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What is Eliquis Used For?
Eliquis (apixaban) is a blood thinner prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. It can also be used to prevent and treat blood clots in the legs or the lungs. Doctors sometimes prescribe Eliquis to reduce the risk of recurrent blood clots in those who have already experienced them. By preventing harmful blood clots from forming, Eliquis is a common and effective treatment for preventing serious complications such as stroke or pulmonary embolism.
How Does Eliquis Work?
The active ingredient in Eliquis, apixaban, is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that works by inhibiting specific clotting proteins in the blood. This mechanism of action prevents the blood from forming clots, which reduces the likelihood of a dangerous clotting event.
But how exactly does Eliquis function? Essentially, Eliquis inhibits factor Xa, a crucial enzyme that plays a central role in forming blood clots. As a factor Xa inhibitor, Eliquis has many advantages over traditional anticoagulants because it does not require frequent monitoring and has fewer dietary restrictions. These benefits make Eliquis an effective choice for many patients.
Is Generic Eliquis Safe?
A reputable online Canadian pharmacy like My Drug Center will only carry safety-tested generic versions of Eliquis. By ordering generic Eliquis from My Drug Center, you can rest assured knowing your medication is therapeutically identical to brand-name Eliquis.
Generic Eliquis is called apixaban, and it comes in the same dosage strengths as its branded equivalent. Because both versions use the same active ingredient, you will get the same health benefits from either one you order as long as you follow your doctor's instructions. On top of being safe when taken correctly, generic apixaban is a more wallet-friendly option.
How to Take Eliquis
Take Eliquis orally, as directed by your healthcare provider. Your prescribed dosage will be tailored to the condition being treated. For example, the dosage strength for treating atrial fibrillation may differ from that used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
Eliquis should be swallowed whole with water, and it can be taken with or without food. To maximize the benefits of Eliquis, ensure you follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
Eliquis Recommended Dosage
My Drug Center offers brand-name and generic Eliquis in its standard dosages of 2.5 mg and 5 mg. Your doctor will tailor your treatment plan and dosage requirements based on your health condition. Below are some examples of how each dosage strength is used.
Eliquis 2.5 mg
The 2.5 mg dosage strength of Eliquis can be prescribed when a lower dosage is required, whether that is caused by factors like age, weight, kidney function, or the use of other prescription drugs.
Eliquis 2.5 mg is often used as the maintenance dose following the initial clotting incident to reduce the risk of recurrence. Eliquis 2.5 mg can also be used to treat nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in patients who meet criteria, such as advanced age, low body weight, or impaired kidney function.
Eliquis 5 mg
The 5 mg tablet of Eliquis is what many patients start with. It is prescribed to treat nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Typically, Eliquis 5 mg is taken twice a day. However, you may need to take more or less depending on which condition you are being treated for. After the initial treatment period, your doctor may lower your dose for the maintenance period.
If at any time you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one to avoid taking two doses together.
Eliquis Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Eliquis are bleeding (nosebleeds, bruising, or bleeding gums), dizziness, headache, nausea, and rash. More serious side effects, such as liver problems, severe bleeding, or an allergic reaction, are rare but they may occur.
Eliquis Drug Interactions
To minimize the risk of side effects, it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions and avoid any possible drug interactions. A drug interaction may cause Eliquis to not work properly, putting you at risk of serious bleeding or blood clotting complications. Common drugs that interact with Eliquis include, but are not limited to:
- Other anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, such as warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or heparin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, which can also increase the risk of bleeding.
- Some antibiotics and antifungal medications, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, ketoconazole, or itraconazole, may increase apixaban levels in the blood, leading to a higher risk of bleeding.
- Certain antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may also increase the risk of bleeding.
- Drugs that affect liver enzymes, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, or phenytoin, may reduce apixaban levels, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
- John's wort, an herbal supplement, may reduce apixaban levels in the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots.
- Some medications used to treat heart rhythm disorders, such as amiodarone or quinidine, may interact with apixaban, requiring dosage adjustments.
