Eliquis (Apixaban)

• Take Eliquis by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider. The typical dosing regimen for most patients is usually twice daily, approximately every 12 hours.
• The dosage of Eliquis is based on various factors including your medical condition, age, weight, kidney function, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• If you are prescribed Eliquis to prevent blood clots after surgery, the duration of treatment will be based on the type of surgery you had.
• If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, you may crush the tablet and mix it with water, apple juice, or applesauce, and take it right away. However, consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance if this is necessary for you.
• Take Eliquis regularly to derive the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
• Do not stop taking Eliquis without consulting your healthcare provider as some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped.

Common Side Effects:

• Nosebleeds
• Light bruising
• Bleeding from the gums

Serious Side Effects: 

• Bleeding
• Spinal blood clots with spinal procedures
• Increased risk of blood clots if treatment is stopped early
• Severe allergic reactions

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop serious side effects while taking Eliquis.

A reaction to Eliquis can cause hives, rash, itching, and possibly trouble breathing. If you experience sudden chest pain or tightness, swelling of the face or tongue, trouble breathing, wheezing, or feeling dizzy or faint, seek medical help immediately.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you notice any effects not listed above, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice. 

Premature discontinuation of Eliquis increases the risk of thrombotic events. If Eliquis is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant.

Eliquis increases the risk of bleeding and can cause serious, potentially fatal, bleeding. Concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis, such as aspirin, other antiplatelet agents, other anticoagulants, heparin, thrombolytic agents, SSRIs, SNRIs, and NSAIDs, can further increase the risk of bleeding.

There is a risk of spinal/epidural hematoma associated with the use of Eliquis, particularly in the context of neuraxial intervention. It is recommended to consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated.

Eliquis should be discontinued at least 48 hours prior to elective surgery or invasive procedures with a moderate or high risk of unacceptable or clinically significant bleeding. For surgeries with a low risk of bleeding, it should be discontinued at least 24 hours prior to the procedure.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions for Eliquis. For comprehensive information, consult the prescribing information and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.