MedDataToolEliquis is a medication used to help 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 protein in the blood that helps clots form, which reduces the risk of dangerous clots. You typically take it as a pill, with a starting dose of 5 mg twice a day for most patients, but it can be reduced to 2.5 mg twice a day for older patients or those with certain health conditions. It's important to know that Eliquis should not be taken if you have active bleeding or a severe allergic reaction to it. Additionally, if you're taking certain medications that strongly affect liver enzymes, like ketoconazole, your dose of Eliquis may need to be adjusted.
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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.
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Dosage
- 5 mg orally twice daily for most patients. 2.5 mg orally twice daily for patients over 80 years or with specific health issues. 2.5 mg orally twice daily for DVT prevention after surgery. 10 mg orally twice daily for the first 7 days of DVT or PE treatment, then 5 mg twice daily. 2.5 mg orally twice daily after at least 6 months of treatment for DVT or PE.
- Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
bleedingnauseaanemiacontusionincreased risk of thrombotic events
Serious
hemorrhagespinal/epidural hematoma
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Premature discontinuation increases risk of thrombotic events.
- Risk of spinal/epidural hematoma with neuraxial anesthesia.
- Monitor for neurological impairment after spinal procedures.
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Drug interactions
- Ketoconazoleincreases bleeding riskMonitor
- Itraconazoleincreases bleeding riskMonitor
- Ritonavirincreases bleeding riskMonitor
- Rifampindecreases effectivenessCaution
- Carbamazepinedecreases effectivenessCaution
- Phenytoindecreases effectivenessCaution
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
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).