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Eliquis is an FDA-approved anticoagulant drug used to treat and prevent blood clots that can block your blood vessels and keep people from having strokes. It is available as a tablet and taken by mouth.
The drug is used as an alternative to warfarin, an anticoagulant that has been used commonly for many years to help prevent blood clots. Patients using warfarin, however, must undergo routine blood tests to gauge how quickly their blood clots. This quite often implies that warfarin dosage changes very frequently.
Because apixaban functions somewhat differently from warfarin, it doesn’t call for dietary restrictions or blood tests for monitoring. By blocking Factor FXa, this medication aids in the prevention of blood clot formation.
Common drawbacks of Eliquis are bleeding, nausea and allergic reactions. In May 2011 and December 2012, the European Union and the United States approved apixaban for medical use. It is listed as one of the Essential Medicines by the World Health Organization
What Is Eliquis?
Eliquis is a prescription medication with the active ingredient apixaban and is a member of the class of drugs known as anticoagulants. It blocks FXa, an enzyme that encourages the formation of blood clots, through its interaction with the other proteins involved in blood clotting, such as the proteins thrombin and prothrombinase.
People who have recently undergone hip or knee replacement surgery are less likely to develop blood clots in their legs or lungs if they take Eliquis. In addition, the drug is prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder, to reduce their risk of stroke or blood clots. It treats blood clots and lowers the risk of recurrence in the legs’ deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or the lungs’ pulmonary embolism.
Apixaban may be prescribed for conditions other than those that are officially approved to treat or prevent blood clots.
Examples of off-label uses are:
- Prevention of blood clots in the veins (venous thromboembolism) in cancer patients, a disease that frequently raises the risk of blood clots.
- Blood clot prevention for those with mechanical heart valve prostheses.
How Does It Work?
Clotting factors are substances that are involved in the complex process of blood clotting or thickening. The liver produces clotting factors, which aid in reducing bleeding. To ensure that your blood clots properly, they work with blood cells called platelets, which start the clotting process.
Factor Xa, a clotting factor, is prevented from working by apixaban. Blood clots longer than usual as a result of Eliquis.
What Is The Dosage Of Eliquis?
The dosage of Eliquis depends on the patient’s age and the condition for which they are being treated. Eliquis is available in two strengths: 2.5 milligrams (mg) and 5mg.
For children, the use and dose must be determined by the door. For adults, the dosages are:
Adults should take 2.5 milligrams (mg) twice daily for 35 days to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after hip replacement surgery. Taking the first dose 12 to 24 hours after surgery is recommended.
Adults should take 2.5 milligrams (mg) twice daily for 12 days to prevent deep vein thrombosis following knee replacement surgery. Taking the first dose 12 to 24 hours after surgery is recommended.
Adults should take 2.5 milligrams (mg) twice daily after receiving at least six months of treatment for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism to prevent the recurrence of these conditions.
Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation should take the following medications to prevent strokes and blood clots:
- Adults should take 5 mg twice daily.
- Adults with two of the following traits: 80 years of age or older, 60 kg or less of body weight, or kidney issues should take 2.5 mg twice daily.
For treating pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, adults should take 10 milligrams (mg) twice daily for the first seven days. Then, you might receive 5 mg twice daily from your doctor.
What Are The Side Effects Of Eliquis?
Side effects from Eliquis can range from minor to severe. Some of the most significant side effects that could happen while taking Eliquis are listed below:
Mild Side Effects
- Eliquis may cause the following minor side effects:
- Easy bruising
- Anemia
- Nausea
Most of these side effects may disappear in a few days or weeks. However, consult your doctor or pharmacist if they worsen or persist.
Severe Side Effects
- Serious side effects of Eliquis are:
- Bleeding.
- An allergic response.
- Increased risk of blood clots if the treatment is stopped early.
- During spinal procedures, blood clots in the spine.
Side Effects From Taking Too Much Eliquis
Eliquis overdoses can result in life-threatening bleeding and blood loss. Talk to your doctor immediately to find out what to do if you take more Eliquis than is recommended.
Does Eliquis Interact With Other Medications?
You run the risk of bleeding or blood clots if you take a lot of other medications, including some over-the-counter medications.
Inform your doctor of all medications you have taken recently, particularly:
- A blood thinner like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) or heparin.
- Any additional drugs to prevent or treat blood clots.
- A mood stabilizer.
- Long-term use of aspirin or another NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
Numerous additional medications may interact with Eliquis. This includes vitamins, herbal products, and prescription and over-the-counter medications.
What Are The Alternatives To Eliquis?
You might think about switching to another anticoagulant if Eliquis is causing you to experience side effects, drug interactions, or inadequate blood clot control. Other considerations, such as cost, may influence your decision to change your medication. Alternatively, your healthcare provider may prescribe the following:
- Pradaxa (dabigatran)
- Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
- Savaysa (edoxaban)
- Coumadin or Jantoven (warfarin)
- Heparin
- Iprivask (desirudin)
- Fragmin (dalteparin)
- Lovenox (enoxaparin)
- Acova (argatroban)
- Arixtra (fondaparinux)
- Angiomax (bivalirudin)
Where To Buy Eliquis?
Many patients find the price of Eliquis at their local pharmacies to be very expensive. However, once you have the required prescription from your doctor, you can buy Eliquis online or a generic Apixaban at a significant discount.