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Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1- To treat clots in veins (Deep venous thrombosis) 2- To treat strokes 3- To treat pulmonary embolism |
| Common Side Effects | 1- Tiredness and lack of energy 2- Dizziness 3- Appearance of mild rash on skin 4- Feeling nauseous |
| Additional Information | Avoid taking alcohol or tobacco with this medicine. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Apixaban Summary
Apixaban 5 mg is a blood thinner used to prevent strokes and treat clots in the veins. It works by stopping certain proteins in your blood from forming clots too easily. You should take it as per doctor’s advice. Common side effects include feeling tired, dizzy, or slightly nauseous, while more serious ones like unusual bleeding or breathing trouble need immediate attention.. If you’re pregnant, have liver issues, or take other medications, talk to your doctor first. An overdose- anything over 100 mg- can be dangerous, so always stick to the prescribed dose. If something feels off, don’t wait- report it or get medical help. It’s your body, and your safety comes first.
Apixaban Uses
Apixaban 5 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of anticoagulant medicines. It is used for following indications:
- Clots in veins (Deep venous thrombosis)
- Strokes
- Pulmonary embolism.
Directions for use
- Take apixaban exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking apixaban without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Apixaban side effects
More Common
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Dizziness
- Appearance of mild rash on skin
- Feeling nauseous
Less Common
- Bleeding gums
- Nosebleeds
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Red, pink, or brown urine
- Red or black, tarry stools
- Coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Swelling or joint pain
- Headache
- Rash
- Chest pain or tightness
- Swelling of the face or tongue
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
How Apixaban works
Apixaban works by blocking Factor Xa, a key protein in the blood clotting process. When you get injured, your body activates a chain reaction called the clotting cascade, which happens in three steps: initiation, propagation, and fibrin formation. In the initiation phase, damage to blood vessels triggers clotting factors. The intrinsic and extrinsic pathways both lead to the activation of Factor X into Xa. In the propagation phase, Factor Xa helps convert prothrombin (Factor II) into thrombin (Factor IIa), which then turns fibrinogen into fibrin- the threads that form a stable clot. By blocking Factor Xa, apixaban prevents the formation of thrombin and stops clots from forming. It works without needing antithrombin III and doesn’t affect platelets. Other similar drugs include rivaroxaban and edoxaban.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 1- Liver Dysfunction
If you have pre-existing liver dysfunction, inform your doctor, as they may need to adjust your dose accordingly.
📌 2- Pregnancy
Studies on pregnant women are limited, but available evidence suggests that apixaban may cause bleeding during pregnancy. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to conceive, inform your doctor.
Apixaban Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking apixaban 5 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Apixaban Interaction with Food Product
You should not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice before or after taking this medicine. Also, avoid alcohol and tobacco, as they can increase or decrease the effect of apixaban.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Apixaban Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name-
1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-7-oxo-6-[4-(2-oxopiperidin-1-yl)phenyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid amide
Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily dose
Take apixaban exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
A dose of more than 100 mg is considered toxic dose. Overdosing symptoms include unusual bleeding, discolored urine, red or black, tarry stool, coughing or vomiting. If you know someone who takes this medicine and has these symptoms, then rush them to hospital immediately.
FAQ’s
1. What are the uses of apixaban?
➡️ Apixaban is an anticoagulant prescribed only by the doctors used to dissolve blood clots in people who are suffering from deep vein thrombosis or stroke.
2. What is the duration of action of apixaban?
➡️ Apixaban shows its action for 12 hours and you will see maximum effect in 1-2 hours.
3. What is the dose of apixaban for atrial fibrillation?
➡️ If you have atrial fibrillation then your doctor will prescribe you apixaban 5 mg. Take this medication only after your doctor recommend it.
4. What is the effect of apixaban on the kidney?
➡️ Apixaban is mainly excreted out from kidney if you are kidney is damaged then it might be difficult to excrete the kidney out from your body.
5. Can I use apixaban during pregnancy?
➡️ Although the studies related to pregnancy are limited apixaban is not suggested to be used during pregnancy.
Reference
- NHS. Side effects of apixaban [Internet]. London: National Health Service; [cited 2025 May 8]. Available from.
- AHFS Patient Medication Information. Apixaban [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; [updated 2025 Mar 8; reviewed 2025 Mar 8; cited 2025 May 8]; [about 5 p.]. Available from.
- Hurst KV, O’Callaghan JM, Handa A. Quick reference guide to apixaban. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2017 Jul 10;13:263-267. doi: 10.2147/VHRM.S121944. Erratum in: Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2017 Oct 26;13:413. doi: 10.2147/VHRM.S152580. PMID: 28744136; PMCID: PMC5513886. Available from.
- NHS. How and when to take apixaban [Internet]. London: National Health Service (UK); 2023 [cited 2025 May 8]. Available from.
