Apixaban

1. Indication:

Treats and prevents blood clots.

2. Instruction to use (How is this drug best taken?)

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • If you are not able to swallow the tablets whole, they may be crushed and mixed in water
  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

3. Drug-Drug Interaction:

Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

  • Carbamazepine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, St John’s wort
  • Blood thinner (including clopidogrel, heparin, prasugrel, warfarin)
  • Medicine to treat depression
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

4. Side effects:

May include nausea, contusion, anemia, syncope, and hemorrhage.

5. Precaution:

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You might have a higher risk of stroke for a short time after you stop using this medicine.
  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
     This medicine increases your risk for bleeding that can become serious if not controlled.
  • Immediately report signs of blood loss or unusual bleeding.
  • Immediately report signs of spinal or epidural hematomas (ie, numbness or weakness of legs or bowel or bladder dysfunction).