If you are at risk for blood clots, your doctor may prescribe Eliquis (apixaban). If you are at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), heart attacks, pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), or a stroke, Eliquis may be beneficial for you. Eliquis is also known by its generic name, apixaban. You may also take Eliquis if you have non-valvular atrial fibrillation. 

Eliquis is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the factor Xa enzyme from forming clots in the body. By preventing this enzyme from working, blood clots are less likely to occur, lowering your risk of dangerous medical events. Blood clots are also more likely to form after major surgery, so your doctor may prescribe apixaban after a procedure.

If you need Eliquis to maintain your health, buying Eliquis through your local pharmacy may take a toll on your wallet. Through RxConnected, you can save up to 90% on your prescriptions and buy generic Eliquis before it is available in the United States.

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take Eliquis exactly as prescribed when beginning treatment. If you have any questions about your new medication, you can contact your doctor. Before beginning Eliquis, tell your doctor about any other prescriptions, supplements, or vitamins you take.

Other substances can interact with your Eliquis treatment and cause harmful side effects. Apixaban can be taken with or without food. If you cannot swallow Eliquis whole, you can crush the tablet and mix it with apple juice, water, or applesauce. Once mixed with your preferred food or liquid, consume the mixture right away. Make sure to take Eliquis at the same times each day (12 hours apart) to ensure you are getting the medication's full benefit.

Once you learn what Eliquis is used for, your doctor may prescribe an apixaban dosage. Your Eliquis dosage is determined by your health history, age, kidney function, and other medications you are taking. To prevent pulmonary embolism, your Eliquis dosage is typically 10 mg by mouth twice a day for the first seven days. After the first week, the dose is lowered to 5 mg twice a day.

If you are taking Eliquis because you are at a high risk of blood clots, a lower dose of 2.5 mg twice daily may be recommended for at least six months after a clotting event. Your doctor may also advise a 2.5 mg Eliquis dose twice a day after surgery.

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation may cause abnormal heart palpitations caused by high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid gland. It is not caused by a physical issue with a heart valve. If you have non-valvular AFib, you may be prescribed twice daily dosages of 5 mg or 2.5 mg Eliquis. Your doctor will determine the right dose for you.

When beginning a new medication, it is essential to remain aware of any possible side effects. Even if you are taking Eliquis correctly, side effects may happen, and you should contact your doctor if you notice serious changes in your health. Common Eliquis side effects include:

• Bleeding gums
• Nosebleeds
• Bruising
• More bleeding than usual (from cuts, scrapes, etc.)

Serious side effects of Eliquis are rare, but contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following:

• Persistent nosebleeds
• Severe headache
• Dizziness or fainting
• Coughing up blood
• Blood in urine
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Persistent fatigue
• Heavy menstrual flow

If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction like a rash, swelling of the face or tongue, and trouble breathing, seek medical help right away. Symptoms of stroke or heart attack like vision changes, trouble speaking, and paralysis are also cause for emergency medical attention.

What foods should be avoided when taking Eliquis?

Many patients prefer Eliquis because it has less substance interactions than older anticoagulants like warfarin, but it is still important to remain aware of possible Eliquis interactions. Grapefruit interacts with factor Xa and may cause Eliquis levels in the body to become too high or too low. Pomelos and Seville oranges can have similar effects, so talk to your doctor if you frequently consume these citrus fruits.

How long does it take for Eliquis to work?

An Eliquis tablet reaches peak concentration in the body within three to four hours after your dose. Apixaban begins to affect blood clotting factors only a few hours after consumption.

Can I drink alcohol when taking Eliquis?

Alcohol has a blood-thinning effect on the body, so drinking alcohol while taking Eliquis may increase your risk of dangerous bleeding events. Because of this, you may want to limit your alcohol consumption to reduce the chance of falling while intoxicated and causing injury to your body.

How much does Eliquis cost?

Because Eliquis is a popular medication, it comes with a high cost. If you are paying for Eliquis out of pocket, you can expect to pay hundreds of dollars a month. In the product listing at the top of the page, you can see current prices for Eliquis and apixaban. At RxConnected, you can save up to 90% on your blood thinner prescription. We also offer generic Eliquis, which is not yet available for purchase in the United States.

How long does Eliquis stay in your system?

The half-life of Eliquis is around 12 hours. You may need to discontinue Eliquis before a medical procedure to reduce your risk of bleeding. Your doctor will probably recommend stopping Eliquis one to two days before your surgery or procedure to ensure that the medication is fully out of your system. Be sure to discuss your specific needs with your physician before you stop taking Eliquis.