One of the popular anticoagulants in the market

Eliquis is the brand name for apixaban, a widely-known anticoagulant medication. Aside from aiding in the prevention of stroke, this medication has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating, as well as preventing blood clots in people.

People who have deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are the usual patients who are prescribed this drug.

Due to its effectiveness, demand for this prescription medication has steadily grown. Throughout the nine years it has been available in the market, Eliquis has remained to be the top of mind for this type of medication.

In 2019, sales reached $7.9 billion and it became known as the top of its kind. In 2021, Eliquis generated $10.56 billion in sales, and even a few years later, has remained the trusted blood thinner by many.

How does Eliquis work?

A popular prescription medication, Eliquis helps in reducing the risk of stroke and the formation of blood clots in people with nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation (AF). It is also commonly used to protect people from developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots deep in the veins after undergoing knee replacement surgery.

The medication works by selectively blocking or inhibiting the effects of factor Xa (FXa). This enzyme has an important role in the formation of substances that might trigger clotting of the blood. Through this action on FXa, it can lessen the likelihood of blood to clot.

Dosage and Administration of Eliquis

The dosage is very straightforward. Medical practitioners typically recommend a dosage of 5mg Eliquis tablet twice a day. While for patients who are in their 80’s, have a body weight of 60kg and less, or have a serum creatinine of at least 1.5mg/dL, the recommended dosage is only 2.5mg.

Eliquis is taken orally with or without food as instructed by your doctor. It can be taken usually twice a day, with 12-hour intervals. For those who have difficulty in swallowing whole pills, you may crush the tablet, mix it with any drink or food of your choice, and make sure to take it right away.

While there were recommended dosages provided, your dosage will still be dependent on your doctor’s advice. This will typically be based on your current medical condition, weight, age, kidney function, your response to the treatment, as well as other medications that you might be currently taking.

Do not forget to share with your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications and even herbal supplements that you are taking at present so they can give you the most appropriate prescription. As for patients who underwent surgery and were advised to take Eliquis due to blood clots forming, how long you will be taking the medication will depend on the kind of surgery that you underwent.

Most common side effects of Eliquis

While Eliquis is a popular choice for people in need of blood thinners, it is imperative to become better familiar with its most common side effects. Typically, doctors will recommend Eliquis to be used for an initial six months. Then for long-time use, your doctor may eventually recommend a lower dosage. Hence, it is common for patients to wonder about any potential side effects when taking this prescription medication. 

Some of the most common side effects of Eliquis based on clinical trials are:

• Bruising
• Minor bleeding like “nose bleeds”
• Anemia
• Nausea

Experiencing some of the common side effects when taking Eliquis need not be a cause of panic. Take note that these side effects are usually temporary and at its worst, can last for only a few weeks.

Meanwhile, the mild side effects that patients may experience when taking Eliquis are:

• Bruising
• Nausea
• Anaemia
• Thrombocytopenia
• Low blood pressure (which may cause patients to feel dizzy)
• Minor bleeding (like nosebleeds)
• Mild Allergic reaction

However, if you are experiencing these side effects or you are experiencing something worse, make sure to immediately consult with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking Eliquis just because you feel like it or you feel panicked because of some mild side effects. 

Always Seek for Doctor’s Advice

It is more important to seek your doctor’s advice first. While you may not experience withdrawal symptoms after choosing to stop taking Eliquis, deciding to suddenly stop taking your prescribed medication can lead to other side effects, some of which may be very dangerous for you. One of the potential concerns in stopping it is that it may trigger the formation of blood clots.

In case you experience any side effects or you notice anything different with your body while taking the drug, your doctor should also be able to give you the antidote to reverse its effects. Your doctor may also advise you to take a lower Eliquis dosage to lessen the side effects.

Fortunately, the drug has not been known to cause any long-term side effects on those who have taken it and is fairly safe to use. Lab research also showed that Eliquis is not only more stable but is also more consistent. While there are no restrictions on the kind of food you can eat while taking the medication, do note that you should be mindful of your alcohol intake to avoid any side effects.

Another common concern by people who are considering to buy Eliquis is if it causes weight gain. Based on clinical trials, taking the medication will not cause patients to gain weight. As for experiencing constipation and diarrhea, do not worry, as clinical trials did not report this as a side effect. However, do note that other known blood thinners like Xarelto or rivaroxaban, have been reported to trigger either constipation or diarrhea in patients.

Do not gamble on your health

When it comes to your health, it is highly important to remember that we all have our unique physical qualities. Do not gamble on your health and well-being by making an appointment with your healthcare provider and get prescribed the right medication as well as dosage. For your peace of mind, ensure that you seek advice from a medical professional that you trust.

Remember, Eliquis is considered as a life-saving medication as it helps in the prevention of stroke and the formation of deadly blood clots in people with physical vulnerabilities. Do not wait until you have already fallen too ill before you talk with your doctor. Just like the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure.”

In case you are already taking some medications, make sure to inform your doctor about this as well. This is very important as certain anti-seizure medications and diltiazem may affect your Eliquis levels. As for vitamins potentially having a negative effect while you are taking Eliquis, fortunately, there has been no recorded incidents of this. 

Take the appropriate medication

If you are experiencing atrial fibrillation or an irregular heartbeat, you should seek professional advice about taking a trusted blood thinner like Eliquis. Make sure to be clear and open about your health concerns while consulting with your healthcare provider. This is to ensure that you will receive the appropriate medical recommendations from your doctor.

Likewise, do not hesitate to contact us if you have any similar medical concerns. We encourage you to share your experiences with regard to Eliquis as this may help other people who may have similar concerns. You may also send in any questions you may have about this medication for clarification.

In case Eliquis has already been prescribed to you by your healthcare professional, make sure to buy Eliquis hassle-free from PharmaServe.

A leading online pharmacy, PharmaServe not only has the most in-demand medications in stock but all are priced very affordably. This is highly important as PharmaServe aims to support its customers’ medication requirements. Doing so will help you to stay on top of your health and enjoy life to the fullest. 

Another perk of using PharmaServe is being able to order your medication any time of the day with just a few simple clicks. PharmaServe is accessible whether through your computer or even mobile phone, giving you the utmost convenience. You will also get to earn reward points every time you order. Rest assured, your medications will be safely delivered to you.

References and Further Reading

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/202155s034lbl.pdf

https://www.goodrx.com/eliquis/eliquis-side-effects

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-eliquis-side-effects

https://www.eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com/homepage?consumer=true