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Eliquis Lawsuit

Background information on Eliquis lawsuits, settlements and litigation updates published between 2014 to 2018.

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Russell Maas

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Important Update – January 2026: An Andexxa recall was announced on December 18, 2025, and the drug was subsequently removed from the U.S. market after regulators concluded it failed to reliably reverse life-threatening bleeding while increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, dangerous blood clots, and related deaths.

Andexxa had been the only FDA-approved reversal agent available for bleeding events linked to Xarelto and Eliquis, raising new concerns for patients and providers following its withdrawal. In the wake of the recall, Andexxa lawsuits are now being investigated to determine whether the drug should ever have been approved or kept on the market.

Eliquis Lawsuit Overview

The Eliquis litigation involved claims that the blood thinner apixaban, developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer, caused severe and sometimes fatal bleeding events that were not adequately disclosed to patients or healthcare providers.

Marketed as a safer alternative to warfarin, Eliquis was part of a new generation of anticoagulants promoted for their convenience and reduced need for monitoring. However, users began reporting uncontrollable internal bleeding, gastrointestinal hemorrhages, and brain bleeds, leading to allegations that the manufacturers failed to provide warnings or a reliable antidote to reverse its effects in emergency situations.

As injuries mounted, lawsuits were filed nationwide accusing the drug makers of negligence, design defects, and misrepresentation of Eliquis’s safety profile. Plaintiffs alleged that Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer rushed the drug to market without sufficient clinical testing and withheld adverse event data that could have alerted doctors to bleeding risks. The litigation drew comparisons to similar cases involving other anticoagulants, such as Xarelto and Pradaxa, which faced parallel allegations over unmanageable bleeding injuries and lack of reversal agents.

Federal cases were consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2754) in the Southern District of New York, where coordinated discovery was conducted to examine the companies’ handling of safety data and post-market warnings. Although many claims were eventually dismissed or settled, the lawsuits intensified scrutiny of newer blood thinners and led to continued regulatory oversight of direct oral anticoagulants, reinforcing the need for transparent safety disclosures and adequate patient protections.

Eliquis Litigation Updates

August 29, 2017: Eliquis Cases Over Bleeding Risks in Jeopardy

A federal judge overseeing the Eliquis multidistrict litigation (MDL) signaled that many claims may be dismissed due to insufficient evidence linking the anticoagulant to uncontrollable bleeding injuries. The ruling placed the future of the coordinated litigation at risk.

April 18, 2017: Court Issues Scheduling Order in Eliquis MDL Proceedings

The U.S. District Judge presiding over the Eliquis MDL established a discovery and pretrial schedule, setting deadlines for case management and future hearings. The order was designed to streamline more than 200 federal lawsuits centralized in New York.

March 8, 2017: Procedural Order Filed in Eliquis Bleeding Lawsuits

A new court order was entered outlining case management procedures for the Eliquis litigation, including the exchange of evidence and deadlines for early motions. The move followed growing coordination among plaintiffs alleging severe bleeding injuries.

December 12, 2016: Eliquis MDL Coordination Schedule Announced

The federal court released an initial schedule for managing discovery and motions within the newly formed Eliquis MDL. The order aimed to expedite the handling of claims involving the blood thinner’s alleged failure to include a reversal agent.

October 13, 2016: Eliquis Bleeding Lawsuits Consolidated in Federal MDL

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralized all federal Eliquis lawsuits before Judge Denise Cote in the Southern District of New York. The consolidation was intended to coordinate pretrial proceedings and improve efficiency across dozens of similar cases.

August 5, 2016: Motion Filed to Create MDL for Eliquis Bleeding Problems

Plaintiffs filed a motion to centralize all federal lawsuits involving severe bleeding injuries linked to Eliquis. The request sought to consolidate the growing number of claims alleging the anticoagulant was defectively designed and inadequately labeled.

Eliquis Research and Reports

August 14, 2017: Eliquis Sales Surpass Xarelto and Pradaxa as Prescriptions Rise

Eliquis became the top-selling next-generation anticoagulant, surpassing Xarelto and Pradaxa in prescriptions and revenue. Analysts attributed its market dominance to an aggressive marketing campaign and claims of lower bleeding risks compared to competitors.

May 2, 2017: Eliquis Linked to Anemia and Bleeding Complications in New Study

Researchers identified a potential connection between Eliquis use and an increased risk of anemia due to internal bleeding. The findings raised new safety concerns for patients taking the blood thinner without a readily available reversal agent.

March 10, 2017: Study Finds Eliquis and Other Blood Thinners Carry Similar Bleeding Risks

A large-scale safety analysis found little difference in the rate of major bleeding events between Eliquis, Xarelto, and Pradaxa users. The results contradicted prior claims that Eliquis posed fewer risks, renewing debate about its long-term safety profile.

July 11, 2016: Warfarin Still Considered Safer Option for Some Eliquis Users

A comparative study concluded that certain high-risk patients may fare better on warfarin than Eliquis, particularly those with kidney impairment or adherence challenges. The research underscored the need for more personalized anticoagulant therapy decisions.

