Eliquis (Apixaban) 5mg is an anticoagulant medicine used to prevent and treat certain blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke in eligible adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. It works by blocking factor Xa, a protein involved in blood clot formation.
Eliquis 5mg contains apixaban, a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that belongs to the factor Xa inhibitor class. It reduces the blood's ability to form clots that may cause serious complications.
Apixaban is prescribed for specific conditions involving blood clots or an increased risk of clot formation. The appropriate strength and treatment schedule depend on the condition being treated and individual clinical factors.
Eliquis (Apixaban) 5mg may be prescribed to:
Prevent stroke and systemic embolism: Reduce the risk of blood clots in eligible adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
Treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Treat blood clots that develop in deep veins, commonly in the legs.
Treat pulmonary embolism (PE): Treat blood clots that block blood vessels in the lungs.
Prevent recurrent DVT or PE: Reduce the risk of further blood clots after initial treatment.
Apixaban is also used in other approved regimens, including prevention of venous blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery, although these regimens generally use the 2.5mg strength. The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional.
Eliquis blocks factor Xa, an enzyme that plays an important role in the blood-clotting process. This reduces the production of thrombin, a substance needed to form blood clots.
By slowing clot formation, apixaban helps prevent certain existing clots from growing and reduces the risk of new clots developing. It does not dissolve clots directly; the body gradually breaks them down.
Take Eliquis exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Frequency: For many adult indications, apixaban is taken twice daily, but the appropriate dose and schedule depend on the condition being treated.
With or without food: Eliquis can generally be taken with or without food.
Administration: Swallow the tablet with water. Follow the product leaflet if you have difficulty swallowing.
Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember on the same day and continue with your regular schedule. Follow your patient leaflet or contact your pharmacist if you are unsure; do not take extra doses to compensate.
Treatment continuity: Do not stop taking Eliquis without medical advice, because stopping prematurely can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.
The 5mg strength is not appropriate for every indication or patient. Never change your dose without consulting your healthcare professional.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history and all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies you use.
Use particular caution or seek medical advice before taking Eliquis if you:
Have active bleeding or a history of significant bleeding, stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Have kidney or liver disease, particularly severe liver impairment.
Have a bleeding disorder or a condition that increases your risk of bleeding.
Have a prosthetic heart valve or antiphospholipid syndrome, for which apixaban may not be appropriate.
Are scheduled for surgery, dental procedures, a spinal injection or an epidural procedure.
Are older, have low body weight or have other factors that may affect bleeding risk or the prescribed dose.
Important medicine interactions: Eliquis may interact with other anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and certain antidepressants that increase bleeding risk. Some antifungal medicines, antibiotics, antiviral medicines and seizure medicines can also alter apixaban levels.
Check all possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Pregnancy: Information about apixaban use during pregnancy is limited. Treatment may increase the risk of bleeding in the pregnant person and the fetus, so Eliquis is generally not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, consult your healthcare professional about appropriate anticoagulation.
Breastfeeding: Recommendations may vary by country, but current US prescribing information advises against breastfeeding during treatment with Eliquis. Discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives with your healthcare professional before making decisions about treatment or breastfeeding.
Like all medicines, Eliquis can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Commonly reported side effects include:
Bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
Bruising more easily than usual.
Anaemia, which may cause tiredness, weakness or pale skin.
Nausea.
Seek urgent medical attention for uncontrolled bleeding, blood in the urine, black stools, vomiting blood, sudden severe headache, fainting, or signs of a stroke. Severe bleeding can be life-threatening, even if there is no obvious external injury.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Store Eliquis 5mg according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.
Keep the tablets in their original packaging as directed.
Protect the medicine from moisture and store it under the conditions specified in the patient information leaflet.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use it after the expiry date.
Follow the storage instructions supplied with your specific product.
Eliquis 5mg is used to reduce the risk of stroke in eligible adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and to treat DVT and pulmonary embolism. It can also help prevent recurrent blood clots after initial treatment.
Apixaban starts affecting blood clotting within a few hours after a dose. Its protective effect depends on taking it consistently according to the prescribed schedule.
Yes. Eliquis can generally be taken with or without food. Try to follow your prescribed schedule consistently.
Eliquis is commonly prescribed twice daily, with doses spaced as directed by your healthcare professional. Follow your prescription and patient leaflet for the exact timing.
Eliquis is the brand name for apixaban. Generic apixaban products contain the same active ingredient when appropriately authorised, although packaging and inactive ingredients may differ.
Do not stop Eliquis without medical advice. The underlying risk of blood clots may remain even when you have no symptoms, and stopping treatment prematurely can increase the risk of serious complications.
Ibuprofen and aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Eliquis. Do not add these medicines or other pain relievers without checking with your doctor or pharmacist.
