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Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant useful in treatment or prevention of blood clots. Blood clots are called thrombosis in medical terms, and a blood clot---or a piece of it---that breaks off to travel through the circulatory system, is called an embolus.

While Eliquis is effective at treating and preventing such blood clots, the medication does carry risks of potentially severe side effects. Patients are advised to follow doctor instructions carefully.

What to Expect from Eliquis

Eliquis is administered in either 2.5 mg or 5 mg tablets, taken twice per day, and which can be taken with or without food as desired. Dosage depends to some extent on the condition being treated, as well as personal variables. Eliquis is most often used for:

• Reduce risk of stroke and embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
• Reduce risk of deep vein thrombosis following hip or knee replacement surgery.
• Treatment of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
• Prevent recurring deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

In other words, the medication can be used to prevent thrombosis in at-risk patients. A big risk factor is atrial fibrillation, commonly called AFib, provided the problem is not caused by heart valves. Patients also use Eliquis to prevent deep vein thrombosis after hip or knee replacement surgery, and, finally, to prevent or treat other deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

To prevent stroke or embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation:

• Take 5 mg twice per day.
• Patients who are over 80 years old or who weigh less than 132 pounds (60 kg) may be instructed to take 2.5 mg twice per day instead.
• Treatment may continue indefinitely.

Following hip or knee replacement surgery:

• Take 2.5 mg twice per day.
• For knee surgery, treatment continues for 12 days.
• For hip surgery, treatment continues for 35 days.

For treatment of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism:

• The first 7 days, take 10 mg twice per day.
• After the first 7 days, take 5 mg twice per day.
• Treatment may continue for 6 months or longer.

To prevent deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism:

• Take 2.5 mg twice per day.
• Treatment may continue for 6 months or longer.

Dosage and duration of treatment can vary from the above, depending on personal variables like age, weight, kidney or liver function, and so forth. Patients taking Eliquis indefinitely may require periodic blood tests to ensure the medication is continuing to work as intended as well as monitor for developing side effects.

Important Precautions

In most respects side effects associated with Eliquis have to do with bleeding. Certain other medications, including other anticoagulants, antiplatelets, NSAIDs, SSRIs, and SNRIs can further complicate bleeding issues; whether or not these medications should be taken at the same time should be discussed with a doctor.

Patients should not undergo surgery while taking Eliquis if it is at all avoidable. The medication should be discontinued at least 48 hours prior to surgery, including dental surgery. Note there is no antidote for Eliquis, unlike warfarin, which can complicate things for those who undergo emergency surgery.

For the duration of treatment with Eliquis patients should take care to avoid injury, including bruises; no contact sports, brushing teeth gently to prevent bleeding, avoiding or using great care when shaving, and so forth. Women should be alert for extra-heavy periods. Any alarming side effects should be brought to the attention of a doctor.