Generic name: Apixaban [ a-PIX-a-ban ]
Brand names: Eliquis, Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack
Drug class: Factor Xa inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2024.

Uses of Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack:

• It is used to treat or prevent blood clots.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack?

• If you have an allergy to apixaban or any other part of Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban).
• If you are allergic to Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban); any part of Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Active bleeding or liver problems.
• If you have antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
• If you have had a heart valve replaced.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Carbamazepine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, or St. John's wort.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban).

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. This medicine may need to be stopped before certain types of surgery as your doctor has told you. If Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban) is stopped, your doctor will tell you when to start taking Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban) again after your surgery or procedure.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Do not run out of Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban).
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• Severe and sometimes deadly bleeding problems have happened with Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban).
• If you fall or hurt yourself, or if you hit your head, call your doctor right away. Talk with your doctor even if you feel fine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban) while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack) best taken?

Use Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food.
• If you have trouble swallowing Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban), it can be crushed and mixed in water, apple juice, or applesauce. If you crush and mix Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban), take it within 4 hours of mixing.
• Keep taking Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Those who have feeding tubes may use Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban). Use as you have been told. Flush the feeding tube after Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban) is given.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

aspirin, warfarin, apixaban, Xarelto, rivaroxaban, enoxaparin, heparin, Coumadin, Lovenox, Pradaxa

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Feeling confused.
• Headache.
• Joint pain or swelling.
• Chest pain or pressure.

What are some other side effects of Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban) is refilled. If you have any questions about Eliquis DVT/PE Starter Pack (apixaban), please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• What foods should I avoid while on Eliquis?
• What are biologic drugs and how do they work?
• Top 6 Eliquis Side Effects: What You Need to Know in Depth
• Xarelto vs Eliquis: How do they compare?
• How do I stop and start Eliquis for surgery?
• Switching from Eliquis to Xarelto: What do I need to know?
• How do you reverse bleeding with Xarelto?
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View more FAQ

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer