Eliquis® (apixaban) Uses, Dosing, and Safety Information

What Eliquis® Is and How It Works

Eliquis (apixaban) is an oral direct Factor Xa inhibitor. This anticoagulant helps prevent and treat harmful blood clots. It is used to reduce stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, to prevent DVT after hip or knee replacement, and to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT/PE. Tablets are taken by mouth, usually twice daily. The common strengths are 2.5 mg and 5 mg. Eliquis 5 mg is often used twice daily for atrial fibrillation when appropriate.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and licensed pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing. We also partner with vetted, licensed international pharmacies to source authentic brand medications across many categories at accessible prices.

Apixaban blocks Factor Xa, which decreases thrombin generation and clot formation. Unlike warfarin, it has predictable effects and does not require routine INR monitoring. For DVT/PE treatment, a higher first-week dose is used before stepping down. For extended prevention of recurrence, a lower maintenance dose may be used after at least six months of therapy. Always follow the regimen prescribed for the specific indication.

Dosage and Usage

• Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: 5 mg twice daily in many adults. A reduced dose of 2.5 mg twice daily is used when patients meet specific criteria (for example, advanced age with low body weight and impaired kidney function).
• DVT/PE treatment: 10 mg twice daily for the first 7 days, then 5 mg twice daily.
• Reduce risk of recurrent DVT/PE: 2.5 mg twice daily after at least 6 months of prior treatment.
• Post-operative DVT prevention: 2.5 mg twice daily after hip or knee replacement, for a duration set by the prescriber.
• Administration: may be taken with or without food. Tablets can be swallowed whole; certain patients may receive crushed tablets in water or applesauce if needed.
• Missed dose: take the missed dose as soon as remembered on the same day, then resume the regular schedule. Do not double doses to catch up.
• Surgery or procedures: therapy is usually paused before invasive procedures and restarted after adequate hemostasis under clinician guidance.
• Drug interactions: strong dual CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors or inducers can change exposure; prescribers may avoid or adjust therapy.

• Storage: store tablets at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable. Keep dry and protect from moisture.
• Original container: keep your medicine in the labeled container with the child-resistant cap.
• Travel: pack enough doses plus extras. Keep your prescription label with your travel documents.
• Carry-on: keep your medication in your carry-on to avoid lost luggage and temperature swings.
• Separation: use a separate pill case only if you can still carry the original label for security checks.

Benefits and Savings

This medicine lowers stroke risk in atrial fibrillation and treats and helps prevent DVT/PE. It offers fixed dosing, no routine INR checks, and fewer food interactions than warfarin. Many patients find twice-daily tablets straightforward and consistent for daily use.

You can see 60–80% savings compared with typical US prices when ordering from Canada. That reduces the overall eliquis prescription cost. Multi-month supplies often lower the eliquis cost per month. Bulk promotions may further improve eliquis savings, and reorder reminders can help prevent gaps in therapy. If comparing strengths, note that the eliquis 2.5 mg price and eliquis 5 mg cost differ by pack size and quantity.

For current offers, visit our promotions page for an eliquis coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Easy bruising or small hematomas
• Prolonged bleeding from cuts
• Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Heavier than usual menstrual bleeding
• Fatigue or paleness that may reflect anemia
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Mild rash or skin irritation

Serious bleeding can occur and needs urgent care. Warning signs include black or bloody stools, pink or brown urine, coughing up blood, severe headache, dizziness, weakness on one side, or vomiting blood. Spinal/epidural anesthesia raises the risk of spinal or epidural hematoma with possible paralysis. Stopping therapy early increases the risk of clots, including stroke. Rare hypersensitivity and liver-related effects have been reported.

Bleeding risk rises with other anticoagulants, antiplatelets (including aspirin and clopidogrel), NSAIDs, SSRIs/SNRIs, and heavy alcohol use. Strong dual CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitors (for example, ketoconazole) or inducers (for example, rifampin) can change drug levels. Discuss all medications and supplements with a clinician. Emergency reversal strategies may include targeted antidotes where available or pro-hemostatic agents under specialist care.

Onset Time

Apixaban reaches peak levels in about 3–4 hours after a dose and begins working the first day. A steady state is typically reached within 2–3 days of twice-daily dosing. With atrial fibrillation, stroke risk reduction begins once therapeutic levels are reached and continues with adherence. DVT/PE symptoms may start improving over several days, though full recovery timelines vary by case.

Compare With Alternatives

Rivaroxaban is another Factor Xa inhibitor taken once daily for many indications after an initial period. Some doses require food to improve absorption. Bleeding profiles differ slightly across studies. See Xarelto® for details if your prescriber has suggested it as an option.

Generic apixaban provides the same active ingredient as the brand and follows regulatory bioequivalence standards. Patients often choose it for lower costs when available. Review Apixaban to compare presentations and discuss suitability with your clinician.

Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist that remains effective and inexpensive but needs regular INR monitoring and has more food and drug interactions. Some patients still prefer warfarin based on clinical history or indications not covered by direct oral anticoagulants.

Combination Therapy

• Antiplatelets (aspirin or P2Y12 inhibitors) may be used with apixaban in select patients, but bleeding risk increases. Duration and combination are individualized.
• Concomitant NSAIDs raise bleeding risk and are often avoided or limited; acetaminophen is commonly preferred for pain relief.
• Other anticoagulants are generally avoided alongside apixaban except during carefully managed transitions.
• Strong CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitors or inducers may require a change in therapy to maintain safety.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Eliquis blood thinner medication is used for adults across approved indications. It is not recommended for patients with mechanical heart valves or for those with active pathological bleeding. Caution is advised in severe hepatic impairment with coagulopathy. Kidney function, age, and body weight guide dosing in atrial fibrillation. Patients with recent spinal procedures need careful risk assessment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized discussion because anticoagulation needs may change. People with a history of major bleeding, uncontrolled hypertension, or frequent falls need careful evaluation. Always share a full medication list, including over-the-counter products and herbals such as St. John’s wort.

To manage the cost of eliquis, consider 90-day supplies to reduce the eliquis medication cost per month. Multi-pack orders may qualify for eliquis discounts. Reorder reminders can help maintain adherence and avoid urgent local purchases. If comparing the eliquis 5 mg price in USA to Canadian pricing, many customers find meaningful differences. A simple eliquis price comparison across pack sizes can also help plan monthly budgets. Questions about eliquis usage and packaging are welcome via our customer-service chat during office hours.

Authoritative Sources

Eliquis Prescribing Information (Bristol Myers Squibb)

FDA Medication Guide: ELIQUIS (apixaban)

Health Canada Product Monograph: ELIQUIS (apixaban)

Order Eliquis® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.