How long do patients stay on Eliquis?

Eliquis has become a widely-prescribed anticoagulant since being introduced in the market a few years ago. This popular prescription medication has been very effective in transforming how patients manage various cardiovascular conditions. This has resulted in patients having an effective as well as convenient treatment option for their condition.

Given its popularity, it is very important to determine the optimal duration for undergoing therapy. This can be quite complex as how long patients need to stay on Eliquis is highly dependent on several factors.

Adults are typically prescribed to take either 1 Eliquis 2.5mg tablet or 1 Eliquis 5mg tablet twice a day. Make sure to not miss this as taking your medication on time is very important for it to be more effective. Just like with any other type of medication, patients must follow their doctor’s instructions. For those who have pre-existing conditions like liver problems or kidney problems, they may need a lower dosage. Following instructions and open communication with your trusted healthcare provider will help you make the most of your treatment and avoid any harmful side effects.

Overview of Eliquis

Also known by its generic name apixaban, Eliquis is primarily prescribed by doctors to aid in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), as well as for the treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). 

The duration of a patient’s Eliquis treatment will vary greatly depending on the patient’s underlying condition, as well as individual patient factors, and the patient’s treatment goals. Due to its efficacy, many patients are interested to buy Eliquis.

Factors Influencing Duration of Eliquis Treatment

Atrial Fibrillation

When it comes to patients with NVAF, the decision to start taking as well as continue Eliquis therapy is typically guided by the risk of stroke and bleeding. 

The CHA2DS2-VASc score, which assesses the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation is very helpful in determining the need for anticoagulation therapy. For those patients with a high risk of stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2), long-term anticoagulation therapy using Eliquis is usually recommended. This is to help reduce the risk of stroke as well as systemic embolism. However, the decision to continue undergoing Eliquis therapy should be regularly reassessed based on the changes in the patient’s clinical status, the patient’s risk of bleeding, as well as the patient’s preferences.

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

For patients who have DVT or PE, the duration of their Eliquis treatment is determined by the presence of reversible risk factors, the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), as well as the risk of bleeding. 

Typical recommendations are at least three months of anticoagulation therapy for patients with provoked VTE (i.e., VTE associated with a temporary risk factor), while patients with unprovoked VTE (i.e., VTE without a clear precipitating factor) may require an extended or indefinite anticoagulation therapy to prevent recurrence.

Deciding to continue undergoing Eliquis therapy beyond the initial treatment period prescribed by your healthcare provider should be based on a careful assessment of the risk-benefit ratio, patient preferences, as well as the presence of any ongoing risk factors for VTE.

Individual Patient Factors

Several individual patient factors may influence the duration of a patient’s treatment, including age, comorbidities, renal function, concomitant medications, as well as bleeding risk. For elderly patients, those with significant comorbidities or those with increased risk of bleeding may require closer monitoring and consideration of shorter or interrupted courses of Eliquis therapy.

Similarly, patients with impaired renal function may require dose adjustments for Eliquis or alternative treatment strategies to minimize the risk of drug accumulation and potential adverse events.

Monitoring and Adjusting Eliquis Therapy

The duration of a patient’s Eliquis treatment will vary depending on the patient’s underlying condition, individual patient factors, as well as treatment goals. For those patients with NVAF, Eliquis is typically continued long-term. This is to help reduce the risk of stroke as well as systemic embolism. Meanwhile, when it comes to patients with DVT or PE, the duration of Eliquis treatment may be determined by the presence of reversible risk factors as well as the risk of recurrent VTE. 

It is crucial to practice close collaboration between patients and healthcare providers as it is essential to tailor fit Eliquis therapy to individual patient needs, optimize treatment outcomes, and minimize the risk of adverse events. It is also important to have regular reassessment of the need for ongoing anticoagulation. Equally important is taking into consideration the patient’s preferences, which is also a crucial aspect when it comes to Eliquis management.

In the event of mistakenly taking too much, you might experience some side effects from Eliquis. Keep in mind that it can cause bleeding when taken beyond the prescribed period or above the prescribed dosage. Make sure to be watchful of the most common signs of bleeding like vomiting blood, unexplained bruises on the skin, blood in the urine, and blood in the stool. Make sure to immediately contact your healthcare provider to provide you with the right medical support. Your healthcare provider will also be able to appropriately guide you on how to counter the side effects. But if the side effects are severe, make sure to go to the Emergency Room as soon as possible as you may need to be given Andexxa, which is the reverse medication to Eliquis.

Eliquis is generally safe to use

To conclude, while concerns regarding the impact of Eliquis on kidney health are understandable, the available evidence suggests that Eliquis is generally safe and well-tolerated by patients with varying degrees of renal impairment. 

There have been clinical trials as well as real-world data supporting Eliquis’ efficacy in reducing the risk of thromboembolic events while minimizing the risk of major bleeding, even among patients with compromised kidney function. Just like with any other medication, individual patient factors should always be considered. It is also very important to have close monitoring as this is essential in ensuring optimal outcomes. All patients should not hesitate to discuss all of their concerns as well as any questions they may have about Eliquis as well as kidney health with their healthcare provider to help them make informed decisions on the prescribed treatment for their condition.

In case you are currently experiencing atrial fibrillation or you have an irregular heartbeat, make sure that you actively seek professional advice about taking a trusted blood thinner like Eliquis. It is crucial to be clear and open about your health concerns whenever you are consulting with your healthcare provider. This is to ensure that you will receive the appropriate medical recommendations from your doctor when it comes to taking Eliquis.

Get the medication you need

In case you found this article helpful yet you still need some clarifications about Eliquis, do not hesitate to contact us. Your medical concerns are all welcome here.

Just in case you have already been prescribed Eliquis and have been using it for a while, we highly encourage you to share your experiences with this type of treatment. This will help you connect with other patients who may be undergoing the same treatment or were recently advised to take it and still have some questions.

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References and Further Reading

https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/eliquis-dosage

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/apixaban/how-and-when-to-take-apixaban/