About

Apixaban is a medicine used to prevent and treat blood clots. It belongs to a class of drugs called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), specifically a factor Xa inhibitor. It works by blocking part of the clotting process in your blood, reducing the risk of harmful clots forming.

Apixaban is commonly prescribed for:

• Preventing stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AF)
• Treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Treating pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Preventing recurrence of DVT or PE
• Preventing blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery

Apixaban is available in:

• Tablets (2.5 mg and 5 mg)

How and When to Use It

Take apixaban exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Dosage: Common doses are 2.5 mg or 5 mg taken twice daily. Your dose depends on your condition, kidney function, age, and body weight.

Take apixaban with or without food, at the same times each day.

Swallow the tablets whole with water. If you have trouble swallowing, they may be crushed and mixed with water or apple juice.

Do not stop taking apixaban suddenly — this may increase your risk of blood clots. Always check with your doctor first.

Contraindications

Do not take apixaban if you have:

• Allergy to apixaban or any of its ingredients
• Active bleeding or a condition that increases your bleeding risk
• Severe liver disease
• Artificial heart valves

Side Effects

Like all medicines, apixaban can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects:

• Easy bruising
• Nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Minor bleeding after cuts

Serious side effects — seek medical attention immediately:

• Unexpected or severe bleeding (e.g., black stools, blood in urine)
• Severe headache or dizziness (possible internal bleeding)
• Swelling, pain, or shortness of breath

Because apixaban affects blood clotting, contact your doctor before any surgery, dental procedure, or new medication.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Fertility

Apixaban is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as its safety has not been fully established.

If you become pregnant while taking apixaban, inform your doctor immediately.

There is no evidence that apixaban affects fertility in men or women.

Interactions With Other Medications

Some medicines can increase your risk of bleeding or affect how apixaban works. Tell your doctor if you take:

• Other anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin)
• Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel)
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Certain antifungal or antibiotic medicines (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin)
• Herbal supplements like St John’s wort

Frequently Asked Questions