Apixaban
Information about Apixaban
Apixaban uses
Apixaban is used to prevent stroke prevention, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It prevents the formation of blood clots in the legs, lungs, brain or heart.
How apixaban works
Apixaban is a novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC). It works by preventing the formation of blood clots in the body.
Common side effects of apixaban
Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Blood in urine, Brain hemorrhage, Bruise, Nausea, Nosebleeds, Rectal bleeding, Hemorrhage, Hematoma, Hypersensitivity, Itching, Low blood platelets, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Coughing up blood, Abnormal liver function tests, Skin rash, Hair loss, Muscle bleeding, Pulmonary hemorrhage
Available Medicine for Apixaban
Expert advice for Apixaban
- Apixaban is a good medication for preventing blood clots.
- Apixaban can be taken with or without food. Night time administration is not preferable.
- It interacts less with food or other medicines. Hence, frequent dose changes are not required.
- It increases your risk of bleeding. Be careful while shaving, cutting fingernails or toenails, using sharp objects or engaging in contact sports (e.g. football, wrestling).
- If you are going to have a surgery or dental treatment, you may be asked to stop taking Apixaban temporarily.
- Inform your doctor if you see blood in your vomit, urine or stool (black, tarry stools or bright red blood).
- Notify your doctor if you have any kidney problem.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Do not stop taking medication without talking to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions for Apixaban
Apixaban
Q. Can I cut the tablet of Apixaban?
If you have difficulty swallowing the whole tablet, the tablet may be crushed and mixed with water, or 5% dextrose in water, or apple juice or apple puree. Remember to crush the medicine just before you take it.
Q. What if I miss a dose of Apixaban?
If a dose is missed, the patient should take Apixaban immediately and then continue with twice daily intake as before.
Q. What are the side effects of taking Apixaban?
Apixaban may cause bleeding in eyes, stomach, nose, etc and anemia which may cause tiredness or paleness. It may also lower your blood pressure which may make you faint or have a quickened heartbeat and nausea. Blood tests may show an increase in gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), which may be due to liver problems.