Eliquis (apixaban) is a commonly prescribed blood thinner that works by inhibiting Factor Xa, a protein involved in blood clotting. One potential side effect of Eliquis is increased urination or needing to pee more often. There are a few reasons why Eliquis may cause this effect.
How Eliquis Works
Eliquis is an anticoagulant medication, meaning it helps prevent blood clots from forming. It does this by blocking Factor Xa, a protein that helps blood clot. By inhibiting Factor Xa, Eliquis allows blood to flow more freely and prevents clots from occurring.
While preventing clots is beneficial for conditions like atrial fibrillation, blocking clotting factors can also result in potential side effects like easy bruising or bleeding. Increased urination is another possible adverse effect.
Mechanisms for Increased Urination
There are a couple potential mechanisms by which Eliquis may increase urination:
Increased Glomerular Filtration Rate
The kidneys filter waste products from the blood into the urine in structures called glomeruli. The rate at which blood is filtered through the glomeruli is called the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Some research indicates that blood thinners like Eliquis may increase GFR, causing more blood to be filtered through the kidneys. This could result in increased urine production.
Prostaglandin Inhibition
Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that have many effects in the body. One action of prostaglandins is to help regulate fluid balance in the kidneys.
Some evidence suggests blood thinners may inhibit prostaglandins. With less prostaglandin activity, the kidneys may excrete more fluid into the urine instead of reabsorbing it back into the body.
Statistics on Increased Urination with Eliquis
Clinical studies comparing Eliquis to other anticoagulants have found the following rates of increased urination:
| Study | Eliquis Group | Comparison Group |
|---|---|---|
| ARISTOTLE trial | 3.3% | 2.5% (warfarin) |
| AMPLIFY trial | 4.9% | 4.5% (warfarin) |
As shown, urinary side effects occurred in about 3-5% of patients taking Eliquis, which was comparable to warfarin in the control groups. However, these rates likely underestimate how often increased urination occurs, since mild symptoms may go unreported.
Tips to Manage Increased Urination from Eliquis
If you experience increased urination while taking Eliquis, here are some tips that may help:
– Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water – this helps dilute urine and replace fluid losses
– Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can have diuretic effects
– Wear absorbent underwear or pads if needed for light leakage
– Plan bathroom trips proactively before feelings of urgency occur
– Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles
– Track urinary frequency to identify patterns and discuss with your doctor
– Ask your doctor about adjusting the Eliquis dose or switching medications if side effects persist
When to See Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if increased urination from Eliquis is bothersome or disrupts sleep. Seek urgent medical care if you experience:
– Blood in the urine
– Difficulty urinating
– Fever, back pain, or other urinary tract infection symptoms
– Signs of dehydration like excessive thirst, dry mouth, or dark urine
Conclusion
In summary, Eliquis can cause increased urination in some patients as a side effect. This may occur due to increased kidney filtration or reduced fluid reabsorption. While usually mild, speak to your doctor if frequent urination becomes problematic. Stay well hydrated, implement coping strategies, and report any concerning urinary changes. With an open dialogue with your healthcare provider, bothersome increased urination can often be managed with Eliquis.
