Eliquis 5mg Apixaban

# Drug Description

## Brand Name: Eliquis 5 mg

## Generic Name: Apixaban

## About the Drug:
Eliquis (apixaban) is a blood thinner that helps prevent harmful blood clots from forming in your body. It is commonly used to lower the risk of stroke in people with certain heart rhythm problems, and it can also help treat or prevent clots in the legs and lungs. By keeping your blood flowing more smoothly, Eliquis can reduce serious complications caused by clots. Because it affects clotting, it should be used exactly as prescribed to avoid bleeding problems.

## Indications: When do you need this medication?
* Atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem: Helps lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with an irregular heartbeat.
* Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Treats blood clots that form in the deep veins, usually in the legs, and helps prevent them from getting worse.
* Pulmonary embolism (PE): Treats blood clots in the lungs and helps reduce symptoms and complications.
* Prevention of DVT and PE after hip or knee replacement surgery: Helps prevent clot formation after major joint surgery, when clot risk is higher.
* Prevention of recurrent blood clots: May be used to lower the chance of clots coming back after initial treatment.

## Dosage and Administration: How to use the drug safely and effectively?
* Usual Dosage:
* For stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: The usual dose is 5 mg twice daily.
* Lower dose for some patients with atrial fibrillation: 2.5 mg twice daily may be used if you have at least two of the following: age 80 years or older, body weight 60 kg or less, or certain kidney test results.
* For treatment of DVT or PE: The usual dose starts with 10 mg twice daily for 7 days, then changes to 5 mg twice daily.
* For long-term prevention of repeat DVT/PE: 2.5 mg twice daily may be used after at least 6 months of treatment.
* After hip or knee replacement surgery: The usual dose is 2.5 mg twice daily.
* Method of Administration:
* Take Eliquis by mouth, with or without food.
* Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
* Try to take it at the same times every day to keep a steady effect.
* If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day, then continue your normal schedule. Do not double the dose at one time.
* Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without speaking to your doctor, because this may increase your risk of clots.