Description
A prescription anticoagulant, Eliquis (Apixaban) 5mg is used to reduce the risk of strokes other than blood clots in those people who have an irregular heartbeat. It is called atrial fibrillation. Doctors prescribed this drug to people after hip or knee replacement to prevent deep vein thrombosis. It is when blood clots form in veins deep inside the body. If left untreated, they can travel and get lodged in arteries that are there from the heart to the lungs. Such a life-threatening condition is known as pulmonary embolism.
Eliquis 5mg is used for
- Apixaban (eliquis) is used for lowering the risk associated with stroke and blood clots in people who suffer from irregular heartbeat after their knee or hip replacement surgery.
- Apixaban 5mg treats blood clotting in the veins of the legs and lungs that have a tendency of increasing stroke risk.
Generic name of Eliquis 5mg
Apixaban is the generic name of this drug.
What should you avoid while using Eliquis 5mg?
- Do not drink alcohol in excess if you are using this drug. It is because it can make you bleed more likely.
- You should not drink grapefruit juices or eat grapefruit because it will impact the effectiveness of this drug and cause bleeding.
- If you are unwell or you are not able to stay alert after using this drug, you must avoid driving.
- Avoid piercing or tattooing during your treatment with it. It can cause an increased bleeding risk along with infection. If you wish to do such things, ask your doctor and understand if you have to take extra drugs.
- You should not stop using any prescription drug without asking your doctor.
When not to use Eliquis 5mg?
- If you are allergic to Apixaban or other ingredients of this drug.
- If you are using drugs such as heparin, or warfarin to stop blood clotting.
- If you are using a few drugs like ritonavir or ketoconazole.
- If you are using other drugs that increase all risk of bleeding like ticagrelor.
- If you have a bleeding disorder.
- If you are actively bleeding due to a bleeding stomach ulcer or suffer from any medical condition that increases bleeding risk.
- If you have a liver disease along with an increased bleeding risk.
- If you have severe kidney disease or you are on dialysis, do not use this drug.
- If you have prosthetic heart valves do not use them.
- If you have a body lesion at bleeding risk such as bleeding in the brain within the past 6 months.
- If you suffer from a disease in an organ of your body that may increase the bleeding risk such as recent bleeding in the brain or spinal injury, recent or active stomach or intestinal ulcer.
- If you are aged below 18 years or above 75 years.
- If your weight is below or equal to 60 kg.
Tell your doctor if you:
- Missed Dose: If you do not remember to use a scheduled dosage of this drug due to some reason, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dosage, try to skip your missed one. Continue with your regular dosage schedule. Do not use a double dosage of this drug to make up for any missed dosage.
- Overdose: It will increase bleeding risk. If you think that you have used an excessive dosage of Eliquis 5mg, get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible to get medical help.
What are the benefits of using Eliquis 5mg?
Due to the formation of the blood clot, one or more veins are blocked mainly in the legs. Eliquis 5mg prevents the formation of blood clots near the skin surface. It dissolves all clots and relieves inflammation and pain by increasing the flow of blood. It improves the total healing process. Use it as told by your doctor. Usually, the condition improves on its own within some time. Your doctor may ask you to apply heat to the painful area, elevate your affected leg, take an OTC painkiller, and wear some compression stockings.
How does Eliquis 5mg work?
It acts as an anticoagulant. This drug stops the activity of clotting factors by the liver. Eliquis 5mg prevents blood clot formation in the body. It makes the blood thin.
Dosage of Eliquis 5mg
It comes in 2.5mg and 5mg oral pills. 5mg dosage is the most commonly prescribed dosage for people with atrial fibrillation. It is used two times every day. A lower dosage of 2.5mg two times daily is prescribed to people to treat the same condition if they have any two of the below-listed characteristics:
- Creatinine levels in the body at 1.5mg/dL or more
- Body weight more than 132 pounds or less
- Age 80 years or more
2.5mg dosage of Eliquis
- Doctors also recommend 2.5mg dosages two times every day to prevent deep vein thrombosis after a knee or hip replacement.
- People should not use the first dosage 12 hours-24 hours after their surgery.
