Generic Name— Apixaban
Brand Names— Eliquis
Drug Class— Factor Xa Inhibitors
What Is Eliquis?
Eliquis (Apixaban) is a medication used to block the activity of certain clotting substances in the blood. Eliquis medication is used to lower the risk of stroke or a blood clot in the individuals with a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation.
It is also used to reduce the risk of forming a blood clot in the legs and lungs of the individuals who have just had hip or knee replacement surgery. [Trusted Source 1]
The medication is used to cure blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), and lower the risk of them occurring again. [Trusted Source 1]
Eliquis Dosage:
The recommended dose of Eliquis is 5 mg taken orally, twice daily. The dosage may be adjusted based on the weight of the patient. [Trusted Source 2]
What Drugs Interact With Eliquis (Apixaban)?
Many other drugs can increase the risk of bleeding or blood clots, or the risk of developing blood clots around the spinal cord or brain during a spinal tap or epidural. It is very important to tell your doctor or health care provider about all the medications you have recently used, especially [Trusted Source 2] [Trusted Source 1] —
- Aspirin
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Heparin
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- CYP3A4 inhibitors such as Serzone, Sporanox, Nizoral, Vfend, Reyataz, Biaxan and Ketek
What Are The Side Effects Of Eliquis?
The most common side effects of this medication are related to bleeding. Other side effects of Eliquis include [Trusted Source 2] —
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Allergic reactions
- Anemia
Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Eliquis including [Trusted Source 2] —
- Bruising
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Feeling like you might pass out
- Red, pink, or brown urine
- Black or bloody stools
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Any bleeding that will not stop
- Unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum)
- Bleeding from wounds or needle injections
- Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Numbness
- Tingling, or muscle weakness (especially in your legs and feet)
- Loss of movement in any part of your body
Eliquis During Pregnancy And Breast Feeding
There are not enough studies of Eliquis in pregnant women. Eliquis medication should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the mother and fetus.
If you’re pregnant or breast—feeding, tell your doctor before starting this medication. [Trusted Source 3]
Precautions:
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or if you have the history of any other allergy because it may contain ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before taking Eliquis, tell your health care provider your medical history, especially of—kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, blood disorders (such as anemia, hemophilia, thrombocytopenia), stroke, recent major injury or surgery or a certain clotting disorder. [Trusted Source 4]
Alcohol consumption on a regular basis while using this medicine will increase the risk for stomach bleeding. Avoid drinking alcohol or ask your doctor about how much alcohol you may safely drink. [Trusted Source 4]
If you are pregnant or breast—feeding, tell your doctor before you start this medication.
What If I Miss A Dose Of Eliquis?
Take the missed dose on the same day you remember it. Take your next dose at the regular time and stay on your twice—daily schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1—800—222—1222.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. What Drug Class Is Eliquis?
A. Eliquis belongs to a class of drugs called factor Xa inhibitors, often also called blood thinners. [Trusted Source 5]
Q. What Is The Drug Eliquis Used For?
A. It is used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in the individuals who have atrial fibrillation. It helps to lower the risk of forming a blood clot in the legs and lungs of the individuals who have just had hip or knee replacement surgery. [Trusted Source 6]
Q. What Can You Not Take With Apixaban?
A. You can consume paracetamol while you’re taking Apixaban. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen while you’re taking Apixaban because they increase the chance of bleeding. [Trusted Source 7]
Q. Can I Drink Coffee While Taking Eliquis?
A. Although, no interactions were found between caffeine and Eliquis; but it does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Consult your doctor or health care provider. [Trusted Source 8]
Q. Can I Have A Glass Of Wine While Taking Eliquis?
A. It is best to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Apixaban (Eliquis) as it can increase the risk of bleeding in your stomach and intestines. If you do drink alcohol, do not consume more than 1 drink a day, and not more than 2 drinks at a time every now and then. [Trusted Source 9]
Q. Does Eliquis Affect Your Heart Rate?
A. Millions of Americans use a blood-thinners such as Apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that causes a rapid and irregular heart rate which can quadruple the risk of stroke. [Trusted Source 10]
Q. How Fast Does Eliquis Work?
A. Apixaban (Eliquis) begins to lower blood clotting within a few hours after taking the first dose. If you stop taking this medicine, its effects on clotting begin to wear—off within 24 hours for most individuals. [Trusted Source 11]
Q. Can You Take Vitamins With Eliquis?
A. Although, no interactions were found between eliquis and vitamins. But it does not mean no interactions exist. Always consult your doctor. [Trusted Source 12]
Q. Can You Ever Get Off Eliquis?
A. Do not stop taking Eliquis without talking to your health care provider who prescribes it for you. Stopping the medicine may increase the risk of having a stroke. [Trusted Source 13]
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