Eliquis® (Apixaban) Uses, Dosing, and Safety Overview

What Apixaban Is and How It Works

Apixaban is an oral anticoagulant used to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevent DVT after hip or knee replacement surgery. Apixaban cost depends on strength and quantity, and many patients compare prices without insurance to manage therapy expenses.

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Apixaban belongs to the direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) class. Its mechanism targets Factor Xa, a key enzyme in the clotting cascade. By selectively inhibiting Factor Xa, it lowers thrombin generation and reduces fibrin clot formation. This description aligns with the eliquis mechanism of action and the apixaban mechanism of action since Eliquis (brand) and apixaban (generic) contain the same active ingredient. The generic name Eliquis is apixaban.

Tablets are taken by mouth, with or without food, usually twice daily. Common strengths include the equivalent of an eliquis 5 mg tablet and an eliquis 2.5 mg tablet. Fixed dosing helps maintain steady anticoagulation without routine INR monitoring.

Dosage and Usage

• Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Typical apixaban dose for af is 5 mg twice daily. An eliquis reduced dose of 2.5 mg twice daily may be used when at least two criteria are present: advanced age, low body weight, or impaired kidney function. This is sometimes described as reduced dose eliquis or eliquis maintenance dose in clinical guidance.
• Treatment of DVT/PE: Usual apixaban dose for pe starts at 10 mg twice daily for 7 days (eliquis starting dose), followed by 5 mg twice daily (eliquis dose for pe maintenance). After at least six months of treatment, ongoing prevention may use 2.5 mg twice daily.
• Post‑operative DVT prevention: 2.5 mg twice daily started 12–24 hours after surgery, for the duration recommended by the surgeon or guideline.
• Administration: Swallow tablets whole. If swallowing is difficult, tablets may be crushed and mixed with water or apple juice, or given via certain feeding tubes per prescribing information.
• Missed dose: For twice-daily schedules such as eliquis 5 mg twice a day, take the missed dose as soon as remembered the same day, then resume the regular schedule. Do not double the next dose.
• Drug interactions: Strong dual CYP3A4 and P‑gp inhibitors (for example, ketoconazole, ritonavir) can increase exposure; in some cases a dose change or avoidance is recommended. Strong inducers (for example, rifampin) may reduce effect. Review all medicines, including OTC NSAIDs and herbal products like St. John’s wort.
• Procedures: Stopping before elective procedures reduces bleeding risk; the pause interval depends on kidney function and procedure bleeding risk. Restart when hemostasis is secured.

• Storage: Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); brief excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are acceptable. Keep tablets dry and in the original container.
• Travel: Carry your medication in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription. Use a pill organizer if needed, and keep tablets away from moisture.
• Refills: To avoid gaps, you can set email reorder reminders in your account. Multi‑month supplies may reduce per‑month cost.

Benefits and Savings

Apixaban delivers predictable anticoagulation with fixed dosing and no routine INR testing. It has fewer food interactions than warfarin and a lower intracranial bleeding rate in large trials. Oral dosing supports adherence, and labeled indications cover stroke prevention in AF and treatment or prevention of DVT/PE.

Ordering at Canadian prices often leads to 60–80% savings versus typical U.S. retail. Many compare apixaban price and apixaban generic price to plan their course of therapy, including those paying without insurance. Apixaban 5mg cost and apixaban 5 mg price vary by the number of tablets per order, and larger supplies often reduce unit costs.

For extra savings, see our eliquis coupon no insurance page for current promotions and bulk offers.

Side Effects and Safety

• Easy bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums
• Heavier or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Minor cuts that take longer to stop bleeding
• Nausea or mild gastrointestinal upset
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Headache or dizziness

Serious bleeding can occur, including gastrointestinal or intracranial hemorrhage. Premature discontinuation increases the risk of thrombotic events; transitions should follow prescriber guidance. Spinal/epidural hematomas may occur with neuraxial anesthesia or spinal puncture; timing of doses around such procedures matters. Use caution in severe liver disease, advanced kidney disease, or with other agents that affect hemostasis (antiplatelets, NSAIDs). Apixaban is not recommended for patients with mechanical heart valves.

Onset Time

Apixaban starts working within hours of the first dose, with peak effect typically within 3–4 hours. Protection against stroke in AF begins once therapeutic levels are reached and maintained twice daily. For DVT/PE, symptom improvement may be seen within days, while clot resolution and risk reduction continue over weeks and months of maintained therapy.

Compare With Alternatives

Rivaroxaban is another Factor Xa inhibitor taken once daily for some indications. It offers similar efficacy but differs in dosing and food requirements. Some patients prefer twice-daily apixaban for steadier plasma levels, while others favor once-daily schedules; both are options. Compare with Xarelto® to see which regimen aligns with your prescription.

Warfarin (a vitamin K antagonist) is effective and reversible with vitamin K but requires routine INR monitoring and has many food and drug interactions. DOACs like apixaban simplify management for many indications and have fewer dietary restrictions.

Eliquis is the apixaban brand name. Patients familiar with brand labeling can review Eliquis® for the same active ingredient. When comparing eliquis 5 mg tablet or eliquis 2.5 mg tablet options, the active drug and mechanism are the same as generic apixaban.

Combination Therapy

• Low‑dose aspirin: May be used in select cardiovascular patients, but combined therapy increases bleeding risk; prescribers often reassess need and duration.
• P2Y12 inhibitors (for example, clopidogrel): Short courses may be used after coronary procedures; regimens aim to minimize overlap time to limit bleeding.
• Proton pump inhibitors: Sometimes used to lower upper GI bleeding risk in patients with prior GI events.
• NSAIDs: Avoid routine use; consider alternatives for pain to reduce bleeding risk.
• Heparin/LMWH: Overlap is generally not needed when switching to or from apixaban; timing depends on indication and bleeding risk.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates include adults with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation needing stroke prevention, those treating DVT or PE, and patients needing postoperative DVT prophylaxis. Apixaban may not suit those with mechanical heart valves, active pathological bleeding, or significant hepatic impairment. Kidney function, age, and body weight guide the reduced dose eliquis criteria when the brand is used or when prescribing apixaban.

Dose choices should reflect the normal dosage for eliquis labeling, which mirrors generic dosing. Prescribers consider clinical factors when selecting an eliquis starting dose and the ongoing eliquis maintenance dose. Consistent adherence supports the intended benefit.

To manage expenses, compare apixaban generic cost across strengths and consider multi‑month orders to lower the per‑month price. You can set reorder reminders so you renew on time and avoid urgent local purchases at higher prices. Patients paying without insurance often see the best value by choosing larger supplies when appropriate.

Authoritative Sources

Eliquis US Prescribing Information

Health Canada Product Monograph

FDA Medication Guide for Apixaban

Order Apixaban from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and your medicine label.