Eliquis | apixaban

Medication Class: Factor Xa Inhibitor 
Manufacturer: Bristol Myers Squibb/Pfizer
Approval Date: December 28, 2012

What is Eliquis and how does it work

Eliquis is an oral anticoagulant (blood thinner) medication that prevents blood clots by inhibiting (blocking) factor Xa. Inhibiting factor Xa blocks platelets from activating and fibrin clots from forming. It is similar to Xarelto.

What does Eliquis treat

Eliquis is used to prevent stroke and to reduce the risk of blockage of arteries in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation which is an irregular heartbeat.

It is also used for preventing blood clots in veins in the leg (deep venous thrombosis or DVT) and lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE) after knee or hip replacement surgery. 

How effective is Eliquis

Eliquis 5 mg or 2.5 mg was found to be superior to warfarin in reducing the risk of stroke and embolism or clogging of arteries. The risk of stroke and embolism was 1.27% per year in patients treated with Eliquis and 1.6% per year in patients treated with warfarin. Bleeding was the most common adverse event for discontinuation of Eliquis. This occurred in 1.7% of patients who were on Eliquis and 2.5% in patients on warfarin. Patients who received Eliquis had a significantly lower risk of bleeding compared to warfarin treated patients.

What are interesting facts about Eliquis

• Eliquis does not require frequent monitoring with blood clotting tests
• Eliquis should be used with caution in patients with poor liver function or poor kidney function
• There is no antidote for Eliquis. Effects of Eliquis persist for about 24 hours after the last dose.

How is Eliquis dosed and administered

Eliquis is an oral medication supplied as 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablet.

For nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (stroke prevention), the recommended dose is 5 mg taken orally twice daily.

The recommended dose is 2.5 mg twice daily for patients with ≥ 2 of the following:

• Age ≥ 80 years
• Weight ≤ 60 kg
• Serum creatinine ≥ 1.5 mg/dL

For DVT or PE prevention after hip or knee replacement surgery the recommended dose is 2.5 mg twice daily for 35 days (hip replacement) or for 12 days (knee replacement). Start with 2.5 mg 12 to 24 hours after surgery. 

What are the side effects of Eliquis

Common: bruising, bleeding, nausea, anemia

Serious: severe allergic reactions, clinically significant active bleeding, gastrointestinal hemorrhage (bleeding).

Warning: Stopping Eliquis increases risk of stroke. Another anticoagulant should be considered if Eliquis is stopped. 

Eliquis drug interactions

• These drugs may increase the effect of Eliquis:
• Ketoconazole
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Norvir (ritonavir)
• Biaxin (clarithromycin)

These drugs may decrease the affect of Eliquis:

• Rifampin
• St. John’s wort
• Tegretol (carbamezepine)
• Dilantin (phenytoin)

Drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding:

• Plavix (clopidogrel)
• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen)
• Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline) and other drugs that increase serotonin levels.
• Other drugs that increase bleeding

What is the cost of Eliquis

The price of Eliquis is $5.00 per 5 mg tablet.

How to obtain prescription cost assistance for Eliquis

Visit the Bristol Myers Squibb prescription assistance website for help with the cost of Eliquis 

Reference: Eliquis Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

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Last update: 3/30/2014

This medication summary is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

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