Author: James Anderson

Apixaban Oral Route Description and Brand Names

Do not stop taking apixaban unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping suddenly can increase your risk of blood clot or stroke. In addition, the company that markets Eliquis will provide educational material for healthcare professionals expected to prescribe Eliquis that addresses the risk of bleeding during treatment. This list is not complete and many other drugs may interact with apixaban. Get emergency medical help if you have symptoms of a spinal cord blood clot such as tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness especially in your legs and feet.

These blood clots can travel to the lungs and can become lodged in the blood vessels of the lungs, causing a condition called pulmonary embolism. This medicine is used for several days after hip or knee replacement surgery while you are unable to walk. It is during this time that blood clots are most likely to form.

As a direct factor Xa inhibitor, it blocks factor Xa. You may need to take Eliquis® if you have an operation to replace your knee or hip. Other people need it to prevent a clot, even if they haven’t had one before. If you stop taking apixaban for any reason, your doctor may prescribe another medicine to prevent blood clots.

What is this medication?

People taking this medication may bleed near the spinal cord after certain spinal procedures. Bleeding in this area can cause paralysis that lasts a long time or could become permanent. Before any spinal procedure, ask your doctor about the benefits and risks. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as back pain, leg numbness/tingling/weakness, loss of control of the bowels or bladder (incontinence).

1. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
2. This list may not describe all possible interactions.
3. Don’t stop taking Eliquis® unless your provider tells you to stop.

Apixaban increases your risk of severe or fatal bleeding, especially if you take certain medicines at the same time (including some over-the-counter medicines). Tell your doctor about all medicines you have recently used. Avoid sports and activities that might cause injury while you are using this medication. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your healthcare professional. Other medications can affect the removal of apixaban from your body, which may affect how apixaban works.

To prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism from reoccurring, the recommended dose is 2.5 mg twice a day. Additionally, Eliquis is used to prevent stroke (caused by blood clots in the brain) and blood clots in other organs in adults with atrial fibrillation (irregular rapid contractions of the upper chambers of the heart). It is used in patients who have one or more risk factors, such as having had a previous stroke, having high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure or being 75 years old or over. Eliquis is used to lower the risk of stroke or a blood clot in people with a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation. Your doctor or dentist may tell you to stop taking apixaban before your surgery. Ask for specific instructions about stopping or starting this medication.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. This medicine is a pink, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “894” and “5”. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication.

Before taking this medicine

You might want to set a timer on your phone to remind you when it’s time to take it. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. Taking Eliquis may increase the risk of bleeding while you are pregnant or during your delivery. If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your healthcare professional that you are taking this medication. Visit your healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress.

Apixaban is used to lower the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot in people with a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation. Apixaban is also used to prevent stroke and blood clots in patients with certain heart rhythm problem (eg, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation). For the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, the recommended dose is 10 mg twice a day for the first week, followed by 5 mg twice a day for at least 3 months.

It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood and helps preventing harmful clots from forming in the blood vessels. Taking a blood thinner is more convenient than it used to be, and it’s nice to have options. But you still need to pay attention to the instructions on the label. If you have questions about your medication, ask your healthcare provider. Having the right amount of Eliquis® in your body matters.

This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Nausea, easy bruising, or minor bleeding (such as nosebleed, bleeding from cuts) may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. For more information about treatment with Eliquis, read the package leaflet (also part of the EPAR) or contact your doctor or pharmacist. Apixaban can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.

Medical Professionals

After 12 hours, 50% of a dose is still in your system. It decreases from there until it’s gone in about three days. You have to stop taking Eliquis® 24 to 48 hours before surgery so you don’t bleed too much. Don’t stop taking Eliquis® unless your provider tells you to stop. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill.

What benefit has Eliquis shown during the studies?

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery or dental work. You may need to stop taking apixaban for a short time. Apixaban may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.