Question 1

What is Eliquis?

Accepted Answer

Eliquis is a medication classified as an anticoagulant, which is commonly referred to as a blood thinner. It functions by blocking the activity of Factor Xa, a specific enzyme in the blood that plays a critical role in the clotting process.

By inhibiting this enzyme, the medication helps to decrease the body's ability to form blood clots. This action is intended to manage conditions where blood clots may pose a risk to health.

Question 2

What is Eliquis used for?

Accepted Answer

Eliquis is used to treat:

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Deep vein thrombosis

Pulmonary embolism

and others.

Question 3

How does Eliquis work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Eliquis belongs to a class of medications known as Factor Xa inhibitors. It works by blocking the activity of Factor Xa, a natural substance in the blood that is necessary for blood to clot.

The clotting process involves a series of steps in the body:

Factor Xa is an enzyme that helps the body produce thrombin.

Thrombin is a protein that causes blood cells to stick together and form a solid clot.

By blocking Factor Xa, Eliquis decreases the amount of thrombin available in the bloodstream.

By reducing the production of thrombin, the medication makes the blood less likely to form clots. This helps prevent dangerous blood clots from forming in the heart or blood vessels, which can lead to serious conditions such as a stroke or pulmonary embolism.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Eliquis?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Eliquis is apixaban .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Eliquis?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Eliquis may include:

bleeding

bruising

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Eliquis?

Accepted Answer

Eliquis belongs to the factor Xa inhibitor drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Eliquis and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Take Eliquis

Eliquis is an oral medication that is usually taken twice every day. It can be taken with or without food. Taking the medication at the same times each day can help maintain a consistent level of the medicine in your body.

Administration Options

The tablets are generally swallowed whole. If you have trouble swallowing them, the tablets can be crushed and mixed with water, apple juice, or applesauce. The mixture should be consumed immediately after preparation. For those with a nasogastric tube, the crushed tablet can be mixed with water for administration through the tube.

Missed Doses

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible on the same day. You should then resume your regular twice-daily schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Refills

It is important to ensure you have a steady supply of this medication. Refill your prescription before you run out of tablets to avoid missing any doses.

Question 8

Is Eliquis safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

The safety of Eliquis during pregnancy has not been established through clinical trials in humans. As a blood thinner, the medication carries a risk of causing bleeding in both the pregnant person and the fetus. Use during pregnancy is typically avoided unless a healthcare provider determines the potential benefit outweighs the risk. It is particularly important to discuss the use of this medication with a clinician if pregnancy is planned or occurs, especially regarding the risks of hemorrhage during labor and delivery.

Breastfeeding

It is currently unknown if Eliquis is excreted in human breast milk. Animal studies have indicated that the drug is present in the milk of lactating animals. Because of the risk of serious bleeding complications in a nursing infant, healthcare providers generally advise against breastfeeding while taking this medication. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the treatment to the parent.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Eliquis come in?

Accepted Answer

Eliquis is supplied as a film-coated tablet intended for oral administration. These tablets are designed to be swallowed whole, though they may be crushed and mixed with water or other specific liquids for patients who have difficulty swallowing.

The tablets are typically available in different colors and shapes to help distinguish between them, though they are all taken by mouth.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Eliquis?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Eliquis (apixaban) in 2012. It is approved for the following indications:

Reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Reducing the risk of DVT and PE recurring after initial treatment.

Preventing DVT, which may lead to PE, in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery.

The FDA requires a boxed warning for Eliquis due to serious safety risks:

Risk of blood clots if discontinued early: Stopping Eliquis before a healthcare provider advises can increase the risk of having a stroke or developing blood clots. If the medication must be stopped for reasons other than serious bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, another anticoagulant may be necessary.

Spinal or epidural hematoma: Patients taking Eliquis who undergo spinal anesthesia or a spinal puncture are at risk of developing a blood clot (hematoma) around the spine. This can result in long-term or permanent paralysis. The risk is higher for those using indwelling epidural catheters or other medications that affect blood clotting, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Eliquis is a prescription-only medication. While it does not currently require a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, it is subject to ongoing safety monitoring by the FDA. Patients are provided with a medication guide to explain the risks and proper use of the drug.

Question 11

What should I know about Eliquis and cost?

Accepted Answer

Factors Influencing Cost

The price you pay for Eliquis can vary significantly based on several variables:

Insurance Coverage: Most private insurance plans and Medicare Part D cover Eliquis, but your specific copay or coinsurance will depend on your plan's formulary and your current coverage phase.

Pharmacy Choice: Prices can differ between retail pharmacies, mail-order services, and local providers.

Dosage and Quantity: The total cost may change depending on the strength prescribed and the number of tablets provided in each refill.

Generic Availability

While the FDA has approved generic versions of apixaban (the active ingredient in Eliquis), they may not be widely available at all pharmacies due to patent protections and legal agreements. Generic medications are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs once they enter the market.

Financial Assistance

The manufacturer of Eliquis may offer savings cards or patient assistance programs to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients. Additionally, some non-profit organizations provide grants or resources to help cover the cost of anticoagulants for those who meet specific financial criteria.

Eliquis

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

Additional Resources

Support & Help Resources

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