Eliquis (Apixaban 5 mg) prevents blood from clotting as faster or properly as normal. It blocks a substance known as ‘Xa’ in your blood which is responsible for the formation of blood clots.

Sometimes dangerous blood clots can develop in blood vessels of your brain, heart, lungs, or legs causing a blockage. This happens more in cases when you have/had surgery or if you are suffering from a rapid irregular heartbeat.

This tablet helps treat blood clots that lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. The doctor may prescribe this tablet to help safeguard against repetitive blood clots or if you are suffering from a specific irregular rapid heartbeat termed atrial fibrillation.

Side effects of Eliquis(Apixaban )5 mg

Some side effects of this tablet can be severe. So, if you witness any of them, connect with your physician instantly or seek urgent medical help

• Nosebleeds
• bleeding gums
• red/black, tarry stools
• heavy vaginal bleeding
• Swelling/joint pain
• brown, pink, or red urine
• coughing up/vomiting blood or coffee grounds colored material.
• Rash
• headache
• chest pain/tightness
• wheezing
• swelling of the tongue/face
• difficulty in breathing
• feeling dizzy/faint

This tablet prevents blood clotting naturally so it might take longer to stop bleeding if you face an injury o get a cut. This tablet can also lead to bruising or bleeding more easily than normal. Connect with your medical expert immediately if bruising is severe or unmanageable.

Serious side effects

If you see any serious side effects of this tablet, call emergency help. In case you witness any life-threatening symptoms, get emergency help.

• severe bleeding which can be life-threatening
• unusual bleeding or if bleeding lasts for a long time (it can be bleeding from gums, heavy bleeding during periods, or nosebleeds).
• Uncontrolled or severe bleeding
• The urine of brown, red, or pink color
• Coughing up blood/blood clots
• Black, red, tarry stools
• Vomiting blood or coffee grounds-like material during vomiting
• Headaches, weakness, or dizziness
• Unusual swelling or pain
• Spinal/epidural blood clots.

If you are taking Apixaban 5 mg and other medicine injected into the spine or witness a spinal puncture,  you can be at risk of an epidural blood clot or spinal blood clot. It can result in irreversible paralysis. Symptoms can be

• Muscle weakness, tingling, or numbness in feet and legs
• Loss of control over bowels/ bladder

Points to consider for people with different health conditions

If you need to take this tablet, you need to check if it is suitable for you as people with a certain health condition cannot take this tablet.

Liver problems

If you are a liver patient (severe problem) do not take this medicine. This medicine is processed inside the liver. So, if your liver is not functioning well, there are chances of this medicine to remain inside your body which can put you at risk of additional side effects.

Kidney problems

If you are suffering from severe kidney problems, you may require the lowest possible dosage of this tablet. if your kidney function is affected, more drugs will reside in the body. It can elevate added side effects for you and the body.

APS (antiphospholipid syndrome)

If you are an APS patient, do not take this tablet. It can elevate the chances of building blood clots. You are at high risk if you are suffering from triple-positive APS.

Active bleeding

If you are losing blood or bleeding, avoid taking this tablet. It can be dangerous and fatal.

Pregnant women

Eliquis 5 mg is a category B medicine which means

1. Not enough data is conducted on pregnant women to prove that this tablet has any risk to the fetus.

Inform your healthcare expert if you have conceived or planning to conceive.

Breastfeeding women

It is not discovered whether the medicine moves into breast milk or not. If it passes to breast milk, it can lead to serious side effects for the baby who is breastfed.

So, talk to your healthcare expert to determine if the drug is suitable for you while breastfeeding.

Older citizens

With age, the body may not process the medicines as it did earlier. It can elevate the risk of some side effects after consuming this medicine.

Children

This tablet is suitable for children under the age group of eighteen 18 years.

People who are undergoing surgery

If you are planning surgery or a dental/medical procedure, you must tell your medical expert/dentist that you are taking this tablet. Your medical expert may halt your treatment with this tablet for a while. Once the treatment is halted, they may recommend other medication to prevent the formation of blood clots.

Risks after stopping Eliquis 5 mg treatment early

This tablet helps prevent blood clotting. If you stop taking this medicine early it can elevate the risks of forming a blood clot. If you are suffering from a particular type of disturbed heartbeat, stopping this tablet can increase the chances of a heart stroke.

Do not stop taking this tablet unless your medical expert tells you to. If you have to stop taking this tablet, your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine to prevent the formation of blood clots.

If you are undergoing any dental, medical, or surgical procedure, you may need to stop using this tablet for a certain period. In such cases, your healthcare expert will let you know when to halt the use of this tablet and when to resume its use. They may recommend an alternative medicine to prevent blood clots when you are not taking this tablet.

Overdose

For any overdose situation, call immediate medical help. If the patient had a fit, collapsed, or cannot be awakened, call emergency medical help immediately.

Overdose symptoms

• Unexpected bruising or bleeding
• Coughing/vomiting blood
• Pink, red or black, tarry stools

What are the points that I need to keep in mind while using this tablet?

Make sure you do not miss your appointments with your medical expert. Do not allow others to take your tablet. Check with your pharmacist if you have doubts about refilling the prescription.

You should always keep a list of all the medications you are taking other than Apixaban 5 mg. They can be non-prescription and prescription medications, supplements, vitamins, dietary supplements minerals, etc.

Carry this list every time you see your medical expert or you are hospitalized. This list of medications will also help you in case of emergencies. The development of blood clots obstructs a single or more vein mainly in the legs. This tablet prevents the development of blood clots close to the skin surface. It melts the clots and relieves inflammation and pain by boosting the blood flow. It improves the entire healing process.

You should take this tablet as recommended by the medical expert. You will see improvement in your condition in some time. The physician may ask you to apply heat to the area having pain, elevate the affected leg or use an OTC painkiller or advise you to wear compression stockings.