Eliquis’ effect on your kidneys

Eliquis is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). It selectively inhibits factor Xa, which is a key component in the coagulation cascade, thereby preventing the formation of blood clots in patients. Traditional anticoagulants such as warfarin, exert their effects through vitamin K antagonism and necessitate regular monitoring while Eliquis offers a more predictable pharmacokinetic profile. It also does not require routine blood monitoring. More importantly, the medication is predominantly metabolized in the liver, with only a small fraction excreted unchanged in the urine. This minimizes its dependence on renal function for clearance.

So is Eliquis bad for your kidneys? If you are still hesitant, here are some common misconceptions, explained.

Myth: Eliquis Causes Kidney Damage

Reality: There is no direct evidence to suggest that Eliquis does cause kidney damage to patients. Based on clinical trials as well as real-world studies that have evaluated its safety have not shown a significant association between Eliquis use and kidney damage. This is because the medication is predominantly eliminated through the liver rather than the kidneys. This helps in reducing the risk of drug accumulation as well as potential kidney toxicity. However, just as with any medication, individual responses to Eliquis may vary. This is why close monitoring of kidney function is essential for patients, especially those with pre-existing kidney disease or other risk factors.

Myth: Eliquis Worsens Existing Kidney Conditions

Reality: While Eliquis is generally considered safe to be taken by patients who have mild to moderate kidney impairment, adjusting the dosage is highly necessary for those patients who have severe kidney dysfunction. It is important to note that Eliquis is primarily eliminated through the liver, however, a small portion is still excreted through the kidneys.

For patients who have impaired kidney function, drug clearance may be reduced and may lead to an increased risk of drug accumulation and potential adverse effects. It is crucial for healthcare providers to adjust the Eliquis dosage. Patients who have severe kidney impairment should also discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider before taking Eliquis to minimize the risk of side effects.

Myth: Eliquis Increases the Risk of Kidney Failure

Reality: There is limited evidence to suggest that Eliquis increases the risk of kidney failure. Clinical trials and real-world studies have not shown a significant association between its use and kidney failure. In fact, compared to traditional anticoagulants like warfarin, Eliquis has been associated with a lower risk of major bleeding, including bleeding into the kidneys, which can contribute to kidney dysfunction. However, patients with pre-existing kidney disease or other risk factors for kidney failure should be closely monitored while taking the drug.

Clinical Trials and Real-World Studies

There is a wealth of evidence from clinical trials as well as real-world studies that support the safety of Eliquis in patients who have varying degrees of kidney function. These studies have consistently shown that Eliquis has been well-tolerated as well as effective in reducing the risk of thromboembolic events. This includes stroke and systemic embolism, across a spectrum of renal function.

Furthermore, Eliquis has been associated with a lower risk of major bleeding compared to traditional anticoagulants such as warfarin. This is a notable advantage for patients with impaired kidney function who may have an increased risk of bleeding complications.

Renal Function Monitoring

While Eliquis is generally considered safe for patients with normal kidney function and mild to moderate renal impairment, vigilant monitoring of kidney function remains essential. Specifically in patients with pre-existing kidney disease or other risk factors.

Healthcare providers may utilize parameters such as serum creatinine levels as well as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to assess the patient’s renal function and adjust the dosing regimen as needed. Regular monitoring helps ensure the safe and effective use of Eliquis while minimizing the risk of adverse events associated with renal impairment.

Dose Adjustments in Renal Impairment

In patients who have severe renal impairment and are defined as an eGFR less than 25 mL/min/1.73m², it is recommended to adjust the dose of Eliquis to mitigate the risk of drug accumulation as well as other potential adverse effects. Prescribing information for Eliquis that are given to patients must be very specific. In instructing the right dosage recommendations, healthcare providers should base it on the patient’s renal function.

Healthcare providers must tailor the treatment based on individual patient needs. By adjusting the dose according to the degree of renal impairment, healthcare providers can optimize anticoagulation efficacy while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications in what is considered a vulnerable patient population.

Comparative Safety with Other Anticoagulants

Several studies have compared the safety of Eliquis with other anticoagulants, particularly warfarin, in patients with kidney impairment. These comparative analyses have consistently favored Eliquis, demonstrating a lower risk of major bleeding events, including bleeding into the kidneys, and fewer adverse kidney outcomes compared to warfarin. Additionally, it offers advantages such as fewer drug interactions and dietary restrictions, enhancing its safety profile and convenience for patients with renal impairment.

Considerations for Special Populations

There are some patient populations, such as elderly individuals as well as those who have comorbidities that may require special considerations when being prescribed Eliquis. Elderly patients, in particular, may have an increased risk of kidney dysfunction due to various age-related changes in their renal function.

This highlights the importance of ensuring careful monitoring as well as adjusting the dosage as needed. Similarly, patients who have concomitant conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart failure may also have additional risk factors for kidney disease. Thus, paying close attention to renal function during Eliquis therapy should be prioritized.

Considered safe 

In conclusion, Eliquis is generally considered safe to be taken by patients who have normal kidney function and mild to moderate renal impairment. There are a lot of clinical trials and real-world studies that support the effectiveness of Eliquis. Specifically in reducing thromboembolic events while minimizing the risk of major bleeding complications. This is compared to traditional anticoagulants like warfarin.

However, it is highly advised that close monitoring of the patient’s renal function as well as dosage adjustment in patients who have severe renal impairment are essential to ensure the safe and effective use of Eliquis. Healthcare providers must prioritize giving individualized treatments based on each patient’s specific factors.

This includes renal function, to optimize the outcomes and mitigate the risk of any adverse events. Just like with any medication, patients prescribed with Eliquis should not hesitate to raise any concerns that they may have about the treatment. You must have good communication and trust your healthcare provider to address concerns and make informed decisions regarding Eliquis therapy and kidney health.

In case you have any additional concerns, feel free to contact us and we will try to get you the right information. In case you have already been prescribed Eliquis, we invite you to share your experiences as this may help other people who may be curious about this popular prescription medication. As this medication can be quite costly, you may check PharmaServe and buy Eliquis at a more affordable price. As well, PharmaServe has other popular medications in stock, making it a more convenient option for buying medicines.

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PharmaServe is an online pharmacy that carries a good selection of the most in-demand medications but has consciously made an effort to keep everything affordably priced. In doing so, we can provide valuable support to patients who need these popular medications and help ensure that they can maintain good health.

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References and Further Reading

• https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-research-shows-newer-blood-thinners-have-lower-risk-of-kidney-function-decline/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7081809/#:~:text=Warfarin,due%20to%20downregulation%20of%20CYP450
• https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/new-generation-anticoagulants-may-be-safer-than-warfarin-for-people-with-chronic-kidney-disease/
• https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/which-blood-thinner-right-you