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apixaban (Eliquis)

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Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

ARTICLE RELATED DISEASES IMAGES & QUIZZES INDEX Atrial Fibrillation Slideshow: Causes, Tests and Treatment Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ A Visual Guide to Heart Disease GENERIC NAME: apixabanBRAND NAME: Eliquis

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

USES:

Apixaban is used for reducing the risk of blood clots in the heart and strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation who have no problems with their heart valves (nonvalvular atrial fibrillation). It also is used for treating and preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery.

WARNING: BLACK BOX WARNING:

Stopping apixaban before treatment is completed increases the risk blood clots. Another anticoagulant should be considered if apixaban is stopped prematurely for reasons other than bleeding or completion of treatment. People who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture may experience epidural or spinal hematomas while undergoing treatment with apixaban. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. These risks should be considered for patients who are scheduled for spinal procedures.

SIDE EFFECTS:

The most common side effects of apixaban involves bleeding in the:

stomach, intestines, brain, and eyes.

Bleeding due to apixaban may be fatal.

Major bleeding events were fewer in patients who received apixaban when compared to a similar group that received warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), another widely used drug for preventing blood clots.

Rash and serious allergic reactions also may occur.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 9/19/2016

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more info:

apixaban on RxList Need help identifying pills and medications?

Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.

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