About Apixaban: Dosage, Uses and Side Effects
Introduction
Apixaban is an anticoagulant medication, which means it stops blood clots from forming. Blood clots can lead to life-threatening complications such as stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). Apixaban acts by inhibiting factor Xa, a protein involved in the clotting process.
What is the purpose of apixaban?
Apixaban is used for a variety of purposes, depending on your medical condition and risk factors. Some examples of common applications include:
- To reduce the risk of stroke and embolism in persons with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disease. When the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly, blood clots can form in the heart and travel to the brain or other organs.
- To avoid DVT and PE following hip or knee replacement surgery. These are blood clots that can form in the legs and migrate to the lungs, causing breathing difficulties and, in extreme cases, death.
- To treat DVT and PE that has already happened and to prevent them from recurring.
How should I take apixaban?
Apixaban is available as a tablet that must be swallowed with water. The standard dose is 5 mg twice daily, but your doctor may vary it based on your weight, renal function, and other considerations. Apixaban should be taken at the same time every day, with or without food.
If you forget to take your apixaban, take it as soon as you recall. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and proceed with your regular regimen. Do not duplicate the dose to make up for a missing one.
Do not discontinue taking apixaban unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Stopping abruptly increases the chance of a blood clot or a stroke.
What are the potential negative effects of apixaban?
The most common apixaban adverse effect is bleeding. This might be as simple as bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums, or it can be as dangerous as bleeding in the stomach, brain, or other organs. You should notify your doctor if you detect any bleeding symptoms, such as:
- Stools in red or black
- You have blood in your pee.
- Coughing up blood or vomit resembling coffee grounds
- Severe headaches or vertigo
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Joint swollenness or discomfort
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Other possible apixaban side effects include:
- Skin rash and nausea
- Allergic reactivity
- Liver issues
If you develop any of these adverse effects or any other unexpected symptoms while taking apixaban, you should contact your doctor.
What are the apixaban interactions?
Apixaban may interact with other blood clotting or bleeding medications, herbs, and supplements. Here are several examples:
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are examples of NSAIDs.
- Warfarin, as well as heparin and dabigatran, are anticoagulants.
- Clopidogrel, as well as other antiplatelet medications such as ticagrelor and prasugrel
- Clarithromycin and rifampin are two examples of antibiotics.
- Ketoconazole and itraconazole are two antifungal medications.
- Certain HIV medications, include ritonavir and saquinavir
- Certain seizure medications, including carbamazepine and phenytoin St. John's wort
Before beginning apixaban, inform your doctor of all medications, herbs, and supplements you are taking. You should also consult your doctor before beginning or discontinuing any new medications while using apixaban.
What are the apixaban precautions?
Apixaban may not be appropriate for everyone. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- A synthetic heart valve
- A bleeding illness or a family history of bleeding issues
- Antiphospholipid syndrome is more likely if you have three positive antibody tests.
- Kidney or liver disease
- Breastfeeding or pregnancy
If you have a spinal tap or receive spinal anaesthesia (epidural), apixaban can induce a dangerous blood clot around your spinal cord. This form of blood clot has the potential to cause long-term paralysis. This risk is increased if:
- If you have a spinal catheter or if one has recently been removed, you have a history of spinal surgery or frequent spinal taps.
- You use various medications that can interfere with blood coagulation.
- While using apixaban, you should notify your doctor if you plan to undergo any form of surgery, dental operation, or spinal procedure. You may need to temporarily discontinue apixaban before to the operation.
- You should also notify your doctor if you plan to fly or sit for an extended period of time, as this can raise your risk of blood clots.
Summary
Apixaban is an anticoagulant that prevents the formation of blood clots. It is used to reduce the risk of stroke and embolism in persons with atrial fibrillation, to prevent and treat DVT and PE after surgery or from other reasons, and to prevent DVT and PE recurrence. Apixaban is given orally twice a day. Bleeding is the most prevalent adverse effect, which can be slight or severe. Many other medications, herbs, and supplements that influence blood coagulation or bleeding can interact with apixaban. Apixaban may not be appropriate for everyone, and it may result in an uncommon but serious consequence of spinal cord blood clot. Before starting or quitting apixaban, visit your doctor and carefully follow their recommendations.
