Patient was educated on contraindications for using Eliquis as follows:
- Eliquis should be avoided in individuals with valvular heart disease and with prosthetic heart valves. Use of Eliquis in such individuals carries a significant risk for clot formation and consequent embolism.
- Eliquis should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of brain and spinal surgeries, as Eliquis can result in spinal cord blood clot formation, resulting in excruciating pain in the back with numbness and weakness of bilateral lower extremities. In extreme cases, use of Eliquis can also result in permanent paralysis.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice, while you are taking Eliquis. Grapefruit juice inhibits the metabolism of Eliquis and this can lead to increased blood levels of Eliquis for longer duration, leading to toxicity and episodes of bleeding.
- Do not consume alcohol, while you are taking Eliquis, as alcohol can increase the effects of blood thinner and consequently, make the blood extra thin, thus resulting episodes of hemorrhage and bleeding.