August 18, 2015: Eliquis Shown Effective in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

Clinical data indicated that Eliquis could help prevent clot formation in patients with acute coronary syndrome, though researchers warned of increased bleeding risks. The study contributed to ongoing evaluation of Eliquis’s safety across different cardiac conditions.

August 3, 2015: Study Examines Eliquis Adherence Among Atrial Fibrillation Patients

New research revealed that a significant number of patients prescribed Eliquis fail to take the drug as directed, raising the risk of stroke and clot formation. The study highlighted the importance of patient education on adherence to anticoagulant regimens.

November 21, 2014: Eliquis Reversal Agent May Reach Market Before Xarelto and Pradaxa

Researchers suggested that a reversal agent for Eliquis could be available ahead of competing drugs, offering doctors a critical tool for treating uncontrolled bleeding. The development was seen as a key factor in Eliquis’s growing popularity among physicians.

May 28, 2014: Eliquis Marketing Push Targets Growing Blood Thinner Market

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer launched an expansive marketing effort positioning Eliquis as a safer and more convenient alternative to older anticoagulants. The campaign emphasized fewer monitoring requirements but faced criticism for downplaying bleeding risks.

Eliquis Lawsuit Examples

May 3, 2018: Eliquis Lawsuits Over Bleeding Injuries Filed in Delaware Courts

A growing number of plaintiffs filed lawsuits in Delaware state courts, claiming Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer failed to warn about life-threatening bleeding risks linked to Eliquis. The coordinated cases alleged the companies misled doctors and patients about the drug’s safety compared to warfarin.

July 6, 2017: Eliquis Bleeding Injury Lawsuit Filed Over Severe Hemorrhage

A woman filed suit after suffering a major bleeding episode allegedly caused by Eliquis, claiming the manufacturers failed to disclose that no effective reversal agent existed at the time of her treatment. The complaint joined hundreds of similar federal and state court claims.

May 23, 2017: Lawsuit Alleges Fatal Bleeding Event Linked to Eliquis Use

A wrongful death lawsuit was filed after a patient experienced a fatal internal bleed while taking Eliquis for atrial fibrillation. The complaint accused the drugmakers of prioritizing profits over patient safety by rushing the anticoagulant to market.

March 2, 2017: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Eliquis Bleeding Complications

A widow alleged that her husband died from uncontrollable internal bleeding after taking Eliquis, arguing that inadequate warnings and lack of an antidote made the drug unreasonably dangerous. The claim was consolidated with others in federal MDL proceedings.

January 17, 2017: Eliquis Gastrointestinal Bleeding Injury Lawsuit Filed

A plaintiff filed a complaint alleging Eliquis caused severe gastrointestinal bleeding that required hospitalization and emergency blood transfusions. The lawsuit alleged the drug’s labeling failed to adequately inform doctors of its irreversible nature.

October 25, 2016: Eliquis Brain Bleed Lawsuit Filed Following Hemorrhagic Stroke

A patient filed suit claiming Eliquis caused a hemorrhagic stroke that left him permanently disabled. The case alleged the manufacturers failed to test the drug adequately before promoting it as a safer blood thinner alternative.

June 10, 2016: Eliquis Internal Bleeding Lawsuit Filed Over Severe Complications

A man brought a lawsuit against Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer, alleging he suffered internal bleeding shortly after starting Eliquis. The complaint stated that the companies ignored mounting evidence of unmanageable hemorrhage risks.

February 10, 2016: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Fatal Eliquis Bleeding

Family members of a deceased patient filed a wrongful death lawsuit claiming Eliquis led to uncontrollable bleeding and death. The complaint contended that the drug’s warning label lacked sufficient information to alert physicians to potential fatal outcomes.

December 8, 2015: Eliquis Lawsuit Filed Over Uncontrollable Hemorrhaging

A patient filed a lawsuit alleging Eliquis caused a massive internal hemorrhage requiring intensive medical treatment. The case accused the manufacturers of concealing data about the drug’s bleeding risks from both regulators and the public.

October 5, 2015: Eliquis Lawsuits Filed Nationwide Over Severe Bleeding Side Effects

Dozens of new lawsuits were filed across the country claiming that Eliquis users experienced uncontrollable bleeding events. Plaintiffs alleged the drug was marketed as safer than warfarin despite the absence of an approved reversal agent.

March 9, 2015: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Fatal Eliquis Bleeding Event

A wrongful death complaint was filed against Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer after a patient died from severe internal bleeding. The lawsuit alleged that the companies failed to adequately test the drug’s safety before approval and misrepresented its risk profile.

