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
Bleeding
Content Details
Last updated on:
27 Dec 2019 | 01:08 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Apixaban
- Apixaban is a good medication for preventing blood clots.
- For best results, take Apixaban at the same time every day. It is better to take at night with meals
- 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.
Q. What is Apixaban used for?
Apixaban is used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people who have atrial fibrillation. In atrial fibrillation, the heart beats irregularly, increasing the chance of clots forming in the body and possibly causing strokes. Apixaban also helps to reduce the risk of forming a blood clot in the legs and lungs of people who have just had hip or knee replacement surgery and treat blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), and reduce the risk of them occurring again.
Q. Is Apixaban a blood thinner?
Yes, Apixaban belongs to a class of medicines known as anticoagulant or blood thinner. It prevents your blood from clotting by preventing formation of an important component of blood clotting (factor Xa).
Q. How dangerous is Apixaban?
While using Apixaban you should be aware of the risks involved such as it can cause excessive bleeding being a blood thinner. Hence, do not stop taking the medication without speaking to your doctor. If you have epidural or spinal anesthesia or a spinal puncture while taking Apixaban then you may be at risk of developing a blood clot in or around your spine which can result in paralysis in some patients. Hence, inform the doctor beforehand if you have had any such procedure.
Q. Do I need to stop Apixaban before surgery?
Consult your doctor who will tell you whether you have to stop it or not. It will depend on the type of procedure involved. For instance, if there is moderate to high risk of bleeding during the procedure you will have to stop taking Apixaban 48 hours before surgery.
Q. What are the symptoms of overdosage of Apixaban?
Apixaban, when taken more than the recommended dose, may cause unusual bleeding or bruising, red, brown, or pink urine, red or black, tarry stools and coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds. Consult your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention in a nearby hospital.