MedDataToolApixaban is a medication used to prevent strokes in people with a certain type of irregular heartbeat called nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, as well as to treat and prevent blood clots in the legs and lungs. It works by blocking a specific factor in the blood that helps clots form, which reduces the risk of dangerous clots. You typically take it as a tablet, with the usual starting dose being 5 mg taken twice a day, but it can be lower for some patients based on age or weight. It's important to know that you should not take it if you have active bleeding or a severe allergic reaction to it. Additionally, if you are taking strong medications that affect the liver, like ketoconazole, your dose of apixaban may need to be reduced.
✦
Uses
- Reduce the risk of stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
- Prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after hip or knee replacement surgery.
- Treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Treat pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE.
◷
Dosage
- 5 mg twice daily for most patients with atrial fibrillation. 2.5 mg twice daily for patients over 80 years or with low body weight. 2.5 mg twice daily for DVT prevention after surgery. 10 mg twice daily for the first 7 days of DVT or PE treatment, then 5 mg twice daily. 2.5 mg twice daily to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE.
- Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
⚠
Side effects
Common
bleedingnauseaanemiacontusionincreased risk of thrombotic events
Serious
spinal/epidural hematoma
🛑
Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Premature discontinuation increases the risk of thrombotic events.
- Risk of spinal/epidural hematoma with neuraxial anesthesia.
- Monitor for neurological impairment after spinal procedures.
- Avoid use with strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inducers.
⇄
Drug interactions
- Ketoconazoleincreases bleeding riskMonitor
- Rifampindecreases effectiveness of apixabanCaution
- Carbamazepinedecreases effectiveness of apixabanCaution
- Phenytoindecreases effectiveness of apixabanCaution
- Aspirinincreases bleeding riskMonitor
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Other Brands:
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).