Tags: Blood Thinners, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eliquis
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18 Comments

Deb
I have developed anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, a systolic heart murmur ( with a normal echocardiogram), numbness of the thighs, severe nerve pain ( or neuropathy), and peroneal nerve damage in one leg since starting Eliquis 5mg twice a day eleven months ago for non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Fatigue and quality of life diminished from a very healthy, energetic woman in her 70’s. Very depressing.
Cathy
I was admitted to the hospital for afib. The hospital placed me on eliquis for my afib. Some months later I had unbearable severe acute abdominal pain. I was balled up in bed with severe pain for days with dark tarry stools. I lost alot of weight. I was very weak fatigued had shortness of breath. I was taken to the ER and had to be admitted to the hospital for acute GI bleeding, hemoglobin of 4.6. I had to have blood transfusions multiple tests. The doctors told me do not take any more eliquis. Here it is 5 years later I’m still having to get blood and iron transfusions can’t walk without assistance I’m on home oxygen. I feel like I’m not going to wake up from my sleep. The nurses and my family be abruptly waking me up from my sleep they fear I’m in a dangerous deep sleep.
Gary
I have Afib and was put on Eliquis to prevent a stroke. I also have prostate cancer. I am no longer taking eliquis as it was causing me to pass blood and large blood clots when I was urinating. It got so bad that I was seeing an Urologist for this problem and ended up in the hospital on two separate occasions. While in the hospital they had to flush my bladder for several days until the clots and bleeding subsided. On the second stay I had to have a blood transfusion as my red blood count was low. Being in the hospital is where they found that Eliquis was what was causing the bleeding and was taken off the medication. I no longer am passing blood. Hospital stays are very expensive and disheartening.
Allen
I almost died from blood loss while taking the drug. eliquis. I
Carol
My husband was in the hospital and they said he had A-Fib. He was put on Eliques. He started to have internal bleeding He was back and forth to the hospital getting blood transfusions .This started in Oct of 2019. Kidneys started to fail. Dialysis was next at least 3 times a week December he was in ICU. He died January 14. I was told he isn’t dying it just takes time because of his age.
Donna
My uncle was taking eliquis for about 2 months. My Aunt tried to wake him one morning, he was unresponsive. The doctor said he had 2 brain bleeds. It took a good 3 weeks before the doctors finally got him to wake. He couldn’t talk, just cried, because he didn’t know what happened. About 3 weeks after that, he passed away. My Aunt and myself totally believe eliquis killed him.
Charles
I am currently on Eliquis and I experience regular bleeding episodes, I am hoping to be directed to an attorney to take my case, it’s so bad I have to have bed pads all over the house, seriously I need help!😢
Debra
I had serious breakout that look like blood coming out entire skin.
Gordon
I had a-fib and was placed on Eloquis. In November of 2019 it became difficult to breath and after scans, they discovered I had fluid around my heart. I was placed in icu until I was stable enough for surgery. They did a pericardial window to drain fluid from around my heart and inserted a tube to drain fluid from around my lung. The fluid that had built up was blood. I was bleeding internally and was told it was from the eloquis.
Hunter
My grandmother passed away 1-20-2020. She had been hospitalized the previous week for trouble breathing. My grandmother has never had AFib nor was she at risk for stroke. The hospital administered the drug anyway. My grandmother wasn’t even home a week and was complaining of diarrhea and bloating. My mother found my grandmother unresponsive at 1:30 am and called an ambulance. When arriving at the hospital they had to then put my grandmother on 3 ventilators to keep her alive. When doing this they found my grandmother’s lungs and gut to be full of blood. I believe she suffered from a severe internal gastrointestinal bleed that went unnoticed because my grandmother had never had a problem with the clotting of her blood. I believe eliquis killed my grandmother.
Paige
My father passed away on 7.27.19 at the age of 75 of a non traumatic intracranial hemorrhage while taking Elquis. Healthy one minute gone the next. No symptoms to cause any alarm but found unresponsive one morning and died the next day.
Jose
I took Eliquis due to a blood clot on my leg. After one month of taking the meds I had a brain bleed and multiple brain surgery. I am now on Dialysis and can’t work anymore.
Patricia
I was on Eliquis for approximately 3 weeks starting on 3/15/19. I discontinued the medication because it affected my hemorrhoids. However, I continue to experience problems with my bowels (its now May 2019), and muscles in my lower body. As well as my spine – so much- that it is painful for me to drive my car.
Peter
Eliquise is suppose to prevent strokes I took the drug twice a day and had a stroke, while in rehab I asked other patients what they were taking and theyalmost all were taking Eliquise including a person who shared a hospital room who had a 2nd stroke while on the drug
Mark
I was on Eliquise for six weeks at age 54 and woke to terrible lower stomach pain , a few hours later I was rushed into surgery an was found to be bleeding from the small vessels in my pancreas , my surgeon stopped the bleed , he said if I wasent in an auto accident the bleed resulted from the blood thinner! I was never given an option, just put on Eliquise, for 8 mounth before the Eliquise I was on savaysa, due to my heart ablation
Cathy
My mother was on Eliquis for two weeks and died from a massive, uncontrollable hemorrhage. She never had a bleeding disorder before taking this drug.
tom
In hospital as my head is bleeding. Took me of the Eliques. I called ambulance and went to Hospital 6 times because I was passing OUT.
Sue
While on Eloquis I’ve experienced horrific hair loss and subsequent thinning. The itching on my scalp has been relentless.

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