Eliquis (Apixaban)

INTRODUCTION

ELIQUIS contains apixaban which belongs to the group of medicines called anticoagulants. A blood clot which blocks an artery (blood vessel) is called an embolism and if the embolism occurs in the arteries of the brain it can cause a stroke. Anticoagulants slow down the time it takes for blood to clot and reduce the risk of embolism.

This medicine is used to reduce the risk of blood clots formation in heart of the patients with atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heartbeat) and other risk factors for stroke. These blood clots might break and travel to the brain, leading to a stroke or to other organs and prevent their normal blood flow (systemic embolism).

ELIQUIS can also be used to treat other blood clotting conditions like deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in veins of legs) and pulmonary embolism (blood clot in blood vessels of lungs), and also prevents its recurrence in patients with or without hip or knee replacement operations. This medicine can be taken with or without food.

The most common side effects of taking this medicine are bleeding in eyes, nose, gums, stomach, rectum or vagina. Do not take this medicine, if you have any bleeding disorders. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Before taking this medicine inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or having any serious kidney or liver disease. This medicine is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Consult your doctor before taking.