- They must keep on using it for almost 12 days after their knee replacement and for almost 35 days after their hip replacement.
- People who took Apixaban for at least 6 months for treating PE or DV may keep on using 2.5mg of this drug two times daily to lower the risk of blood clots forming again.
10mg dosage of Eliquis
- People who have suffered deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism usually use a 10mg dosage two times every day for a week.
- After that doctors lower the dosage to Eliquis 5mg two times daily.
How to take Eliquis 5mg?
- You need to use it the way your doctor told you.
- Swallow Eliquis 5mg tablet as a whole. Drink water with it.
- You should avoid cutting, breaking, or chewing this tablet.
- If your doctor mentions having some food with it. It is usually recommended to avoid having food when using taking the drug.
- For optimal results, use it at a fixed time. You must not use more than mentioned by your doctor.
- Follow all instructions and try not to stop using this drug on your own.
Before you use Eliquis (Apixaban) 5mg tell your doctor if:
- Have very high blood pressure
- Have bleeding disorders
- Have lactose intolerance
- Have to go for surgery that will cause bleeding
- Have antiphospholipid syndrome
Side effects of Eliquis 5mg
A lot of drugs can cause side effects. It is an unwanted response to a drug when it is used in normal dosages. Some side effects are severe or mild, permanent or temporary. Its most common side effects are related to bleeding. Over 1% of people taking this drug have reported this issue in clinical trials. Minor Eliquis side effects are bruising very easily and minor bleeding taking longer to stop. The most severe side effect is serious and potentially life-threatening bleeding. You can manage many side effects and some may disappear on their own over time. The side effects mentioned below are not experienced by all who use this drug. If you are bothered about side effects, talk about the risks and benefits of Eliquis 5mg with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you face these side effects or if they are severe or bother you. Your doctor will be able to advise you on ways of managing these side effects.
Common side effects:
- Bleeding
- Swelling or bruising
- Nausea
Uncommon side effects:
- Bright red blood appearing in stools
- Skin rash
- Hair loss
- Itching
- Yellowing of eyes or skin
Rare side effects:
- Skin rash causing blisters
- Bleeding in the throat or lungs
Drug interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- A few drugs affect the way it works or Eliquis 5mg itself lowers the effectiveness of other drugs used at the same time.
- Your doctor must be aware of the drugs, supplements, or herbals you are using or you may use to avoid any possible interaction.
- This drug is not prescribed for people who are using antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, and Posaconazole.
- Also if you are using anti-HIV drugs such as ritonavir, drugs to treat epilepsy such as carbamazepine, and anti-tuberculosis drugs such as rifampicin do not use this drug.
- Eliquis 5mg should not be used if you are using anti-depressants such as diazepam, fluoxetine, and paroxetine because it may impact the Eliquis tablet’s efficacy.
- A related use of anticoagulants such as warfarin and painkiller drugs such as aspirin, acetylsalicylic, or another strong painkiller will increase the bleeding risk.
- Other drugs such as verapamil, diltiazem, clopidogrel, and enoxaparin must be used with alertness along with this drug.
How to store Eliquis 5mg?
- opt for Eliquis buy online and store it safely while maintaining room temperature.
- Do not let any light or moisture touch it.
- Avoid storing it in your bathroom.
- Keep Apixaban 5mg away from kids and pets.
- Do not pour them into any drain unless your doctor asked you to do it.
- Properly throw it if it has expired or you do not need it anymore.
- You must consult your local pharmacist and become aware of the proper disposal of this drug.
FAQs
Can you live a normal life on Eliquis 5mg?
It is safe to use for a long time. There is not any lasting harmful effect from using it for several months or years.
Does Eliquis 5mg cause leg weakness?
Leg weakness can be a symptom of loss of blood which is a possible side effect of this drug. If you have weakness while taking it, tell your doctor. He may check for any internal bleeding symptoms.
Can I exercise on Eliquis(Apixaban) 5mg?
Walking, biking, strength training, and yoga or Pilates are fine to do while using it. But if you wish to get involved in any higher impact or risk-prone exercise, then ask your doctor if it will be safe for you.