Everything You Need to Know About Eliquis: Information and Recommendations
If you or someone you know is experiencing health issues related to blood clots or atrial fibrillation, then you may have heard about one of the most popular medications for anticoagulation treatment: Eliquis. The pharmaceutical market is saturated with different anticoagulant drugs, but Eliquis is the only option that’s been approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, as well as for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
How Does Eliquis Work?
Eliquis, whose chemical name is apixaban, is a type of anticoagulant drug that works by inhibiting specific enzymes involved in the blood clotting process. This inhibition helps to reduce the likelihood of blood clot formation and reduces the chances of stroke and embolism, which can be fatal. Because other types of anticoagulant medications require regular blood monitoring and dosage adjustments, Eliquis is marketed as a simple and effective solution to blood clot prevention and treatment with little to no monitoring required.
Dosage Recommendations
It’s important to remember that the dosage requirements for Eliquis may vary based on how each patient is reacting to the medication. The recommended dosage for Eliquis when used to treat nonvalvular atrial fibrillation is 5 mg orally twice a day. This dosage may be reduced to 2.5 mg twice a day depending on certain factors, including the patient’s age, weight, renal function, and bleeding risk. For the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, patients will typically take 10 mg of Eliquis twice daily for the first seven days of treatment. This dosage will then be tapering off to 5 mg twice daily for as long as needed.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, there are potential side effects that come along with Eliquis usage, which can range from minor to life-threatening in some patients. Common side effects that don’t necessarily require immediate medical attention include nausea, easy bruising, or bruising that develops without reason, headaches, fatigue, and minor nosebleeds. More severe and potentially dangerous side effects include major bleeding, allergic reactions, and spinal/epidural blood clots. Patients using Eliquis should be aware of these potential side effects and should contact their doctor immediately if they experience any symptoms that are concerning.
Key Takeaways
Overall, Eliquis is a highly effective medication that can help reduce the risk of stroke and embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, as well as for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Knowing the correct dosage requirements and potential side effects is critical to ensuring the safety and efficacy of using Eliquis as an anticoagulant medication. Patients should be aware of the potential benefits and risks and should discuss potential concerns with their healthcare provider.
