Eliquis

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

Yes

• Apixaban is used for reducing the risk of blood clots in the heart and strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation who have no problems with their heart valves (nonvalvular atrial fibrillation).
• It also is used for treating and preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery.

The most common side effects of apixaban involves bleeding in the:

• stomach,
• intestines,
• brain, and
• eyes.

Bleeding due to apixaban may be fatal.

Major bleeding events were fewer in patients who received apixaban when compared to a similar group that received warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), another widely used drug for preventing blood clots.

Rash and serious allergic reactions also may occur.

• The usual dose in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation is 5 mg by mouth twice daily. For individuals 80 years or older, weighing less than or equal to 60 kg, or with reduced kidney function, the usual dose is 2.5 mg twice daily.
• The recommended dose for treating DVT or pulmonary embolism is 10 mg twice daily for the first 7 days and then 5 mg twice daily. After six months of treatment, the dose may be reduced to 2.5 mg daily for prevention of DVT or pulmonary embolism.
• When apixaban is used to prevent the risk of DVT after hip or knee replacement surgery, the suggested dose is 2.5 mg daily beginning 12 to 24 hours after the surgery is completed.

• There are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Use during pregnancy may increase the risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. Apixaban should be avoided during pregnancy.
• It is not known if apixaban is excreted in human milk. Nursing mothers should discontinue apixaban or discontinue nursing.

What preparations of apixaban are available?

Tablets: 2.5 and 5 mg

How should I keep apixaban stored?

Apixaban should be stored at room temperature, between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F).