Apixaban
About
Apixaban belongs to a class of drugs called 'anticoagulants' (blood thinners) primarily used to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in leg veins) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lung). Additionally, Apixaban is used to prevent blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which blood clots form in deep veins usually in the legs. Pulmonary embolism is a condition in which a blood clot blocks the arteries in the lungs. Atrial fibrillation is a condition that causes irregular, often fast heartbeat.
Apixaban contains Apixaban that works by inhibiting the action of blood clotting factor (X a) which is an important element of blood clotting. Thereby, it prevents the conversion of fibrinogen (soluble protein) to fibrin (insoluble protein) and helps in preventing blood clot formation.
Take Apixaban as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you how often you take Apixaban based on your medical condition. Some people may experience nausea, anemia (lack of blood), and unusual bleeding, including swelling and bruising. Most of these side effects of Apixaban do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Apixaban or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Apixaban. If you have a stomach ulcer, recent bleeding in the brain, kidney or liver problems, high blood pressure, or bleeding problems, inform your doctor before taking Apixaban. Your doctor may suggest a blood test called 'international normalized ratio' (INR) to check how quickly your blood's clotting. This test result will help your doctor to decide exactly when you should start taking Apixaban.
Uses of Apixaban
Medicinal Benefits
Apixaban is primarily used to prevent and treat blood clots in the body by inhibiting the action of clotting factor Xa which is important element of blood clotting. Thereby, prevents conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin (a protein that binds platelets together and forms a clot) and helps in preventing blood clots formation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Apixaban
- Nausea
- Anaemia (lack of blood)
- Bleeding including swelling and bruising
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Apixaban should not be used in children. Blood tests are advised before and while taking Apixaban to monitor kidney and liver functioning. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Apixaban. If you have a stomach ulcer, recent bleeding in the brain, kidney or liver problems, high blood pressure or bleeding problems, antiphospholipid syndrome (an immune system disorder that causes an increased risk of blood clots), inform your doctor before taking Apixaban.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Apixaban may have interaction with pain killers (acetylsalicylic acid, naproxen, ibuprofen), heart-related medicines (diltiazem), antidepressants (nortriptyline, amitriptyline), antifungal drugs (ketoconazole), antibiotics (rifampicin), epilepsy or fits related medicines (phenytoin), anti-HIV/AIDS drugs (ritonavir) and blood thinners (warfarin, enoxaparin, heparin, clopidogrel, rivaroxaban, dabigatran).
Drug-Food Interaction: Apixaban may interact with St John’s Wort (herbal supplement for depression). Limit intake of alcohol and do not exceed 14 units per week as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have a stomach ulcer, recent bleeding in the brain, kidney or liver problems, high blood pressure or bleeding problems, antiphospholipid syndrome (an immune disorder of bleeding), inform your doctor before taking Apixaban.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended not to consume more than 14 units per week as exceeding this may increase the risk of bleeding.
Pregnancy
cautionApixaban is a Category B pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Apixaban as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby.
Driving
safe if prescribedApixaban usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionTake Apixaban with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Apixaban with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeApixaban is not recommended for children below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid vitamin K rich foods such as coriander, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kale (leaf cabbage), black liquorice, turnip greens, avocados, Brussels sprouts as they may decrease the effectiveness of Apixaban.
- Do regular exercise as it helps to dissolve blood clots especially in obese people.
- Do not consume more than 14 units of alcohol per week as excess alcohol intake may increase the risk of bleeding and quit smoking.
Special Advise
Complete blood count (CBC), INR test, prothrombin tests are advised before and while taking Apixaban.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in legs) is a medical condition in which blood clots form in deep veins usually in legs. The symptoms include leg pain or swelling.
Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in lung) is a condition which occurs as the blood clots break and travel to lungs from deep veins in the legs or other parts of the body. The symptoms of pulmonary embolism include cough, chest pain and shortness of breath. Quick medication is advised to reduce the risk of serious conditions due to blood clots.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition that causes irregular, often fast heartbeat. In atrial fibrillation condition, blood clots are formed as blood is pooled in the upper chambers of heart.
FAQs
No, you are not recommended to take ibuprofen with Apixaban as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. However, if you notice blood in urine or stools, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, red or black tarry stools, vomiting, weakness or headache, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately to use safely.
No, you are usually not advised to have a tattoo or body piercing while taking Apixaban as it may increase the risk of bleeding and infection. If you still wish to proceed further, contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted or any antibiotics may be prescribed and let the piercer or tattooist know in advance that you are on treatment with a blood thinner.
Yes, you are advised to stop taking Apixaban a few days before surgery or procedure as Apixaban may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, before having any procedure or any surgery, please inform your doctor that you are taking Apixaban.
Yes, Apixaban helps in reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack by preventing blood clots. Stroke is caused as blood clots break off and travel to brain.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Apixaban without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, take Apixaban for as long as your doctor has prescribed it.
