Drug Info
- Brand Name: Eliquis;
- Active Ingredient: Apixaban;
- Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, Pfizer.
Eliquis and its active substance Apixaban
The drug's active substance is Apixaban, a highly selective direct factor Xa inhibitor that causes prothrombin conversion to thrombin, responsible for forming a blood clot. Clot formation is reduced as a result of the active substance effect.
Eliquis starts working 3 - 4 hours after administration when the concentration of the active ingredient in the blood reaches the maximum level. The drug is intended for a course of treatment to ensure the anticoagulant effect.
Indications for use
The target application of the medicine aims to reduce the risk of thrombosis. EMA has officially approved Eliquis for use in the following cases:
- To prevent venous thromboembolism in adults following a hip or knee replacement operation;
- To treat deep vein thrombosis;
- To treat pulmonary embolism;
- To prevent stroke;
- To prevent blood clots in other organs in adults with atrial fibrillation;
- To use in patients who have risk factors (diabetes mellitus, heart failure, previous stroke, arterial hypertension, or being 75 years old or over).
Treatment regimens and dosages
Eliquis is available in doses of 2.5 mg and 5 mg for oral use in the form of tablets. Depending on each case, a doctor may prescribe you different dosages and treatment regimens. It is recommended to take the following standard Eliquis doses:
- Following a hip or knee replacement operation, a single dose of 2.5 mg twice daily is prescribed. The treatment should start 12 - 24 hours after the surgery. The duration of treatment is 10 - 14 days (after knee replacement operation) or 32 - 28 days (after hip replacement operation);
- Eliquis 5 mg twice a day is prescribed in case of atrial fibrillation;
- To treat deep vein thrombosis, a 10 mg dose twice daily during a week is prescribed. Then, the dosage is adjusted to 5 mg twice daily for 3 months. A dose of 2.5 mg twice daily is used to prevent blood clots;
- In the case of pulmonary embolism, the treatment regimen and dosage similar to deep vein thrombosis are usually prescribed.
Depending on your state, a doctor may prescribe you doses different from the one described above. Strictly follow the recommendations of the doctor and do not engage in self-treatment. During the treatment, a doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your health and adjust Eliquis dosage if needed.
Recommendations for use
Follow the recommendations given below to get the maximum effect from treatment:
- Take the drug at the same time;
- If you have trouble swallowing a tablet, grind it and mix it with water, apple juice, or applesauce;
- Take Eliquis regardless of the meal.
Although no data are available on the possible interaction between Eliquis and alcohol, it is advised to avoid it during treatment. Alcohol mixed with Apixaban may increase the risk of hemorrhage, reducing blood clotting.
Also, do not consume products like grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment because they slow down the excretion of the active substance from the body, increasing its level in the blood and intensifying side effects.
Missed Dose
If you missed the Eliquis dose, take it as soon as possible. If the following dose is soon to be taken, skip the administration and have the drug according to the treatment regimen. Do not double up doses to catch up. It may lead to overdose and other dangerous consequences.
Precautions
Inform your doctor about all the diseases you have before starting the treatment to avoid possible adverse reactions. It is not recommended to use Eliquis if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you are allergic to the active or other ingredients of the drug;
- If you have been diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome;
- If you have liver disease, which contributes to a bleeding disorder;
- If you suffer from an ulcer of the intestine and other conditions that increase the risk of bleeding;
- If you have an active bleed.
Please inform a doctor or health workers that you are taking Eliquis if you are to undergo any interventions, including dental or surgical procedures because the drug can increase the risk of bleeding. It is possible that you will have to stop taking the medication before the procedure.
Also, try to avoid any injuries that are likely to result in bleeding. Call your doctor if you get injured, even if you are feeling well. The drug is not intended for patients under the age of 18 years. Discuss with your doctor if the introduction of the drug is necessary in the presence of vital indications.
Use of Eliquis during pregnancy
Use of Eliquis during pregnancy is possible if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. In case the treatment is necessary, it should be undergone under strict medical supervision.
Breastfeeding at the time of treatment with Eliquis is excluded due to the possible risk to the baby.
Possible side effects
Like other drugs, Eliquis may cause side effects. Usually, they are mild and are noted in 1 - 10 patients out of 100. The most common adverse reactions are the following:
- Anemia;
- Nosebleeds or other bleeding;
- Hematoma;
- Nausea;
- Low blood pressure;
- Skin rash.
Severe side effects are rare and may include the conditions listed below:
- Dizziness;
- Fainting;
- Confusion;
- Headache;
- Joint pain and inflammation;
- Blood in the urine;
- Pain and chest pressure.
Treatment with Eliquis provokes severe adverse reactions extremely rarely. Do not ignore any worsening in well-being during the treatment course. If side effects increase or you start experiencing other adverse reactions, immediately contact your doctor to avoid dangerous complications.
Eliquis: interaction with other drugs
Before starting treatment with Eliquis, inform your doctor about all medications you take because some may interact with Apixaban. It is not recommended to take Eliquis with the following drug types:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Other blood thinning medications;
- Some anticonvulsants;
- Some antidepressants;
- Protease inhibitors;
- Some azole antifungals;
- Aspirin;
- Preparations based on St. John's wort.
The list of drug interactions is not complete. Read the instructions to the drug or contact your pharmacist for more detailed information.
Storage
Store Eliquis in a dry place inaccessible to children and pets at room temperature. Do not take this medicine if it has expired or is damaged.
The best offer for Eliquis online on the market
Our pharmacy offers Eliquis at the best prices compared to our competitors. You can buy the drug online and start treatment as soon as possible. We provide our clients only with effective and safe medications that meet all the EU standards. Using our online pharmacy services, you get the following benefits:
- Fast delivery;
- 100% privacy;
- 24/7 assistance;
- User-friendly system of payment orders (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or bank transfer).
You can contact our experts, who will answer all your questions if you need help.
How to buy Eliquis online
There is no need to go to a pharmacy to purchase Eliquis. You can buy online at our pharmacy in a few minutes. Fill in a special order form indicating the following information:
- Name of the drug;
- Dosing;
- Quantity;
- Shipping address.
We will prepare your order as soon as possible and ship it to the indicated address. Our managers are available 24/7 and ready to assist with any issues. Please get in touch with our support team right now, and we will help you place an order.
