Eliquis® (apixaban) Uses, Dosing, Side Effects, and FAQs

What Eliquis® Is and How It Works

Eliquis® (apixaban) is an oral anticoagulant used to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It is a direct Factor Xa inhibitor. By blocking Factor Xa, this eliquis blood thinner medication decreases thrombin generation and clot formation. Tablets are available as an eliquis 5 mg tablet and an eliquis 2.5 mg tablet, taken twice daily.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

Common questions include “eliquis is used for what” or whether it is an eliquis heart medicine. Indications include stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, treatment of DVT/PE, reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT/PE, and prophylaxis of DVT following hip or knee replacement surgery. Route is oral, and no routine INR monitoring is required.

Dosage and Usage

• Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Typical dose is 5 mg twice daily. Reduce to 2.5 mg twice daily in patients with at least two of the following: age 80 years or older, body weight 60 kg or less, or serum creatinine 1.5 mg/dL or higher.
• Treatment of DVT/PE: 10 mg twice daily for 7 days, then 5 mg twice daily.
• Reduction in risk of recurrent DVT/PE: 2.5 mg twice daily after at least 6 months of treatment.
• DVT prophylaxis after hip or knee replacement: 2.5 mg twice daily. Duration varies by procedure per clinician guidance.
• Administration: Swallow tablets with or without food. Tablets may be crushed and suspended in water or D5W, or mixed with applesauce, if needed.
• Missed dose: Take as soon as possible on the same day, then continue the twice-daily schedule. Do not double doses.
• Perioperative management, neuraxial anesthesia, and drug interactions require individualized planning. Follow prescriber instructions.

• Storage: Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F); excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) permitted.
• Keep tablets dry and in the original bottle with desiccant. Close the cap tightly after each use.
• Travel: Keep medication in carry-on baggage and original labeled container.
• Avoid heat, freezing, and moisture (bathrooms, cars, window sills).
• Carry extra doses and a copy of the prescription when traveling.

Benefits and Savings

This eliquis medication offers consistent anticoagulation without routine INR checks, fewer food interactions than warfarin, and an established safety and efficacy profile across atrial fibrillation, DVT, and PE. Twice-daily dosing supports stable exposure. Many patients prefer an eliquis tablet because it is oral and predictable.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. A broad selection from licensed, vetted partner pharmacies helps ensure authentic brand medications and value-focused pricing.

See our promotions page for current offers, including any eliquis coupon if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: Easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavier than usual menstrual bleeding, minor cuts that take longer to stop bleeding.
• Other reported: Anemia (tiredness, pallor), nausea, mild gastrointestinal upset.
• Less common: Hematuria, rectal bleeding, or prolonged bleeding from injection sites or dental work.

Serious risks include major bleeding. Apixaban carries boxed warnings: premature discontinuation increases the risk of thrombotic events, and epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia or spinal puncture. Assess bleeding risk, concomitant antiplatelets/NSAIDs, liver disease, renal impairment, and strong dual CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitors or inducers. Do not combine with other anticoagulants unless directed by a clinician. Seek urgent care for signs of severe bleeding or allergic reactions.

Onset Time

Apixaban is absorbed quickly, with peak plasma levels within three to four hours. Anticoagulant effect begins the first day of therapy. Steady state is typically reached in two to three days with twice-daily dosing. Stroke risk reduction in atrial fibrillation is ongoing with adherence. For DVT/PE, symptom relief varies; some improvements may be noticed over days to weeks as the acute clot is managed.

Compare With Alternatives

Xarelto® (rivaroxaban) is another Factor Xa inhibitor. It often uses once-daily maintenance dosing for atrial fibrillation and requires intake with food for certain doses. Some patients prefer the twice-daily apixaban schedule for consistent levels. Compare details on Xarelto if once-daily dosing is a priority.

Apixaban (the generic for Eliquis) contains the same active ingredient and strength options. Many customers choose Apixaban for additional savings while maintaining the same dosing and indications.

Plavix® (clopidogrel) is an antiplatelet agent, not a direct anticoagulant. It is used for coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndromes, and post-stent care. It is not interchangeable with apixaban for atrial fibrillation stroke prevention or for treating DVT/PE, but clinicians may combine an antiplatelet with an anticoagulant for limited periods after certain cardiac procedures, balancing bleeding risk.

Combination Therapy

• Monotherapy: Common for atrial fibrillation stroke prevention and for long-term DVT/PE prevention.
• With antiplatelets: Short-term combinations (e.g., after PCI/stent) may be used under specialist care; bleeding risk increases.
• With NSAIDs: Generally avoid routine NSAID use because of bleeding risk; consider alternatives for pain control.
• With strong CYP3A4/P-gp modulators: Dose changes or alternatives may be required; check interaction resources.
• Do not combine with other anticoagulants unless directed during transitions of therapy.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Adults with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, DVT/PE, or those needing postoperative DVT prevention may be candidates. Apixaban is generally not used in patients with active pathological bleeding, severe hepatic impairment with coagulopathy, or mechanical heart valves. Caution is needed with severe renal impairment, extremes of body weight, or concurrent antithrombotics. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized risk–benefit assessment.

Dose selection often uses 5 mg twice daily for atrial fibrillation, but 2.5 mg twice daily is used in specific criteria or for extended VTE prevention. An eliquis 5 mg is most common for many adults with atrial fibrillation, while eliquis 2.5 mg suits certain patients or prevention phases.

Cost-saving tips:

• Compare brand Eliquis vs generic apixaban to see potential savings.
• Consider multi-month supplies (e.g., 84–180 tablets) to reduce per-tablet cost.
• Plan refills early and set reorder reminders to avoid gaps in therapy.
• Keep the prescribed strength (2.5 mg or 5 mg); do not split or alter tablets unless directed.

Authoritative Sources

Official Eliquis patient website (BMS/Pfizer)

FDA Medication Guide for ELIQUIS (apixaban)

Health Canada Drug Product Database (search Eliquis/apixaban)

Order Eliquis® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician about diagnosis, treatment, and medication decisions.