What is Eliquis (Apixaban) used for?

Eliquis (Apixaban) belongs to the group of direct-acting oral anticoagulants and has an antithrombotic effect. It is used for atrial fibrillation and flutter, strokes, emboli and venous thrombosis, as well as for complications associated with internal orthopedic prosthetic devices, implants and transplants. The effect is achieved due to the fact that apixaban is a powerful direct FXa inhibitor that reversibly and selectively blocks the active center of the enzyme. To implement the antithrombotic activity of apixaban, the presence of antithrombin III is not required. Apixaban inhibits free and bound FXa, as well as prothrombinase activity. Apixaban does not directly affect platelet aggregation, but indirectly inhibits platelet aggregation induced by thrombin.

How should I use Eliquis (Apixaban)?

Always follow your doctor`s instructions when using Eliquis (Apixaban) to get the safest and most effective results from treatment. The drug is intended for oral use. Eliquis (Apixaban) is taken 5-20 mg (1-4 tablets) 2 times a day, regardless of food intake. The dose is selected individually, depending on the underlying disease, comorbidities and laboratory results.

The total duration of therapy should be selected individually after a careful assessment of the correlation between the benefits of taking the drug and the risk of bleeding.

In case of a missed intake, the drug should be taken as soon as possible, and then continue to take 2 times a day in accordance with the original scheme.

For patients who cannot swallow the whole tablet, Eliquis (Apixaban) tablet can be crushed and diluted in water or 5% aqueous dextrose or apple juice and given to the patient for immediate oral administration.

What are the side effects of Eliquis (Apixaban)?

The use of Eliquis (Apixaban) may cause side effects in some patients including:

• nausea
• anemia
• skin itch
• skin rash
• bleeding, hematomas
• nose bleeding
• arterial hypotension

The use of Eliquis (Apixaban) may be associated with an increased risk of bleeding (including hidden) from any organ or tissue, which, in turn, can lead to the development of posthemorrhagic anemia.

Symptoms, signs and severity will vary depending on the source of bleeding and the degree or prevalence of bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious or worrying symptoms.

Please Note

Temporary cessation of therapy. Interruptions in treatment should be avoided, and if for any reason a temporary cessation of anticoagulant therapy with Eliquis (Apixaban) is required, it should be resumed as soon as possible.

Information on excipients. Eliquis (Apixaban) contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary disorders such as galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take Eliquis (Apixaban).