Apixaban
Description
Apixaban is an anticoagulant medication, also known as a blood thinner. It redu
ces the risk of stroke and blood clots. It must be used under medical prescription and for the duration prescribed. It inhibits the activity of clotting factors in the liver. It prevents blood clot formation and reduces blood viscosity. You should complete the entire course of medication and not stop it midway without consulting your doctor. Inform the physician about the medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking or may take to avoid potential interactions. Apixaban is not recommended for use in patients below the age of 18 years.
Uses
- Apixaban is used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients suffering from irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) after hip or knee replacement surgery.
- It is used to treat blood clotting in the veins, (usually in the legs and lungs) which increases the risk of stroke.
Contraindications
When should one not use Apixaban
- If you are allergic to apixaban.
- If you take medicines like warfarin, heparin to prevent blood clotting.
- If you suffer from a bleeding disorder.
- If you suffer from a liver disease associated with an increased risk of bleeding.
- If you have a disease in an organ of the body that may increase the risk of bleeding like recent bleeding in your brain on spinal injury, active or a recent ulcer of the stomach or intestine.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea
- Bruising or swelling
- Nosebleed
- Anaemia
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Apixaban during pregnancy?
A:
Since there is limited safety information available for pregnant women, avoid during pregnancy. If you get pregnant while on treatment, immediately contact the doctor. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be or are planning a pregnancy, before starting the medicine.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Apixaban while breastfeeding?
A:
There is limited safety data available about the use of this medicine in breastfeeding mothers. Hence, it is very important to consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive after consuming Apixaban?
A:
It is not expected that Apixaban will affect the ability to drive, but if you feel unwell or unable to be alert, avoid driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol while taking Apixaban?
A:
Avoid consuming alcohol in excess while taking Apixaban as it can make more likely to bleed.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You suffer from any pre-existing medical condition such as bleeding disorder, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, weak immune system, etc.
- You are going to have blood tests (like a clotting test).
- You are going to have surgery or a procedure that may cause bleeding
- You have an artificial heart valve implanted into the heart.
- You suffer from a disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks normal proteins in the blood.
- You had an injection into the spinal column for anaesthesia or pain reduction, there are chances of a long term or permanent paralysis. So caution is required for such patients.
- You are above 75 years of age.
- Your weight is below or equal to 60kgs.
- Apixaban is not recommended for use in patients below the age of 18 years.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Apixaban acts as an anticoagulant. It inhibits the activity of clotting factors by the liver. It prevents the formation of blood clots in the body and makes the blood thin.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Some medicines affect the way Apixaban works, or the medicine itself reduces the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
- Inform the physician about the medicines, supplements, or herbals you are taking or might take to avoid possible interaction.
- Apixaban is not recommended for patients being treated with antifungal medicines like ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole, anti-HIV medicines like ritonavir, anti-tuberculosis medicine like rifampicin, medicines used to treat epilepsy like phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, Antidepressants like paroxetine, fluoxetine, diazepam as it may affect the efficacy of Apixaban....
- Concomitant use of anticoagulants like warfarin and pain killer medicines like acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin or other strong painkillers, increases the risk of bleeding.
- Other medicines like diltiazem, verapamil (used to treat blood pressure), enoxaparin, clopidogrel (used as an anticoagulant) must be used with caution along with Apixaban.
Dosage
Overdose
Overdose of Apixaban increase the risk of bleeding. If you think you have taken an excessive dose of the medicine, contact the doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.
Missed a Dose
If you missed taking a dose of Apixaban, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dose schedule. Avoid taking a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Ravindra Ghongade
B. Pharm
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I stop taking Apixaban on my own?
A: You should not stop taking Apixaban until the doctor tells you to. It causes an increased risk of problems like heart stroke or clots in the lungs or legs.
Q: Is it safe to do piercing or tattooing while taking the medicine?
A: No, avoid doing such things during the treatment with Apixaban. It leads to an increased risk of bleeding and infection. If you want to do, consult with the doctor once, whether you need to take additional medicines.
Q: What is Apixaban used for?
A: Apixaban is used for the treatment and prevention of blood clots. It is also used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients suffering from irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) after hip or knee replacement surgery.
References
View All
- CDSCO [Internet]. Cdscoonline.gov.in. 2025 [cited 9th Dec 2025]
- Eliquis 5 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2025 [cited 9th Dec 2025]
- ELIQUIS (apixaban) tablets for oral use, USP [Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2025 [cited 9th Dec 2025]
- Apixaban: a blood-thinning medicine to treat and prevent blood clots [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2025 [cited 9th Dec 2025]
- Eliquis 5 mg film-coated tablets - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2025 [cited 9th Dec 2025]
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