Eliquis is used to: prevent blood clots in your veins after a hip or knee replacement surgery, treat blood clots occurring in deep veins (Deep Vein Thrombosis [DVT] and clots in your lungs (Pulmonary Embolism [PE]) and also to prevent these from recurring. and prevent stroke and blood clots in a condition called atrial fibrillation, which is a type of abnormal heart rhythm. Active Ingredients: Each Eliquis tablet contains apixaban 2.5mg.
THIS IS A PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE. A PRESCRIPTION FROM AN NZ REGISTERED DOCTOR IS REQUIRED FOR SUPPLY. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. USE ONLY AS DIRECTED. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. MEDICINES HAVE RISKS AND BENEFITS. THIS MEDICINE MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU. INCORRECT USE MAY BE HARMFUL. READ THE WARNINGS BEFORE PURCHASE. THE PHARMACIST RESERVES THE RIGHT TO NOT SUPPLY CONTRARY TO OUR PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL OBLIGATION.
Description
Warnings: Do not take Eliquis if you have an allergy to: any medicine containing apixaban or any of the ingredients listed.
- Do not take Eliquis if you have, or have had, any of the following medical conditions: any disease or injury to a body organ that is actively bleeding or at high risk of bleeding e.g. bleeding ulcer in the stomach or bowel, recent bleeding in the brain, cancers that are at high risk of bleeding liver disease which leads to an increased risk of bleeding, severely reduced kidney function (your doctor will determine your kidney function), a recent operation on the brain, spinal column or eye(s), recent brain or spine injury, abnormalities of any blood vessels that may lead to an increase in bleeding, any blood vessel abnormalities of your oesophagus or “gullet”, any disease or injury to a body organ that could lead to significant bleeding e.g. stomach ulcer, bowel ulcer.
- Do not take Eliquis if you are taking the following medicines: medicines for fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole or posaconazole, unless they are only applied to the
skin, anti-viral medicines for HIV/AIDS e.g. ritonavir, other medicines to stop your blood from clotting e.g. heparin, enoxaparin, warfarin, rivaroxaban or dabigatran.
- Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
This is a non funded medicine. Pfizer NZ Ltd, Auckland. For more information on Eliquis, visit Medsafe Eliquis Consumer Medicines Information
FAQ: Apixaban
What is apixaban?
Apixaban is a prescription anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to help prevent and treat blood clots. It belongs to a class of medicines called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
What is apixaban used for?
Apixaban is commonly prescribed to treat or prevent deep venous thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which harmful blood clots form in the blood vessels of the legs. These blood clots can travel to the lungs and become lodged causing pulmonary emblolism (PE).
Apixaban is also used to prevent stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation/heart rhythm problems.
For patients who have had hip or knee replacement surgery apixaban is used to prevent DVT and PE.
How does apixaban work?
Apixaban is a factor Xa inhibitor. This means it acts as an anticoagulant by blocking a clotting factor in the blood called Factor Xa. This helps prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots while still allowing the blood to flow normally through the body.
How long does apixaban take to work?
Apixaban works within a few hours of taking it.
What are the possible side effects of apixaban?
Common side effects of apixaban include:
- Easy bruising,
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums,
- Minor bleeding (such as from small cuts),
- Tiredness and lack of energy,
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed,
Severe bleeding is a more serious possible side effect of apixaban.
Contact your healthcare provider urgently if you have any of the following signs of bleeding:
- Becoming pale, very weak and tired, or short of breath.
- Any bleeding from your gums.
- Cuts or nosebleeds that won’t stop.
- Blood in your stools (poo) – black, tarry stools.
- Blood in your urine (pee) – pink, red or brown-coloured urine.
- Heavy periods (menstrual bleeding).
- Coughing up blood.
- Vomiting up something that looks like coffee grounds.
