Eliquis

The active ingredient in Eliquis is apixaban. It is a blood thinner, also known as an anticoagulant. Specifically, Eliquis is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant. It manages to do this by stopping the clotting factor known as factor Xa from working in your body. In turn, this causes fewer blood clots to be created in your body, creating a lower risk of having a stroke, developing a systemic embolism (blood clot) in your legs or arms, and/or having a heart attack.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Eliquis. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Eliquis:

Eliquis is an oral tablet. You can take Eliquis with or without food, depending on your preference. If you get a stomach ache while taking Eliquis, try taking the medication with food. It is most effective if you take Eliquis at the same time every day. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have a hard time swallowing tablets, they may have a recommendation for you for what to do.

If you forget to take a dose of Eliquis at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Take your next dose at the regular time and stay on your twice-daily schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.

You should not discontinue Eliquis without talking to your healthcare provider first. If you stop taking this medication too soon, you may increase your chance of developing a blood clot.

Eliquis can cause severe bleeding risks. Promptly evaluate the signs and symptoms of blood loss and receive medical attention as soon as you believe you might be exhibiting the symptoms of severe bleeding, such as dizziness, headache, or coughing up blood. Eliquis could worsen bleeding that is already happening due to a previous condition. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about your chance of bleeding.

The most common side effects of Eliquis seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Bruises
• Bleeding
• Brown, red, or pink urine
• Red or black stools
• Unexpected pain or swelling, such as joint pain
• Nosebleeds

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Eliquis. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe bleeding
• If you experience symptoms such as coughing up blood or vomiting blood or if your vomit has a coffee-ground-like appearance, it could be a sign of a severe medical condition. It is recommended to seek immediate medical attention.
• See the drug interactions section for more details about medications that will put you at high risk of severe bleeding. Some medications that increase your risk of bleeding include:
• Antiplatelet drugs
• Fibrinolytics
• Heparin
• Aspirin
• Asprin with clopidogrel
• Long-term use of NSAIDs
• Allergic reactions to Eliquis are rare, but if you experience trouble breathing, chest pain, swelling of the face or tongue, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek medical attention immediately.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Eliquis. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Eliquis, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Active bleeding or anemia (low red blood cell count)
• An artificial heart valve
• Known severe hypersensitivity to apixaban or any inactive ingredients in this product
• Have kidney issues
• Have antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed
• If you just had knee or hip replacement surgery
• If you have a prosthetic heart valve
• Epidural spinal hematomas, spinal punctures, or have had spinal procedures or spinal surgery before, such as epidural catheter placement.
• Depression history
• Parkinson's disease
• Liver disease or liver problems

Boxed warnings

Reading the full prescribing information is recommended so patients and caregivers should review the complete boxed warning, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions. However, in summary:

Abruptly stopping Eliquis carries an increased risk of stroke and blood clot formation (thrombotic event). If Eliquis must be discontinued for any reason, coverage with another anticoagulant could be used if discontinuation is due to anything other than completion of the course of therapy or pathological bleeding. Everything should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Spinal hematomas and epidural have the chance to occur in any patient who is taking Eliquis and is going through spinal puncture or receiving neuraxial anesthesia. Hematomas could result in permanent or long-term paralysis.

• Active bleeding

• Severe hypersensitivity to Eliquis

Eliquis (apixaban) typically starts working quickly, with effects usually beginning within 1 to 4 hours after the first dose. However, it can take 3 days to reach its full effect. If you have any concerns about how it’s working, consult your healthcare provider.

When Eliquis is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• Over-the-counter aspirin or other aspirin-containing products
• These may cause bleeding problems
• Prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the risk of bleeding when used in combination with Eliquis
• Examples include: naproxen and ibuprofen
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• These can increase your risk of bleeding.
• Other medications to help prevent or treat blood clots such as warfarin, enoxaparin, heparin, or platelet inhibitors
• Dual solid inhibitors of CYP3A4 and P-gp increase blood levels of apixaban
• Examples include ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, and clarithromycin
• It is recommended to reduce your dose of Eliquis to 2.5 mg or avoid concomitant use.
• Simultaneous use of strong inducers of CYP3A4 and P-gp reduces blood levels of apixaban. Avoid concomitant use.
• Examples include: rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John’s wort
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice

This is not an extensive list, make sure that you are honest and open with your healthcare provider about the medications that you take or have taken. They will know what medications are best for you.

Eliquis is available in 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets. Your dose of Eliquis will depend on the condition being treated but it is typically taken twice daily.

It is recommended to store Eliquis at a temperature range of 20°C to 25°C (68°F-77°F). However, slight temperature fluctuations are allowed between 15°C and 30°C (59°F-86°F). It's important to follow the storage instructions carefully and avoid exposing the medication to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight. Keeping Eliquis properly stored can help maintain its quality and prevent it from being damaged or degraded.

Eliquis is a medication produced and marketed by two pharmaceutical companies: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, and Pfizer Inc., headquartered in New York, New York.

Currently, there is no generic Eliquis available in the United States.

To stop taking Eliquis, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider, as stopping suddenly can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, or other complications. Your provider may recommend a gradual tapering or a transition to another blood thinner, depending on your specific health needs. Never stop taking Eliquis on your own without medical guidance to avoid adverse effects.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Due to insufficient studies, it is not recommended that pregnant women use Eliquis.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Due to insufficient studies, it is not recommended that women use Eliquis during lactation.