Eliquis (Apixaban)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

What is Eliquis?

Eliquis (Generic name: apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce blood clot formation in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and after a knee or hip replacement surgery. In this way, it reduces the risk of stroke.

Eliquis is a blood thinner (anticoagulant) that works by blocking certain clotting proteins in the blood from forming a clot.

Benefits and Uses of Eliquis

Eliquis is used to treat the following conditions:

1. Prevent blood clots and strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve disorder.

2. Reduce blood clot formation and its recurrence in patients with- 

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which blood clots form in a deep vein, usually in the legs.

• Pulmonary embolism (PE), a condition in which blood clots form in the arteries in the lungs. This reduces the blood flow to the lungs, thereby increasing the risk of sudden death.

3. Prevent blood clot formation in patients who have hip or knee replacement surgery. This helps to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

How to take Eliquis?

• Eliquis oral tablet is available in two different strengths: 2.5 mg and 5 mg. The healthcare provider will decide the right dose based on your age and health conditions. Eliquis tablets are taken by mouth with or without food, as prescribed by your doctor, twice daily.

• In case you forget to take a dose of Asacol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is the time for the next dose, skip the dose and continue your scheduled dose.

• In case you miss one of your doses of Eliquis, take it as soon as possible. But do not take more than one dose of the medicine at the same time. Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor as it may increase your risk of having a stroke. Always remember to refill your prescription before you run out of Eliquis.

Side effects of Eliquis

Eliquis may cause some common side effects such as easy bruising, nosebleed, bleeding from cuts, and nausea.

Patients should talk to their doctor immediately if they experience serious side effects while taking Eliquis, including:

• Severe and unexpected bleeding (from gums and nose)

• Heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding

• Swelling, or joint pain

• Red, or brown urine

• Red or black stools

• Hives, rash, and itching

• Sudden chest pain

• Swelling of your face or tongue

• Trouble breathing

• Muscle weakness and numbness

Drug Interactions

Taking Eliquis with other medications may affect the efficacy of your medications or increase the risk for serious reactions. Thus, it is necessary to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking including:

• Antiplatelet drugs

• Blood thinners such as heparin and warfarin

• Antidepressants such as fluoxetine

• Antifungals and antibiotics

• HIV/AIDs medication such as lopinavir and ritonavir

• Anti-seizure medication such as carbamazepine

• Pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen

Safety Information

• Eliquis is not for patients who have artificial heart valves and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

• Do not take Eliquis if you have abnormal bleeding conditions and if you are allergic to any of the drug ingredients.

• Talk to your doctor before starting the treatment if you have kidney or liver problems and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

• If you plan to have surgery or a medical or dental procedure tell your doctor you are taking Eliquis.

• Patients who take Eliquis and have spinal surgery, spinal puncture, or a medicine injected into the spinal area should remain careful. Because they have a higher risk of spinal blood clots (hematoma) which can lead to paralysis. Tell your doctor if you have had these conditions, the doctor will monitor you closely for symptoms of blood clots.

Reference:

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-163073/eliquis-oral/details

• https://packageinserts.bms.com/medguide/medguide_eliquis.pdf

• https://www.eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com/homepage?consumer=true