Apixaban
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Factor Xa Inhibitor
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Apixaban
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Click HereSummary
Apixaban is primarily used to prevent blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that increases the risk of stroke. It's also used after hip or knee replacement surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the legs or lungs.
Apixaban is a blood thinner that works by inhibiting a specific clotting factor in your blood, known as Factor Xa. This makes it harder for blood clots to form, thus reducing the risk of strokes and other clot-related complications.
Apixaban is taken orally, usually twice a day. The exact dosage and duration of treatment depend on the condition being treated. For instance, after hip replacement surgery, it's typically taken for about 35 days, and after knee replacement, for about 12 days.
Common side effects of Apixaban include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can also cause headaches, insomnia, and unusual tiredness or weakness. Less common side effects include changes in appetite, mood swings, and cognitive changes like confusion or decreased alertness.
It's crucial not to stop taking Apixaban suddenly, as this can increase the risk of blood clots. The medicine can cause bleeding, especially in the stomach and intestines. Also, if you're allergic to Apixaban, have a history of severe bleeding, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take this medication.
Indications and Purpose
How does Apixaban work?
Apixaban is a blood thinner that works by stopping a blood clotting protein (Factor Xa) from doing its job. This prevents blood clots from forming. It doesn't directly affect platelets (another part of blood clotting), but it does indirectly help prevent clots that platelets might cause. Although it does slightly change some blood tests (PT, INR, aPTT), these tests aren't very good at showing how well the medicine is working.
How does one know if Apixaban is working?
The effectiveness of Apixaban is evaluated through clinical trials and real-world studies. For instance, large studies compared Apixaban to traditional treatments like warfarin, measuring outcomes such as strokes and bleeding risks. Results showed that Apixaban significantly reduced the risk of strokes while causing fewer major bleeding events. Additionally, ongoing monitoring of patient adherence and safety helps ensure its benefits are maintained in everyday use, confirming its effectiveness in various patient populations.
Is Apixaban effective?
Apixaban has been shown to be effective in preventing strokes and blood clots. In the ARISTOTLE trial, it reduced the risk of stroke or systemic embolism by 21% compared to warfarin, with fewer major bleeding incidents. Similarly, the AVERROES trial demonstrated that apixaban was more effective than aspirin in high-risk patients. Overall, studies indicate that apixaban not only works well but also has a better safety profile than traditional treatments like warfarin and aspirin.
What is Apixaban?
Apixaban is a medicine that helps prevent blood clots in people with an irregular heartbeat or those who have had hip or knee replacement surgery. It works by stopping clots from forming in the blood.
What is Apixaban used for?
Apixaban tablets are a type of medication used for two main purposes: 1. **Preventing Blood Clots in People with Atrial Fibrillation:** Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that can increase the risk of stroke. Apixaban helps reduce this risk by preventing blood clots from forming in the heart. 2. **Preventing Blood Clots after Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery:** After these surgeries, there's a higher chance of blood clots forming in the legs or lungs. Apixaban helps lower this risk by thinning the blood and making it less likely to clot.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Apixaban?
After hip replacement surgery, you'll take the blood thinner apixaban for about a month and a half (35 days). For knee replacement, it's a shorter time, about 12 days. The medicine continues to work to prevent blood clots for at least a full day after your last dose.
How do I take Apixaban?
Take your apixaban pills twice a day, exactly as your doctor tells you. You can take them with or without food.
How long does it take for Apixaban to start working?
Apixaban, a blood thinner, typically starts working within 2 to 4 hours after taking it. It reaches its peak effectiveness around 3 to 4 hours post-dose. This medication helps prevent blood clots by inhibiting a specific clotting factor in the blood, making it take longer for clots to form
How should I store Apixaban?
Keep your apixaban pills at room temperature, somewhere between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Make sure kids can't get to them.
What is the usual dose of Apixaban?
The usual adult dose of Apixaban is 5 mg taken orally twice daily. For adults with certain conditions like age over 80, body weight under 60 kg, or serum creatinine over 1.5 mg/dL, the dose is reduced to 2.5 mg twice daily. Apixaban is not recommended for use in children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Apixaban be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Apixaban is a blood thinner that can pass into breast milk. It's not known if apixaban is safe for breastfed babies, so breastfeeding is not recommended while taking apixaban tablets. Talk to your doctor about whether to take apixaban tablets or breastfeed. It's not safe to do both.
Can Apixaban be taken safely while pregnant?
Apixaban is usually not recommended during pregnancy because of possible risks. While animal studies didn’t show major harm, there isn’t enough human data to be sure it’s safe. It can cause issues like bleeding in the uterus, which might harm the baby. Because of these concerns, doctors generally advise against using Apixaban during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the developing fetus.
Can I take Apixaban with other prescription drugs?
Taking apixaban with other medicines that increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, blood thinners, or steroids, can increase your chance of bleeding.
Can I take Apixaban with vitamins or supplements?
Apixaban is a blood thinner. While there's no specific list of vitamins or supplements that interact with it, it's very important to tell your doctor about *everything* you take, including vitamins and supplements. Some things you take could make apixaban work less well or increase your chances of bleeding.
Is Apixaban safe for the elderly?
This medicine is safe and works just as well for older people (over 65) as it does for younger people. Many older adults were included in the studies testing this medicine. It's important not to stop taking this medicine suddenly, as that can increase the risk of blood clots. Talk to your doctor before you stop.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Apixaban?
Drinking alcohol while taking Apixaban can increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with liver metabolism. Occasional light drinking may be acceptable, but heavy alcohol use should be avoided. Always consult your doctor to determine what’s safe for you.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Apixaban?
Yes, exercise is generally safe while taking Apixaban , but you should take precautions. Avoid high-impact or contact sports that increase the risk of injury and bleeding (e.g., football, boxing). Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are safer options. Always consult your doctor before starting a new workout routine.
Who should avoid taking Apixaban?
**Important Warnings:** * **Allergic reactions:** If you have chest pain, swelling of your face or tongue, trouble breathing, or feel dizzy, call your doctor or get help right away. * **Tell your doctor about other medicines you take:** Some medicines can affect how this medicine works or increase your risk of bleeding. * **Swallowing the tablet:** If you can't swallow it whole, talk to your doctor about other ways to take it. * **Don't stop taking this medicine:** Stopping it may increase your risk of stroke. * **Refill your prescription:** Don't run out of this medicine. * **Overdose:** Call your doctor or go to the hospital if you take too much. * **Head injuries:** Call your doctor if you fall or injure your head, especially if you hit your head. * **Bleeding risk:** You may have a higher risk of bleeding if you take other medicines that increase bleeding risk. * **Spinal anesthesia:** If you have spinal anesthesia, your doctor should watch you for bleeding or blood clots.
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