Apixaban

Generical name: apixaban
Name of the brand: Eliquis, Eliquis Starter Pack to Treat of PE and DVT
Dosage formats: oral tablet (2.5 mg 5 mg)
The class of drugs: Factor Xa inhibitors

What is the meaning of apixaban?

Apixaban can be used in order to reduce the chance of stroke caused due to a blood clot in patients with a heart rhythm condition known as atrial fibrillation.

Apixaban is also prescribed following knee or hip replacement surgery in order to prevent a form of a blood clot, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which could result in blood clots developing in the lung (pulmonary embolism, PE).

Apixaban can also be utilized for treating DVT or PE. (PE) as well as to reduce the risk of having a second DVT as well as PE.¶

Apixaban can also be employed for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Warnings

Apixaban increases the risk of fatal or serious bleeding in particular if use certain medications simultaneously (including certain over-the-counter medications). Talk to your doctor about the medicines you’ve recently taken.

Consult your physician immediately if you experience symptoms of bleeding, such as easy bruising, unexpected bleeding, unintentional swelling or pain and feeling weak or dizzy bloody gums or nosebleeds or bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding or blood in your stool or urine, and coughing blood up or vomit that resembles coffee grounds or bleeding that doesn’t stop.

Apixaban may cause a severe blood clot to your spinal cord which can result in permanent or long-term paralysis. This kind of blood clot could be caused by the procedure of a spinal tap or anesthesia (epidural) particularly when you suffer from an abnormality in your spinal cord or if you are using the spinal catheter, when you’ve had surgery for your spine or numerous spinal taps or if you take other medications that may alter blood clotting.

See a doctor immediately If you experience signs of a blood clot like tingling, the feeling of numbness or weakness in your muscles, particularly in your feet and legs.

Don’t stop taking apixaban until your doctor has instructed you to. If you stop abruptly, it could increase your chance of a blood clot, or stroke.

Before you start taking this medicine, make sure to consult your doctor

Apixaban is not a good choice when you are allergic to it or have active bleeding due to a procedure or injury, or any other reason.

Apixaban could cause you to be bleeding more frequently, particularly in the case of bleeding disorders that are due to genetics or a condition.

Discuss with your physician if using an artificial heart valve or if you’ve been diagnosed with:

bleeding issues;
antiphospholipid syndrome is a common occurrence, particularly in the case of three positive antibodies or
Kidney or liver disease.

Apixaban could cause a severe blood clot to the spinal cord if you have the procedure of a spinal tap or the spinal injection (epidural). This kind of blood clot can cause long-term paralysis. It is more likely to happen when:

You have a spinal catheter installed or you have had a catheter recently removed
If you’ve had a previous medical history of spinal surgery or repeated spinal taps
You’ve recently experienced an epidural or spinal tap;
If you are taking aspirin or any different NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)–ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac, indomethacin or meloxicam, and others; or
You are taking other medications to treat or stop blood clots.

Apixaban can increase the risk of bleeding if you are pregnant, or during birth. Inform your doctor if are pregnant or planning to be pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

How should take apixaban?

Follow all the instructions on the label of your prescription and make sure you read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage. Make sure you take the medicine exactly as prescribed.

It is possible to take apixaban either and without or with meals.

If you are unable to take a tablet in its entirety crush it, and mix it with apple juice, water, or applesauce. Take the mixture in a single swallow without chewing.

A crushed tablet may also be administered via a Nasogastric (NG) tube for feeding. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for use that come in your medication.

Apixaban could cause bleeding even from minor injuries. Seek medical attention in the event that you are bleeding and aren’t stopping.

Inform your doctor when you are planning a dental procedure or surgery. You might have to stop taking apixaban temporarily for a short duration.

Don’t stop using Apixaban unless your doctor has instructed your doctor to.

If you decide to stop taking apixaban because of reasons beyond your control, your physician might recommend a different medicine to stop blood clots.

Keep at room temperature, far from heat and moisture.

If I miss the dose?

The missed dose should be taken on the same day that you remember it. The next dose should be taken at the normal time and adhere to your daily schedule. Don’t take more than two doses in one go.

Refill your prescription prior to the time that you are out of medication completely.

If I overdose?

Get medical attention immediately or contact toll-free the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid?

Avoid activities that could increase the chance of injury or bleeding. Be extra careful when cutting or brushing your teeth.

Apixaban side effects

Take immediate medical care If you exhibit symptoms warning signs of an allergic response like hives; chest discomfort, wheezing or difficulty breathing, feeling lightheaded, and swelling of your mouth, lips, or throat.

Seek medical attention in an emergency when you notice signs of a blood clot in your spines such as tingling muscles weakness, or numbness particularly in your legs and feet.

Consult your physician immediately in the event that you are suffering from:

easily bruised or bleeding unusually (nose vagina, mouth or the rectum) or bleeding from wounds or injections, bleeding that won’t stop;
menstrual bleeding that is heavy;
headache, dizziness, weakness, feeling like you might pass out;
urine that is either pink, red, or brown;
Stools that are bloody or black that cough up blood or vomit that resembles coffee grounds.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs can have an effect on Apixaban?

There are times when it’s not safe to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels and levels of other drugs you are taking, which could cause more side effects or make the medication less effective.

A variety of other medications (including certain over-the-counter medications) could increase the risk of getting blood clots. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you’ve recently taken, especially:

or other medications to stop or treat blood clots
A blood thinner, such as warfarin or heparin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
an antidepressant drug; or
aspirin or any other NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication) employed for long-term use.

The list below is not exhaustive and a variety of other medications could impact the apixaban. This includes prescription and over-the-counter supplements, vitamins, as well as herbal supplements. The list of possible drug interactions is not exhaustive. are listed here.

More details

Always consult your doctor to confirm that the information provided on this page is applicable to your particular situation.

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