Apixaban

What is Apixaban?

Apixaban is an anticoagulant medicine that prevents serious blood clots that form due to a heart rhythm disorder (atrial fibrillation). It makes blood flow smoother and thereby reducing the risk of stroke. This medicine is also approved for treating deep vein thrombosis, a type of blood clot that occurs after a hip/knee replacement surgery.

You can also purchase Apixaban under the brand name Eliquis.

What are the precautions before taking Apixaban?

Before taking this anticoagulant medicine, tell your healthcare professional if you are allergic to it. While using Apixaban, you may experience bleeding and bruising more easily. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, tarry stools, bloody urine, unexplained nose bleeding, or rapid vaginal bleeding.

To ensure that Apixaban’s safety, inform your healthcare professional if you have a history of the following medical conditions:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Bleeding problems
• Blood disorders
• Recent major injury
• Stroke
• Clotting disorder

What is the dosage for Apixaban, and how to take it?

The recommended dosages for Apixaban are:

• Take 5 mg of Apixaban two times a day for atrial fibrillation.
• Take 2.5 mg of Apixaban two times a day for deep vein thrombosis.

Take Apixaban orally with or without food, usually twice a day (every 12 hours). If you cannot swallow the entire tablet, you can crush it and mix it with water. Do not stop taking Apixaban without your doctor’s approval.

What are the side effects of Apixaban?

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Easy bruising
• Minor bleeding
• Prolonged menstrual flow
• Dark urine
• Coughing up blood
• Tarry stools
• Difficulty swallowing