Apixaban
Apixaban (Eliquis) is an oral anticoagulant used to reduce the risk of stroke and treat or prevent blood clots. This catalogue lists the Eliquis film-coated tablet.
Key points
- How your liver processes it: apixaban is metabolised mainly through the CYP3A4 enzyme.
- Bleeding-related reactions: these can include gum bleeding, nosebleeds, bruising, blood in the urine, rectal bleeding, heavier menstrual bleeding and coughing up blood.
- Stopping early: stopping Eliquis early, other than because of a bleeding problem or after planned treatment ends, raises the risk of a blood clot.
How Apixaban works
Apixaban is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant, also called a DOAC, and a factor Xa inhibitor. Factor Xa is a clotting protein involved in producing thrombin, which makes clots grow. By blocking it, apixaban reduces thrombin production and slows clot growth. It does not directly act on platelets.
