Apixaban Patient Education

Question 1

Apixaban

Answer 1

(Eliquis®)

Question 2

Some medications may increase your
chance of bleeding and should be avoided.
Some examples are:

Answer 2

• aspirin
• ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil®)
• naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve®)
• diclofenac (Voltaren®)
• celecoxib (Celebrex®)
• clopidogrel (Plavix®)
• ticagrelor (Brillinta®)
• enoxaparin (Lovenox®)

Question 3

There are other medications your doctor
should be aware of that can affect how
apixaban works. Some examples are:

Answer 3

• ketoconazole (Nizoral®)
• itraconazole (Sporanox®)
• rifampin (Rifadin®)
• carbamazepine (Tegretol®)
• phenytoin (Dilantin®)
• phenobarbital
• St. John’s wort
• HIV medications like ritonavir
(Norvir®), lopinavir (Kaletra®)

Question 4

What is apixaban?

Answer 4

Apixaban is an anticoagulant, or “blood
thinner,” that treats and prevents harmful
blood clots in veins, arteries, brain, lungs, and heart.

Question 5

How does it work?

Answer 5

Apixaban helps prevent clots from forming
or getting bigger by blocking one of the
clotting factors (factor Xa).

Question 6

What is it used to treat?

Answer 6

Apixaban is used to:
• Prevent blood clots and reduce risk of stroke in people with a type of irregular heart beat known as atrial fibrillation (Afib)
• Prevent blood clots in legs and lungs after hip or knee replacement surgery
• Treat blood clots in the veins (deep vein
thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) and reduce risk of
occurring again

Question 7

Will I need routine blood checks?

Answer 7

You will not need regular blood tests to monitor
this medication. There are no tests to measure
apixaban levels.

Your doctor or anticoagulation clinic will check
your complete blood count (CBC), kidney and
liver function tests when you start apixaban.

You will need to get your CBC checked each
year, and have your kidney and liver function
tested as instructed by your doctor.

Based on the results, your dose may need to be
changed or apixaban may be stopped.

Question 8

How should I take it?

Answer 8

Take twice a day with or without food.

If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you may
crush the tablet and mix it with applesauce. Be
sure to take it within 4 hours of crushing.

Question 9

Miss a dose?

Answer 9

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you
remember on the same day. Do not take two
doses together.

Question 10

How should I store it?

Answer 10

Store at room temperature in a tightly sealed pill bottle. Keep away from light
and humidity. Do not store in the bathroom.

Question 11

What are the side effects?

Answer 11

Minor bleeding is the most common side
effect of this medication:
• Bruising more easily
• Occasional, light nose bleeds
• Prolonged and heavier than normal
menstrual bleeding
• Prolonged bleeding after minor cuts
Other less common side effects include
rash, mild back pain, feeling dizzy or tired.

Question 12

Call your doctor or seek emergency

help immediately if you notice:

Answer 12

Call your doctor or seek emergency
help immediately if you notice:
• Allergic reaction: itching or hives,
swelling in your face, mouth, or throat,
or trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Bloody or brown urine
• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• Vomit that is bloody or looks like
coffee grounds
Avoid activities that put you at risk of
injury or falling. Seek emergency help
if you fall and hit your head.

Question 13

Are there restrictions on

food or alcohol?

Answer 13

Limit intake of grapefruit and grapefruit juice. These may increase risk of bleeding.

It is recommended to limit alcohol use. Alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding.