Eliquis
Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to prevent and treat blood clots. It can lower the risk of serious conditions like stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). The medication comes as a tablet or liquid and is taken by mouth twice a day. Common side effects include bleeding and bruising. Although generic versions have been approved by the FDA, they might not be available until 2026.
What is Eliquis (apixaban)?
What is Eliquis (apixaban) used for?
Adults:
Lower the risk of stroke or blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem
Treat blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) or lungs (pulmonary embolism (PE))
Lower the risk of DVT or PE coming back after treatment
Children:
Treat blood clots and lower the risk of new clots in children from birth and older
How Eliquis (apixaban) works
Eliquis (apixaban) is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that works by blocking factor Xa, a protein your body uses to form clots. By stopping this protein, Eliquis (apixaban) helps thin your blood and prevent clots from forming or getting bigger.
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What are the side effects of Eliquis (apixaban)?
Common Side Effects
- Any bleeding (up to 15%)
- Any bleeding (up to 36%)
- Headache (16%)
- Vomiting (14%)
Other Side Effects
- Nausea
Serious Side Effects
- Serious bleeding: bleeding that won’t stop, blood in the urine or stool, coughing or vomiting blood, unexplained bruises, bruises that get bigger, dizziness
- Bleeding around the spine (spinal or epidural hematoma): back pain, weakness, difficulty walking, loss of bowel or bladder control, paralysis
Source: DailyMed
More on Eliquis (apixaban) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Blood in the eyes
blood in the urine
bloody or black, tarry stools
bruising or purple areas on the skin
confusion
coughing up blood
decreased alertness
difficulty swallowing
dizziness
fainting
fast heartbeat
headache
joint pain or swelling
nosebleeds
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
redness of the eye
severe stomach pain
shortness of breath
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Eliquis (apixaban)
Pros
No regular blood monitoring required
Can be taken with or without food
Approved for both children and adults
Cons
Need to take it twice a day
Most common side effect is bleeding
Not easily reversible in life-threatening bleeds
Pharmacist tips for Eliquis (apixaban)
Don't stop taking Eliquis (apixaban) unless your prescriber says it's safe. Stopping suddenly can cause serious or life-threatening blood clots.
You can take Eliquis (apixaban) with or without food. Try to take it at the same time every day to help you stay on schedule.
The most common side effect of Eliquis (apixaban) is bleeding and bruising more easily than usual. Stop taking it and get medical help right away if you feel lightheaded, vomit or cough up blood, or see blood in your stool. These could be signs of serious bleeding.
If you need surgery or a procedure, even dental work, tell your care team you're taking Eliquis (apixaban) because you may need to stop it for a short time to lower your risk of bleeding. Your prescriber will usually have you stop it 1 to 2 days before and tell you when it’s safe to start again.
If you're having trouble swallowing Eliquis (apixaban) tablets, you can crush them and mix with water, apple juice, or applesauce and take them right away since the crushed tablets are only good for up to 4 hours.
If your child is taking Eliquis (apixaban) Sprinkle capsules, you can open them and mix the contents with water or infant formula. Use the mixture within 2 hours. These capsules shouldn't be swallowed whole.
If your child is taking Eliquis (apixaban) tablet in a packet, mix it with water, infant formula, apple juice, or applesauce and give it right away since the mixed solution is only good for up to 4 hours. You can also give it through a feeding tube if needed.
Eliquis (apixaban) can interact with many medications. Tell your care team if you're taking any prescription, over-the-counter medications, or supplements during treatment.
Eliquis (apixaban) can raise the risk of heavy uterine bleeding. If you're planning to become pregnant, talk to your prescriber before starting this medication.
It’s not known if Eliquis (apixaban) passes into breast milk or if it’s safe while breastfeeding. Since the risk is unknown, breastfeeding isn't recommended while taking this medication. Talk to your prescriber about safer options during this time.
Frequently asked questions about Eliquis (apixaban)
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What are the risks and warnings for Eliquis (apixaban)?
Eliquis (apixaban) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Higher risk of blood clots if stopped too early
Risk factors: Certain heart conditions
If you stop taking Eliquis (apixaban) too soon without speaking with your prescriber, your risk of dangerous blood clots might go up. If you need to stop the medication for any reason other than bleeding or finishing treatment, your prescriber might have you start on another blood thinner to help keep you protected.
Paralysis in the spine
Risk factors: Spinal surgery or spinal tap | Use of indwelling epidural catheter | Anesthesia in the spine (epidural)
If you’re taking Eliquis (apixaban) and need spinal or epidural anesthesia (numbing around your spine) or a spinal tap, you might have a higher risk of bleeding near your spine. This type of bleeding, called a spinal or epidural hematoma, is rare but can cause long-term or permanent paralysis. Your care team will explain how to safely stop Eliquis (apixaban) before the procedure to help lower this risk. Call your prescriber right away if you notice back pain, weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, or a loss of bowel or bladder control.
Bleeding
Risk factors: Taking other blood thinners or NSAIDs | Taking medications that can cause bleeding
Since Eliquis (apixaban) is a blood thinner, it can raise your risk of bleeding, including serious and life-threatening bleeding. You might bruise more easily, and bleeding might take longer to stop. Your risk of bleeding is higher if you have certain other medical conditions or take other medications that cause bleeding. Get medical help right away if you or your child have bleeding that doesn't stop, blood in your urine or stool, coughing or vomiting blood, or feel dizzy or lightheaded.
There are medications, such as Andexxa (andexanet alfa), that can reverse the effects of Eliquis (apixaban) in an emergency. But these reversal medications are given through a vein (intravenously, IV) and are usually only available in the hospital. It's very important that all healthcare professionals, including emergency responders, know you're taking Eliquis (apixaban). Wearing a medical alert bracelet that lists this medication can help keep you safe.
Not recommended in people with prosthetic heart valves
Eliquis (apixaban) hasn’t been studied in people with artificial heart valves. Because of this, it’s not recommended for people who have a prosthetic heart valve.
Not recommended in people with antiphospholipid syndrome
Eliquis (apixaban) isn't recommended for people with triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) because it's been linked to a higher chance of blood clots coming back. If you have APS, your prescriber will likely recommend a different medication to help reduce your risk for clots.
Eliquis (apixaban) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Eliquis (apixaban)
Adults:
How long you take Eliquis (apixaban) is based on why you're taking it. Your dose might be lower depending on your age, weight, and kidney health.
Lower the risk of a stroke in AFib: The typical dose is 5 mg by mouth twice a day.
Treat DVT or PE: The typical dose is to start with 10 mg by mouth twice a day for 7 days, then switch to 5 mg twice a day.
Lower the risk of DVT or PE coming back: The typical dose is 2.5 mg by mouth twice a day.
Prevent DVT or PE in people with recent surgery:
Hip replacement surgery: The typical dose is 2.5 mg by mouth twice a day for 35 days.
Knee replacement surgery: The typical dose is 2.5 mg by mouth twice a day for 12 days.
Children:
The dose is based on your child's weight, and the medication is taken by mouth twice a day.
More on Eliquis (apixaban) dosage forms
Interactions between Eliquis (apixaban) and other drugs
More on Eliquis (apixaban) interactions
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Defibrotide
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abametapir
- Abciximab
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acenocoumarol
- Alipogene Tiparvovec
- Alteplase, Recombinant
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Anagrelide
- Anistreplase
- Apalutamide
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Bemiparin
- Betrixaban
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Cangrelor
- Caplacizumab-yhdp
- Capmatinib
- Carbamazepine
- Celecoxib
- Ceritinib
- Choline Salicylate
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clonixin
- Clopidogrel
- Cobicistat
- Collagenase, Clostridium histolyticum
- Conivaptan
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Desirudin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Drotrecogin Alfa
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Edoxaban
- Enoxaparin
- Epoprostenol
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Fluconazole
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Fosphenytoin
- Heparin
- Ibrutinib
- Ibuprofen
- Iloprost
- Indomethacin
- Inotersen
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lasmiditan
- Lepirudin
- Levomilnacipran
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumacaftor
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Milnacipran
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Nadroparin
- Naproxen
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Nintedanib
- Omadacycline
- Orlistat
- Oxaliplatin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Paroxetine
- Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
- Phenindione
- Phenobarbital
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenytoin
- Piketoprofen
- Piracetam
- Piroxicam
- Pranoprofen
- Prasugrel
- Primidone
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Reteplase, Recombinant
- Rifampin
- Ritonavir
- Rivaroxaban
- Rofecoxib
- Sarecycline
- Selexipag
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Simeprevir
- St John's Wort
- Streptokinase
- Sulfinpyrazone
- Sulindac
- Telaprevir
- Tenecteplase
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Trazodone
- Treprostinil
- Urokinase
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vorapaxar
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
How much does Eliquis (apixaban) cost?
Eliquis (apixaban) contraindications
Active bleeding
What are alternatives to Eliquis (apixaban)?
Adults:
Lower the risk of stroke or blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem
Treat blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) or lungs (pulmonary embolism (PE))
Lower the risk of DVT or PE coming back after treatment
Children:
Treat blood clots and lower the risk of new clots in children from birth and older
Prevention and treatment blood clots in the veins
Prevention and treatment blood clots linked to atrial fibrillation (AFib) or heart valve replacement
Prevention of more blood clots and to lower risk of death after a heart attack
Lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem
Treat blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) or lungs (pulmonary embolism (PE))
Lower the risk of DVT or PE coming back after treatment
Prevent blood clots in people in the hospital or recently released who are at high risk
Lower the risk of serious heart problems, like heart attack or stroke, in people with coronary artery disease (CAD), taken with aspirin
Lower the risk of blood clots and related problems in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), taken with aspirin
Treat blood clots and lower the risk of new clots in children from birth to under 18 years old
Prevent blood clots in children 2 years and older with congenital heart disease (CHD) after a Fontan procedure
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