Apixaban

What is Apixaban?

Apixaban will decrease the chance of stroke caused by a blood clot in patients who suffer from a heart-rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation.

Apixaban may also be prescribed following a knee or hip replacement procedure to stop a form of blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that can cause blood clots to form in the lung (pulmonary embolism).

Apixaban can also be employed to deal with DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE), as well as to reduce the risk of a recurrence of DVT and PE.Apixaban is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.

Side Effects Of Apixaban

Take immediate medical care in the event that you exhibit symptoms warning signs of an allergic response like hives, symptoms of chest pain, coughing, trouble breathing, feeling lightheaded, and swelling of your mouth, lips, or throat.

Seek medical attention in an emergency in case you experience signs of a blood clot in your spine, such as tingling or the sensation of numbness or weakness in your muscles, especially in your legs or feet.

Apixaban can cause severe adverse reactions. Consult your doctor immediately if you suffer from:

• Easily bruised easy bruising, bleeding that is unusual (nose, mouth, vagina, rectum, or mouth), bleeding from wounds or injections, bleeding that won't stop;

• Heavy menstrual bleeding;

• Headache, dizziness, a feeling of weakness, and feeling as if you could be passing out;

• Urine that appears pink, red, or brown;

• Bloody or black stools, coughing blood, or vomit that appears like coffee grounds.

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Apixaban increases the risk of fatal or severe bleeding, particularly if you are taking certain medicines in conjunction (including certain over-the-counter medications). Inform your doctor of any medications you've recently taken.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of bleeding, such as: easy bruising, bleeding that is unusual, swelling or pain, being extremely dizzy or weak nasal bleeding, bleeding gums or bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding blood in your stools or urine, coughing up blood, vomit that resembles coffee grounds, or bleeding that isn't stopping.

Apixaban could cause a severe blood clot in your spinal cord, which can result in permanent or long-term paralysis. This kind of blood clot may be caused by an MRI or spinal anesthesia (epidural), particularly when you suffer from the genetic defect of a spinal cord, if you are using the spinal catheter after having had a spinal procedure or several spinal taps, or if you take other drugs that may influence blood clotting.

See a doctor immediately if you are suffering from indications of a blood clot, such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in your muscles, particularly in your feet and legs.

Stop using apixaban unless your physician recommends it. A sudden stop can increase the chances of developing a blood clot or stroke.

Before You Take This Drug

Apixaban is not a good choice when you are allergic to it or have bleeding that is active from a procedure, injury, or any other reason.

Apixaban could cause you to bleed more frequently, particularly if you suffer from a bleeding problem that is genetic or triggered by a condition.

Inform your physician if you use an artificial heart valve or if you've experienced:

• Bleeding issues;

• Antiphospholipid syndrome, particularly in the case of an antibody test that is triple positive 

• Kidney or liver disease.

Apixaban could cause a dangerous blood clot in your spinal cord when you have a spinal tap or some form of spinal anesthesia (epidural). This kind of blood clot can cause long-term paralysis. It is more likely to develop when

• You have a spinal artery installed, or the catheter was recently removed.

• If you've had a history of spine surgery or frequent spinal taps,

• You have had a recent epidural or spinal tap anesthetic.

• If you are taking aspirin or any different NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)—ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and many others

• You are taking other medications to treat or stop blood clots.

Apixaban can increase the risk of bleeding if you are pregnant or during

birth

. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

How To Take Apixaban?

Follow the instructions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. The doctor might alter your dosage. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.

Apixaban can be taken in combination with food or not.

If you are unable to swallow the tablet completely, crush it, then mix it with apple juice or applesauce. Take the mixture in a single swallow without chewing.A tablet mix that has been crushed can be administered via the nasogastric (NG) tube for feeding. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for use that come with your medication.

Apixaban could help you lose blood, even from minor injuries. Seek medical attention in the event that you are bleeding and it does not stop.

Consult your physician about any planned procedure, including dental surgery. You might have to stop taking apixaban temporarily for a short period of time.Don't stop using Apixaban unless your doctor has instructed that you should.

If you decide to stop taking apixaban for reasons other than your own, your doctor might recommend a different medicine to stop blood clots.Keep at room temperature, free of heat and moisture.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

You can take the dose you missed on the same day that you remembered it. The next dose should be taken at a regular time and adhere to your daily schedule. Don't take more than two doses in one go.

Make sure you refill your prescription before the expiration date of your medication.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What Should Be Avoided?

Avoid activities that increase the chance of injury or bleeding. Be extra careful when shaving or scrubbing your teeth.

Interaction With Other Drugs

There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medicines together. Certain medications can alter the blood levels of other medications you are taking, which could create side effects or render the drugs less effective.

Other medications (including certain over-the-counter medications) can increase the chance of getting blood clots. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you've recently taken, especially:

• Other medicines that stop or treat blood clots

• A blood thinner, such as heparin and warfarin (coumadin, Jantoven);

• An antidepressant 

• Aspirin or any other NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that are used for a long time.

The list below isn't exhaustive, and a variety of other medications could influence apixaban. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.