Eliquis (apixaban) Tablets

Eliquis is a prescription anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to lower the risk of harmful clots in specific medical situations. This page explains the basics of how it works, common dosing patterns, and key safety points to review with a prescriber. Ships from Canada to US access may be helpful for some people paying cash, including those without insurance.

Content here focuses on practical, label-aligned information, such as tablet strengths, handling, and interaction risks. For broader context on cardiovascular medicines and related conditions, browse the Cardiovascular Category. Details can vary by diagnosis, kidney function, age, and other medicines, so final decisions should rely on the official prescribing information and clinical guidance.

What Eliquis Is and How It Works

Apixaban is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that inhibits factor Xa (a clotting protein). By reducing factor Xa activity, the drug decreases thrombin generation and helps prevent clot formation. This mechanism supports prevention and treatment of thromboembolic events (clots that can block blood flow). It does not “dissolve” an existing clot; instead, it helps limit growth while the body breaks the clot down naturally.

Because anticoagulation effects can decline after stopping therapy, interruptions should be planned with a healthcare professional. The medicine is taken by mouth and is intended for consistent use as prescribed. For a plain-language overview of common indications, see Primary Apixaban Uses.

Prescription information may be verified with the prescriber when required.

Who It’s For

This anticoagulant is commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and it may also be used for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It can be used to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT/PE after initial treatment in selected patients. Another labeled use is clot prevention after certain orthopedic surgeries, such as hip or knee replacement.

It is not appropriate for everyone. A key contraindication is active, clinically significant bleeding. Clinicians may avoid or use extra caution in settings such as severe liver disease, certain clotting disorders (for example, antiphospholipid syndrome), pregnancy or breastfeeding, and when mechanical heart valves are present (this therapy is not indicated for those valves). To explore related condition hubs, visit Atrial Fibrillation and Blood Clot DVT PE.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing depends on the reason for treatment and patient-specific factors. The tablets are typically taken twice daily, and they may be taken with or without food. Some situations call for a lower dose based on age, body weight, and kidney function, while other indications begin with a higher short-term regimen for acute clot treatment. Tablets should be swallowed as directed; if swallowing is difficult, a pharmacist can confirm approved administration options based on the label.

For atrial fibrillation, many references describe a standard regimen as Eliquis 5 mg twice a day, with a reduced dose used when specific criteria are met. For DVT/PE treatment, labeling commonly includes an initial higher dose phase followed by a maintenance dose. After hip or knee replacement, dosing is generally lower and time-limited, with duration determined by the prescriber. If a dose is missed, official instructions generally advise taking it as soon as remembered on the same day, then returning to the usual schedule.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is supplied as oral tablets in two strengths: 2.5 mg and 5 mg. A prescriber selects the strength based on indication, kidney function, age, and bleeding risk factors. Some regimens require taking two tablets to reach a higher total dose, depending on the labeled schedule for that condition.

Brand and generic versions contain the same active ingredient, apixaban, but appearance and packaging can differ by manufacturer and pharmacy supply. For example, an Eliquis 2.5 mg tablet is one of the labeled strengths used in several indications, including dose-reduction situations and some prevention regimens. Availability of Apixaban tablets may vary by dispensing pharmacy and jurisdiction; product selection should match the exact prescription. Additional background is available in Apixaban Generic Availability.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at controlled room temperature and protect them from excess moisture and heat. Keep the medication in its original container unless a pharmacist provides alternative packaging designed to maintain stability. Avoid storing tablets in places with frequent temperature swings, such as a car, bathroom cabinet, or near kitchen steam sources. Always keep anticoagulants out of reach of children and pets.

For travel, carry enough doses for the full trip and keep the pharmacy label or prescription record available. Time-zone changes can complicate twice-daily schedules, so a clinician or pharmacist can help plan timing changes safely. Eliquis tablets should not be exposed to prolonged high heat in checked luggage.

Quick tip: Keep an updated medication list in the same bag as the tablets.

Side Effects and Safety

As an anticoagulant, the most important safety concern is bleeding. Common effects can include easy bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding that takes longer to stop. Because Eliquis blood thinner therapy reduces clotting, even minor injuries may bleed more than expected. A prescriber may recommend periodic checks of kidney and liver function, since organ function can affect drug levels and bleeding risk.

Serious bleeding can occur and may present as unusual weakness, severe headache, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, coughing blood, or heavy unexplained bleeding. Spinal or epidural procedures carry a risk of spinal hematoma (bleeding around the spinal cord), which can cause long-term disability. Therapy should not be stopped abruptly without clinical direction, because clot risk may rise after interruption.

Why it matters: Bleeding symptoms can be subtle until they become urgent.

Medications are dispensed by licensed Canadian pharmacies through our referral network.

For more detailed safety discussion, see Managing Apixaban Side Effects.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Apixaban is affected by pathways involving CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), so strong inhibitors or inducers can change exposure. Examples of inhibitors include certain azole antifungals and some HIV protease inhibitors, while inducers can include rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John’s wort. Any dose change or avoidance strategy should follow the official label and prescriber judgment.

Additive bleeding risk is also important. Concurrent use with other anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, some antidepressants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase bleeding risk. Before surgery, dental work, or spinal procedures, clinicians typically request a medication list and plan timing for temporary interruption when needed. For practical medication-safety considerations that often come up in clinics, review Apixaban Nursing Considerations.

Compare With Alternatives

Several anticoagulant options exist, and selection depends on diagnosis, kidney function, bleeding risk, adherence considerations, and whether laboratory monitoring is feasible. Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist that requires INR monitoring and has well-known dietary and drug interactions, but it remains appropriate for certain patients and indications. Another direct oral anticoagulant option is rivaroxaban, which has different dosing patterns by indication.

Other alternatives include dabigatran (a direct thrombin inhibitor) and injectable anticoagulants such as enoxaparin. Each option has distinct considerations around reversal strategies, peri-procedural management, and use in advanced kidney disease. Comparisons should be made using the approved labeling and individualized clinical assessment. Related product pages include Warfarin Tablets and Xarelto Tablets.

Pricing and Access

Out-of-pocket amounts for anticoagulants vary with strength, tablet count, and dispensing pharmacy. People sometimes compare retail pharmacy quotes and mail-dispensed options, but the same prescription can still have different totals depending on quantity and refills. When researching access, it is also important to know that Eliquis over the counter is not available; a valid prescription is required.

CanadianInsulin operates as a prescription referral service, coordinating documentation for dispensing through partner pharmacies. Access is arranged as cash-pay for patients without insurance coverage. For site-wide offers that may apply to eligible medications, refer to Site Promotions.

Authoritative Sources

For the most reliable details on indications, dosing by condition, contraindications, and interaction management, consult official labeling and reputable drug information references. These sources are updated as new safety data and regulatory decisions emerge. When there is a conflict between summaries and labeling, the prescribing information should guide clinical decision-making.

The links below provide primary references for patients and clinicians. They can be useful when preparing questions for a prescriber, reviewing peri-procedural guidance, or confirming interaction cautions with other medicines and supplements.

• FDA regulatory overview and labeling information: Drugs@FDA Application Overview
• Patient-focused drug information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus Apixaban

To proceed on the site, upload your prescription and choose prompt, express, cold-chain shipping during checkout.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.