Apixaban

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet · Anticoagulant

Indications

Reduction of risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Prophylaxis of DVT, which may lead to pulmonary embolism, in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. Treatment of DVT and PE and for the reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy.

Dosage

ORAL: Reduction of risk of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Adults: 5 mg twice daily. In patients with at least 2 of the following characteristics: Age =80 yrs, body wt. =60 kg, or serum creatinine =1.5 mg/dL, the recommended dose is 2.5 mg twice daily. Prophylaxis of DVT following hip or knee replacement surgery: 2.5 mg twice daily. Treatment of DVT and PE: 10 mg twice daily for 7 days, followed by 5 mg twice daily. Reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy: 2.5 mg twice daily.

Adverse Effects

Increased risk of thrombotic events after premature discontinuation. Prolonged bleeding. Skin rash (rare).

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Severe hepatic impairment. Patients with artificial heart valves. Anti-phospholipid syndrome, esp. with positive triple antibody testing, who have a history of blood clots. Precautions: Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment (e.g. numbness/weakness of the legs, bowel/bladder dysfunction).

Interactions

NSAIDs, antiplatelets, thrombolytics, dextran, sulfinpyrazone, vit K antagonists, strong CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitors (e.g. azole antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors) and inducers (e.g. rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital).

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Do not stop taking medication abruptly. Contact prescriber right away if you experience unusual bleeding from the gums, nosebleeds that happen often, menstrual/vaginal bleeding heavier than normal, red/pink/brown urine, red/black stool, vomit blood, unexpected pain/swelling/joint pain, headaches, feeling dizzy/weak, difficulty in breathing.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: 50% (for doses up to 10 mg). Half-life elimination: 12 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 3-4 hrs. Excretion: Urine and faeces (25% of dose as metabolites).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Abaxil
• Actapix
• Advaxaban
• Afixba
• Apiban
• Apixaget
• Apxan
• Cloxipa
• Ecru
• Eliqinis
• Eliquis
• Elixaban
• Pixcito
• Platixa
• Zapix

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.