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Apixaban

Brand names: Eliquis

Apixaban is a blood thinner that prevents and treats dangerous blood clots, and lowers stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation.

Brand namesEliquis
Type of medicineBlood thinner (anticoagulant)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It blocks factor Xa, a protein that helps blood clot. It doesn't need regular blood tests like warfarin.

What it's used for

  • Lowering stroke risk in atrial fibrillation (AFib)
  • Treating blood clots in the legs (DVT) and lungs (PE)
  • Preventing clots after hip or knee replacement

How to take it

  • Take it twice a day, about 12 hours apart, with or without food.
  • Tablets can be crushed and mixed with water, apple juice, or applesauce if you can't swallow them.
  • Don't stop it without talking to your provider; stopping raises the risk of stroke and clots.
  • Tell every provider and dentist you take it before any procedure.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Bruising easily
  • Minor bleeding, like nosebleeds or bleeding gums
Call 911Vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or bleeding that won't stop
Call 911A severe headache, weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking (possible bleeding in the brain)
Call 911A bad fall or hit to the head, even if you feel fine
Call your provider todayPink, red, or brown urine; red or black, tarry stools
Call your provider todayUnusual bruising or heavier menstrual bleeding

Warnings

  • There's a risk of spinal bleeding with spinal anesthesia or spinal taps.
  • Not used in people with artificial heart valves.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Aspirin, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), other blood thinners, SSRIs, and fish oil raise bleeding risk.
  • Some antifungals, HIV medicines, rifampin, St. John's wort, and seizure medicines change apixaban levels.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider. Other blood thinners are usually preferred in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.