APIXABAN

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Eliquis

GENERIC NAME(S): APIXABAN

 

Description: Apixaban is an that inhibits platelet activation and fibrin clot formation.

Apixaban is anticoagulant used to prevent serious blood clots from forming due to a certain irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or after hip/knee replacement surgery.

How to use apixaban

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (every 12 hours). Inform your doctor that you are taking this medication if you are about to have a surgery.  Consult your doctor before cessation of drug use.

Do not suddenly stop taking Apixaban without your doctor’s advice.  It may increase your risk of having stroke or forming clots in the lungs.

Be cautious if you are to undergo spinal cord procedure as this medication may cause bleeding near the spinal cord which can cause paralysis that lasts a long time or could become permanent.

Common side effects include: Nausea, easy bruising, or minor bleeding (such as nosebleed, bleeding from cuts) may occur.

Signs of serious bleeding, include: unusual pain/swelling/discomfort, unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums, persistent/frequent nosebleeds, unusually heavy/prolonged menstrual flow, pink/dark urine, coughing up blood, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, severe headache, dizziness/fainting, unusual or persistent tiredness/weakness, bloody/black/tarry stools, difficulty swallowing, vision changes, confusion, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body.

Contact your doctor if you experience allergic reactions or symptoms mentioned above.

Precautions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist your allergies, medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, bleeding problems (such as bleeding of the stomach/intestines, bleeding in the brain), blood disorders (such as anemia, hemophilia, thrombocytopenia), recent major injury/surgery, stroke, frequent falls/injuries.

Inform your doctor that you are taking this drug before having surgery, medical or dental procedures, spinal puncture and anesthesia.

Avoid alcohol because this medication may cause stomach bleeding.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should take caution, consult your doctor before taking and handling this drug.

 

Interactions

Some products that may interact with this drug include: mifepristone, other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, “blood thinners” such as warfarin, enoxaparin), certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine, SNRIs such as venlafaxine).

Other medications can affect the removal of apixaban from your body, such as azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole), clarithromycin, conivaptan, HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir), rifamycins (such as rifabutin), St. John’s wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.

Overdose

Get emergency medical help when overdose is suspected.

Missed Dose: As soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next does is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule.  Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Storage: Store medication in room temperature.  Do not expose to light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from pets and children.  Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour into a drain.

 

Brands

Available Brands

  • Eliquis [ Pfizer ]

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