APIXABAN - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (a-PIX-a-ban)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Eliquis
GENERIC NAME(S): apixaban
Uses
USES: Apixaban is used to prevent serious blood clots from forming due to a certain irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or after hip/knee replacement surgery. With atrial fibrillation, part of the heart does not beat the way it should. This can lead to blood clots forming, which can travel to other parts of your body (such as the lungs or legs) or increase your risk for stroke. In the United States, apixaban is also approved to treat certain types of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis-DVT, pulmonary embolus-PE) and to prevent them from forming again. Apixaban is an anticoagulant that works by blocking certain clotting proteins in your blood.
How to use APIXABAN - ORAL
HOW TO USE: See also Warning section. Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking apixaban and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (every 12 hours). If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you may crush the tablet and mix with water, apple juice, or applesauce and take it right away. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, weight, kidney function, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you are taking apixaban to prevent blood clots from forming after surgery, the length of treatment is based on the type of surgery that you had. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Do not run out of this medication. Order your refills early to avoid running out of pills. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
Images
Reviews
Warning
WARNING: Do not stop taking apixaban unless directed by your doctor. If you stop taking this medication early, you have a higher risk of forming a serious blood clot (such as a stroke, blood clot in the legs/lungs). Your doctor may direct you to take a different "blood thinning" or antiplatelet medication to reduce your risk. Get medical help right away if you have weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion, chest pain, trouble breathing, pain/warmth/swelling in the legs. 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. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks before any spinal procedure. The risk of bleeding may be higher if you have a deformed spine, or have had spinal procedures/surgery before (such as epidural catheter placement, difficult epidural/spinal puncture), or are taking other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as warfarin/enoxaparin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen). 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).
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
For Blood Clots: Hey there! I've been using ELIQUIS 5 mg for a few months now, and it's been a game-changer for me. The best part is that the tablets are easy to swallow, so no more struggling with big pills. However, I did have some mild bruising and nosebleeds at the beginning, but they went away with time. My only gripe is that it's a bit pricey, but thankfully my insurance covers it. If you're considering ELIQUIS, talk to your doctor and be sure to take it as prescribed. Keep an eye out for any weird side effects and enjoy better heart health!
By Jen on 24 Jul, 2023