Apixazen 5 mg (Apixaban)

Apixazen 5 mg (Apixaban), containing Apixaban 5 mg, is an oral anticoagulant manufactured by various companies, including Steris Pharma in India, and commonly marketed as Eliquis. Available as pink, film-coated tablets, it is a prescription-only medication used to prevent and treat blood clots in conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). As a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), it offers a convenient alternative to older blood thinners like warfarin.

Uses

• Prevents stroke and blood clots in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
• Treats deep vein thrombosis (DVT, leg vein clots) and pulmonary embolism (PE, lung clots)
• Reduces the risk of recurrent DVT and PE after initial treatment
• Prevents DVT and PE after hip or knee replacement surgery (typically using 2.5 mg)

Side Effects

• Common: Bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, bruising), nausea, anemia
• Rare: Severe bleeding (e.g., stomach, brain, eyes), allergic reactions (hives, swelling), spinal blood clots (causing numbness or paralysis), liver issues Seek immediate medical help for severe bleeding or symptoms like weakness, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

How to Use

• Dosage:
  • Atrial fibrillation: 5 mg twice daily; use 2.5 mg twice daily if over 80, under 60 kg, or with kidney issues (serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL)
  • Treatment for DVT/PE: 10 mg twice daily for seven days, followed by 5 mg twice daily.
  • DVT/PE recurrence prevention: 2.5 mg twice daily after 6 months of treatment
  • Post-surgery DVT/PE prevention: Typically, 2.5 mg twice daily, but 5 mg may be used in specific cases
• Swallow with water, with or without food, at consistent times (e.g., morning and evening). If unable to swallow, crush and mix with water, apple juice, or applesauce; use within 4 hours. Can be given via nasogastric tube. Do not stop without doctor’s advice.
• Overdose: Seek emergency help for unusual bleeding or bruising.

How Tablet Works

Apixazen 5 mg (Apixaban) inhibits factor Xa, a key clotting enzyme, reducing thrombin production and preventing blood clot formation and growth. It maintains blood flow in conditions like atrial fibrillation or DVT/PE, with effects starting within 3–4 hours of dosing.

Safety Advice

• Allergies: Avoid if allergic to Apixaban or ingredients (e.g., lactose, tartrazine).
• Health Conditions: Use cautiously with kidney, liver, or bleeding disorders. Not for severe liver disease or dialysis patients.
• Drug Interactions: Avoid with NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), other blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, heparin), or St. John’s wort. Inform your doctor of all medications.
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Not recommended; may harm fetus or pass into breast milk, risking infant harm.
• Driving: Safe, as it does not affect driving ability.
• Alcohol: Limit alcohol to reduce stomach bleeding risk.
• Surgery: Stop 24–48 hours before procedures, per doctor’s guidance. Carry an anticoagulant alert card for emergencies.