Apixaban users told 'call 111' if they spot this toilet symptom
The NHS listed a number of "serious" side effects of this drug
People who take a commonly prescribed medication have been urged to “call 111” if they experience a certain symptom on the toilet. This could be the result of internal bleeding and require medical assistance.
Apixaban is an anticoagulant medicine used to help prevent blood clots from forming.
These are dangerous as they can travel to major organs, causing strokes, heart attacks, or pulmonary embolisms.
Millions of Brits are prescribed anticoagulants every year, either to treat existing clots or because they are at risk of them. However, as is the case with any medication, they can come with some unwanted side effects.
The NHS says: “Like all medicines, apixaban can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. One of the most common side effects of taking apixaban is bleeding more than usual.”
This might include:
- Bleeding for longer than usual if you cut yourself
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding from your gums when you brush your teeth
- Bruises that come up more easily and take longer to fade than usual
- Periods that are heavier and last longer than usual
Other side effects could include:
- A problem with your blood cells (anaemia), which can make you feel tired and your skin paler than usual
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- A rash
The NHS continued: “Apixaban can sometimes cause serious side effects, but most of them are rare. A more common serious side effect is heavy bleeding or internal bleeding.”
A sign that you are experiencing this is blood appearing in the toilet, within your urine or poo. On the NHS website it states that you should call 111 if you’re on apixaban and notice any symptoms of bleeding.
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Other signs of bleeding might include:
- Blood in your vomit or coughing up blood
- Bleeding in the brain – you might have a sudden bad headache with confusion, sensitivity to light, slurred speech, difficulty moving your arms or legs, or feeling or being sick
- Bleeding from the surgical wound after you've had surgery
Other serious side effects may include an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure (hypotension) – causing symptoms such as feeling lightheaded, dizzy, tired or faint, or having a faster heartbeat than usual.
You should call NHS 111 if you're taking apixaban and:
- You have symptoms of bleeding
- You've had a head injury
- You think you might be having any other serious side effects
The NHS adds: “You'll be given an anticoagulant alert card because apixaban may put you at risk of bleeding. Always carry this with you. Show it to your doctor or dentist before you have any medical or dental procedures.”
