Apixaban is a drug to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. This drug can also be used to reduce the risk of stroke due to atrial fibrillation.
Apixaban is an anticoagulant that works by blocking factor Xa in the blood clotting process. That way, the formation of blood clots or blood clots that block blood vessels and cause serious complications can be prevented.
Apixaban trademark: Eliquis
What is Apixaban
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Factor Xa . inhibitor type anticoagulants |
| Benefit | Prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Apixaban for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known whether Apixaban is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets |
Precautions Before Taking Apixaban
Apixaban should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Note the following points before taking apixaban:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Apixaban should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, kidney disease, stroke, antiphospholipid syndrome, or a blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have recently had a gastrointestinal injury or bleeding.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking apixaban if you plan to have surgery or medical procedures under spinal or epidural anesthesia.
- As much as possible avoid activities that can increase the risk of a collision or injury, such as sports that involve physical contact, because apixaban can increase the risk of bleeding.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking apixaban.
Dosage and Directions for Use of Apixaban
The dose of apixaban given by the doctor can be different for each patient, depending on the goals of treatment and the condition and age of the patient. In general, below are apixaban dosages for adults:
Purpose: Prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after surgery
- Dosage 2.5 mg, 2 times a day, the drug is given from 12–24 hours after surgery. The duration of treatment to prevent DVT after knee replacement surgery is 10–14 days. The duration of treatment to prevent DVT after hip replacement surgery is 32–38 days.
Purpose: Treat deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
- Initial dose 10 mg, 2 times daily, for 7 days. Continued dose 5 mg, 2 times daily.
Purpose: Prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation
- Dosage 5 mg, 2 times a day.
How to Take Apixaban Correctly
Follow your doctor's recommendations and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking apixaban. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor.
Take apixaban regularly at the same time every day, so that the effect of the drug is maximized. Apixaban can be taken before or after meals.
If it is difficult to swallow the tablet whole, crush the medicine and add it to 60 ml of water, apple juice, or pulp. Immediately consume the mixture.
If you forget to take apixaban, take this medicine immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. When it is close, ignore and do not double the dose.
Do not stop taking apixaban, unless directed by your doctor. Stopping using the drug before the prescribed time can increase the risk of blood clots.
Store apixaban in a closed container in a cool and dry place. Keep the medicine away from direct sunlight and keep the medicine out of reach of children.
Apixaban Interactions with Other Drugs
Drug interaction effects that can occur when apixaban is used with certain drugs include:
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressant drugs, such as SSRIs or SNRIs, or blood-thinning drugs, including other anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents
- Decreased blood levels of apixaban when used with carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, or phenobarbital
- Increased blood levels of apixaban when used with amiodarone, clarithromycin, diltiazem, naproxen, quinidine, ketoconazole, ritonavir, or verapamil
In addition, if apixaban is taken with fruit grapefruit, there may be an increase in the level of this drug in the blood.
Apixaban Side Effects and Dangers
One of the side effects of taking apixaban is that it is easier to bleed. Check with your doctor if you have a nosebleed, easy bruising, or bleeding gums.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to drugs or experience more serious bleeding. Some of the signs and symptoms of bleeding that are more serious and require immediate attention are:
- Nosebleeds that don't stop
- Menstrual blood that comes out very much and the duration of menstruation is getting longer
- Vomiting or coughing up blood
- Bloody or black stools
- Bleeding in the brain, which can be characterized by symptoms such as blurred vision, severe headache, and weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
