrhea: Eliquis vs. Warfarin

Patients switching from or considering Eliquis often compare its side effect profile to that of older anticoagulants, such as warfarin. While both can cause gastrointestinal issues, there are key differences in how they are managed.


Feature	Eliquis (Apixaban)	Warfarin (Coumadin)
Mechanism	Directly inhibits Factor Xa in the clotting cascade, independent of vitamin K.	Inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.
Dietary Impact	Generally not affected by diet, though some advise limiting grapefruit.	Highly sensitive to vitamin K intake; diarrhea can significantly alter vitamin K absorption, affecting INR levels.
Diarrhea Risk	Reported as a common side effect (1-10%), typically mild.	Also causes GI issues like diarrhea and nausea. Diarrhea episodes can affect INR, requiring more frequent monitoring.
Monitoring	No routine blood tests (like INR) are required.	Requires regular INR monitoring, which may increase during or after a bout of diarrhea.
Management	Mostly supportive care (hydration, diet), with consultation for persistent issues.	Careful management due to potential impact on INR. Dose adjustments may be necessary during illness.

When to Contact Your Doctor

While mild, transient diarrhea may resolve on its own, certain signs warrant prompt medical advice or care. It is important to know your body and not ignore persistent or severe symptoms while on a blood thinner. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if:

Diarrhea lasts longer than a day or two and is not improving.
You notice any signs of bleeding in your stool (red or black) or vomit.
You experience severe or persistent abdominal pain.
You have symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness, weakness, or decreased urination.
You develop a fever or other flu-like symptoms.

It is always better to be cautious and seek professional medical guidance if you are concerned about any side effects while taking Eliquis. The risk of bleeding, though low, is a serious consideration. A healthcare provider can assess your individual situation and ensure your safety and the continued effectiveness of your treatment.

Conclusion

Does Eliquis cause diarrhea? Yes, it is a possible and common side effect, though it typically affects only a small portion of users. Most cases are mild and can be managed with hydration and simple dietary changes. The key for anyone on an anticoagulant is to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms of more serious gastrointestinal bleeding. Any sign of blood in the stool or severe, persistent abdominal pain requires immediate medical attention. By communicating openly with your healthcare provider and following a cautious approach, you can effectively manage potential side effects while continuing your treatment safely. For reliable medical information, resources like MedlinePlus are available to provide further details on medications and health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diarrhea is considered a common side effect of Eliquis, occurring in 1% to 10% of patients during clinical trials. This is a relatively low frequency compared to other side effects like nausea, but it is a known possibility.

You should not take any over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication without first consulting your healthcare provider. Taking these medications could potentially mask symptoms of serious internal bleeding, a risk with any anticoagulant, and may not be safe depending on the cause of your diarrhea.

If you experience severe or persistent diarrhea, you should contact your doctor immediately. They can assess whether it is related to your medication, an infection, or another issue and provide a safe treatment plan.

Signs of serious gastrointestinal bleeding can include red or black, tarry stools, or vomiting blood or a substance resembling coffee grounds. These are medical emergencies and require immediate medical attention.

For mild diarrhea, consider adopting a bland, low-fiber diet, often referred to as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). Avoid fatty, spicy, and high-fiber foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol.

Compared to older anticoagulants like warfarin, Eliquis is generally considered to have a more predictable side effect profile with fewer interactions. While diarrhea is a possibility with both, Eliquis is not directly affected by dietary vitamin K changes associated with diarrhea in warfarin users.

Your first steps should be to ensure you stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of clear fluids like water and broth. Gradually introduce bland foods back into your diet, and always inform your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.