Description

Apixaban – Dosage, Benefits, Safety & Important Info

What Is Apixaban? Apixaban is an anticoagulant medicine that helps prevent harmful blood clots from forming. It is in a group of medicines called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). It is often prescribed by doctors for some people with atrial fibrillation and for the treatment or prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Apixaban is a Factor Xa inhibitor that works by blocking a protein in your blood that helps blood clot. This reduces the ability of the blood to form unwanted clots. So doctors may use it in people who are more prone to developing a serious blood clot.

What Does Apixaban Treat?

Possible uses of apixaban:

• Treats Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
• Treat for PE.
• Help keep DVT or PE from happening again.
• Reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in eligible patients with atrial fibrillation.
• Prevent certain blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery.

However, the correct dose and length of treatment will depend on the medical condition, age, kidney function and other factors. Always take your doctor’s directions.

How to Take Apixaban

Apixaban is a tablet. It may be given once or twice a day, depending on why you are being treated. Take exactly as directed. Try to take each dose at the same time of day. Do not change the dose or stop treatment without advice from your doctor. This can increase health risks.

Side Effects Possible

Bleeding is a major safety concern because apixaban makes blood less likely to clot.

Get urgent medical help if you have any unusual or heavy bleeding, blood in your urine or stool, severe weakness or symptoms after a significant head injury.

Who needs to be extra careful?

Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, history of severe bleeding, stomach or bowel ulcers or if you take other medicines that affect blood clotting. Tell your healthcare professional about any prescription medicines, pain relievers, herbal products, vitamins or supplements you take because some of them may affect apixaban.

Frequently Asked Question

Is apixaban a blood thinner.

A blood thinner: Apixaban is commonly known as a blood thinner but it doesn’t actually make the blood thinner. Instead it makes the body less able to form blood clots.

**Can I stop apixaban suddenly?**

Do not stop taking apixaban without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor can tell you when and how to stop or change treatment.

Can I take apixaban with meals?

Yes. Apixaban tablets can be taken with or without food.

Concluding Thoughts

Apixaban is a prescription anticoagulant, and therefore, buying apixaban should not be a simple shopping decision, as it needs to be taken under proper medical supervision. When used properly, it can give effective protection against some blood-clotting problems. So talk to a qualified doctor or chemist before starting, changing or stopping this medicine.