ApixabanWhen you have, or are at risk of having blood clots form in the deep veins of your body, called deep vein thrombosis,or DVT, or if you have a heart condition called atrial fibrillation, you may be prescribed Apixaban. You may also befamiliar with its brand name, Eliquis. Apixaban is a high alert medication, which means if you do not take it exactlyas prescribed it may cause illness or injury.To understand how Apixaban works, let’s look at how blood clots can affect your body. When you have atrialfibrillation, blood can pool in the chambers of your heart and blood clots can form leading to a high risk of stroke.When you have DVT, blood clots can form in the deep veins of your body; usually in your legs, and can cause serioushealth problems.Sometimes a clot may break away and travel through your blood vessels. Called an ‘embolus’, this moving clot cantravel to the brain, heart or lungs and cause severe complications including stroke, heart attack, difficulty breathing,even death.Apixaban is an oral medication used to break up these clots and keep the blood thin. Your healthcare provider willdecide how much Apixaban you need to take, but tablets come in 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses. Make sure you understandwhat dose you are supposed to take to avoid injury.Apixaban is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not take Apixaban if you are allergic to anyof its ingredients. Do not take Apixaban if you have active or uncontrolled bleeding, or kidney or liver problems. Donot take Apixaban if you have an artificial heart valve.Before taking Apixaban tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Discuss anypossible risks to your baby with your healthcare provider. Do not breastfeed while taking Apixaban.Before taking Apixaban, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of high blood pressure, anemia, stroke,stomach ulcers, kidney problems, liver problems or bleeding problems.Let all of your healthcare providers know you are taking Apixaban, including your dentist. You may need to stoptaking your medication a few days before your appointment.Before taking Apixaban, give your healthcare provider a complete list of all other medications you use, includingvitamins and herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort.Some over-the-counter medications you may take can increase your risk of bleeding. When taking Apixaban avoidAspirin, Ibuprofen like Advil or Motrin, and Naproxen like Aleve. Do not take any other oral blood thinnermedications like Warfarin while taking this medication. Talk to your healthcare provider about your medicationPage 1 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1006396 EN Apixaban.pdf© The Wellness NetworkApixabanApixabanoptions.When taking Apixaban you may have regular tests to see how well it’s working and to check for side effects. Keepall of your healthcare and lab appointments.The most common side effect of Apixaban is bleeding. Be careful to avoid getting a cut or injury. You may noticeminor bleeding from your nose or gums, heavier than normal menstrual bleeding, and bruises that form easily.If you are coughing up or vomiting blood, have urine that looks red or rusty, have red, black, or tarry bowelmovements; or have pain, swelling or discomfort in the stomach, abdomen or joints, call 911. These can be a sign ofinternal bleeding.Other common side effects include nausea and upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea, dizziness and headache. Ifyou do notice any of these side effects contact your healthcare provider about how to manage them.If you require a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia called an epidural while taking Apixaban, you are at an increased riskof developing a very serious blood clot around your spine. This can cause paralysis.If you have an allergic reaction like trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your face or throat, call 911.If you have sudden leg or foot pain, purple toes or fingers, sudden dizziness, weakness or headache, shortness ofbreath, fast heartbeat, pale skin, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or you stop urinating, call 911 and get helpimmediately. This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible side effects with yourhealthcare provider.Take Apixaban exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose. If you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole,crush the tablet and add it to a glass of water or juice, or a soft food like apple sauce.Apixaban is usually taken twice a day with or without food. Take your medication at the same time each day toavoid missing a dose. Try setting an alert on your phone or watch so you don’t forget. If you do miss a dose, takeApixaban as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip your missed dose and return to yournormal medication schedule. Do not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Apixaban, call 911.Do not stop taking your medication without talking to your healthcare provider. If you stop taking this medication,you can increase your risk of stroke and blood clots.Store Apixaban at room temperature away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicine cabinet isPage 2 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1006396 EN Apixaban.pdf© The Wellness NetworkApixabannot the best place because of moisture. Do not leave your medication where it can get too hot or too cold. Alwaysstore your medication out of sight and out of reach of children to prevent accidents.When you are done taking Apixaban, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the proper way todispose of any unused medications. Do not flush this medication down the toilet.Apixaban can reduce your risk of dangerous blood clots and stroke. But it’s a powerful medication that should onlybe taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about Apixaban, ask your healthcare provider orpharmacist for more information.Page 3 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1006396 EN Apixaban.pdf© The Wellness Network
