Does Eliquis lower blood pressure?

In this article:

• Does Eliquis lower blood pressure?
• What are the best blood pressure medications?
• Can you take Eliquis with blood pressure medications

In this article

• Does Eliquis lower blood pressure?
• What are the best blood pressure medications?
• Can you take Eliquis with blood pressure medications

Hypertension, more commonly referred to as high blood pressure, happens when blood pumps through the body too forcefully, which can cause damage to the blood vessels. When someone has hypertension, not only does their heart have to work harder, but it can also result in life-threatening conditions, like a heart attack or stroke. 

The potentially fatal condition is also extremely common, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating that nearly half of adults have high blood pressure or are taking medication to treat it. 

One well-known prescription medication taken for a cardiovascular condition is Eliquis, sold under the generic name apixaban. Eliquis is typically given to patients to treat excessive blood clotting or to reduce the risk of stroke, but can it also help lower blood pressure? We’ve gone to the medical experts to find out.

Does Eliquis lower blood pressure?

“Eliquis is a type of blood thinner known as an anticoagulant,” said Dr. Erika Gray, a PharmD, and the founder of ToolBox Genomics and MyToolBox Genomics. She continued, “It works to prevent blood clots and break down already formed clots by altering the body’s natural clotting process. Eliquis can be used to treat blood clots that have already formed or help prevent blood clots in people who are at a high risk of developing them.”

Eliquis belongs to a group of medications called Factor Xa inhibitors. Eliquis may be given for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism. It also reduces the risk of stroke in those with atrial fibrillation (AFib). Healthcare providers may also prescribe this medication for those undergoing knee replacement surgery or hip replacement surgery to reduce the risk of clotting as a result of the procedure.

That being said, Eliquis does not lower blood pressure; it rather prevents the formation of blood clots. However, healthcare professionals may prescribe Eliquis along with a medication designed to lower blood pressure. It’s not uncommon for patients to have multiple related medical conditions, meaning some individuals may require an anticoagulant and blood pressure medication.

“It’s worth noting that while Eliquis doesn’t impact blood pressure directly, severe side effects — like internal bleeding — could indirectly lower blood pressure if a significant amount of blood is lost. That’s rare, but it’s something we always keep an eye on,” explained Dr. Pamela Tambini, a double board-certified physician and the Medical Director at Engage Wellness. She added, “Otherwise, if your blood pressure changes while you’re on Eliquis, it’s usually related to other medications or conditions.”

What are the best blood pressure medications?

While Eliquis isn’t a medication that lowers blood pressure, there are many others on the market that were formulated to manage blood pressure. There are several different drugs and types of drugs that may be prescribed for patients who need to lower their blood pressure. The class of medications may include:

• Alpha blockers work by reducing resistance in the arteries and relaxing vascular walls.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs, block angiotensin, which narrows arteries. 
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors, work by opening and relaxing blood vessels.
• Beta-blockers work by lowering the heart rate and some of them also relax blood vessels.
• Blood vessel dilators, or vasodilators, work by relaxing blood vessel walls.
• Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing and opening the blood vessels and block calcium from going into the heart.
• Central alpha-2 receptor agonists work by blocking signals from the brain that narrow blood vessels and increase heart rate.
• Diuretics work by removing excess salt and water from the body.

Can you take Eliquis with blood pressure medications

“Eliquis is often prescribed with blood pressure medications; they can be used together to decrease the risk of developing blood clots and having a stroke. High blood pressure increases your likelihood of developing a blood clot, and Eliquis works to thin the blood and prevent clot formation,” said Dr. Gray.

Before starting Eliquis or combining a new medication with Eliquis, give your healthcare provider or pharmacist a complete list of the medications and dietary supplements you’re taking. This way, you can avoid any unwanted medication interactions and decrease the risk of adverse effects. 

“That said, because you’re combining multiple medications, your doctor will monitor you closely—especially for any signs of bleeding, which is the main side effect we watch for with blood thinners like Eliquis. It’s important to follow your provider’s instructions carefully and report any unusual symptoms like easy bruising, bleeding gums, or unexplained fatigue,” advised Dr. Tambini.

As with any medication, there is a risk of side effects that may be experienced on Eliquis. Common side effects of Eliquis can include allergic reactions, headache, dizziness, and bruising. There is also a risk of serious bleeding, which would require immediate medical attention or a trip to the emergency room. There’s a higher risk of these serious side effects for patients who take aspirin, Warfarin, and Heparin.