To safely avoid Eliquis drug interactions, inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are using before starting treatment.
Precautions
All patients should take several precautions before and while taking Eliquis. Since Eliquis is an anticoagulant, it increases the risk of bleeding that does not stop. As a result, what is normally considered a small injury may become life-threatening to those on Eliquis. Patients taking Eliquis should not partake in any activities—such as contact sports—that present a risk of cuts and bruises. Those taking blood thinners should not undergo medical procedures or surgeries that could cause bleeding, either.
You must also be careful about stopping Eliquis. Always speak to your doctor and establish a plan to wean you off of this blood thinner. Discontinuing Eliquis suddenly can increase the risk of blood clots.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant, it is important to ask your healthcare provider about the safety of Eliquis for you. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about these precautions or any of the potential side effects of Eliquis.
FAQs
What is Eliquis used for?
Eliquis is used for preventing blood clots and is primarily prescribed to patients with or at risk for deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
How do I take Eliquis?
Take Eliquis orally as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than you are prescribed, and do not alter the dosage and frequency without speaking to your healthcare provider. Ensure your Eliquis is not past its expiration date, and always store your medication properly.
What are the common side effects of Eliquis?
Common side effects of Eliquis may include bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bruising, or bleeding gums, which can sometimes be severe. Other potential side effects may include dizziness, headache, nausea, and rash. Serious side effects, while rare, can include allergic reactions, severe bleeding, or liver problems.
Are there any precautions I should be aware of before taking Eliquis?
Before taking Eliquis, individuals should inform their healthcare provider about any history of bleeding disorders, gastrointestinal ulcers, recent surgeries, or current use of other medications that increase bleeding risk. Patients should also avoid activities that may increase the risk of injury or bleeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using Eliquis.
Can Eliquis interact with other medications?
Yes, Eliquis can interact with several medications, including other anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, certain antibiotics and antifungal medications, some antidepressants, drugs that affect liver enzymes, and herbal supplements like St. John's wort.
How much does Eliquis cost?
The cost of Eliquis in the United States averages over $500 for 60 pills. This high cost is due to its active patent in the U.S. Many countries outside the U.S. have governmental regulations that keep the cost of medications affordable, meaning there is a significant price discrepancy between the drugs sold at your local pharmacy and the medications available through an online Canadian pharmacy.
Can I save by ordering Eliquis from Canada?
Yes. Buying Eliquis from Canada through an online Canadian pharmacy can help you save significantly on your prescription. Brand-name and generic Eliquis in Canada are more affordable due to regulations that prevent drug prices from soaring. This is why thousands of Americans are turning to Canadian pharmacies like My Drug Center for their treatment.
What is generic Eliquis called?
Generic Eliquis is called apixaban. The approved version of generic apixaban uses the exact same active ingredient as brand-name Eliquis to bring you the same benefits, efficacy, and tolerability.
Before approval, every generic drug must undergo strict testing to determine bioequivalence. Bioequivalent drugs have the same therapeutic effects, so patients who go the generic route are assured of the same effectiveness at a fraction of the cost. Generally, generic and brand-name drugs only differ in their inactive ingredients, contributing to a different appearance but not significantly affecting the drug's efficacy.
Why is generic Eliquis available from Canada?
The patent on Eliquis is still active, but this is only true in the United States. Generic versions of apixaban are already available in several countries outside the U.S., such as Canada.
Additionally, governmental regulations in other countries ensure that drug prices are not arbitrarily high. These regulations keep drug prices affordable and accessible, which is why thousands of Americans are turning to Canadian pharmacies like My Drug Center to fill their prescription.
When will Eliquis go generic in the United States?
The answer is unclear as to when we will see a generic alternative for Eliquis available on the market. Eliquis was only approved for medical use in 2012, making it a fairly new medication.
New medications are usually protected by patent laws, which prevent generic manufacturers from developing their own forms of the medication for quite a few years after the brand has been placed on the market.
Although generic Eliquis may not be available in the U.S. yet, you can get it through My Drug Center.
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