Eliquis (Apixaban)
Also sold as: Eliquis, Apigat, Clotika, Apixa, Apixabin
Pregnancy
Cat X
Lactation
Avoid
Schedule
H
Forms
Tablet 2.5mg, 5mg
Indications
- Non-valvular AF — stroke prevention (preferred DOAC in many guidelines)
- DVT and PE treatment
- VTE prevention after hip/knee replacement
- VTE prevention in medically ill patients
Adult Dosing
AF (stroke prevention)
5 mg PO BD
Reduce to 2.5 mg BD if ≥2 of: age ≥80, weight ≤60 kg, creatinine ≥133 μmol/L
DVT/PE treatment
10 mg PO BD × 7 days, then 5 mg BD
After 6 months: consider 2.5 mg BD for extended prevention
Post-surgical VTE prophylaxis
2.5 mg PO BD
12 days (knee); 35 days (hip). Start 12-24 hours post-surgery.
Pediatric Dosing
Not approved in children < 18 years for most indications
Renal Dose Adjustment
| CrCl / eGFR | Dose Adjustment |
|---|---|
| CrCl > 25 mL/min | Standard dosing (dose-reduce per AF criteria above) |
| CrCl 15-25 mL/min | Use with caution; 2.5 mg BD for AF |
| CrCl < 15 mL/min / Dialysis | AVOID — insufficient data (some use 2.5 mg BD in ESRD on HD — off-label) |
Hepatic Adjustment
Avoid in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) or hepatic disease with coagulopathy
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category X
CONTRAINDICATED — use LMWH (enoxaparin) in pregnancy.
Lactation: Avoid
Unknown breast milk excretion. Avoid.
Top Drug Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Combined P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) | Increase apixaban levels — increase bleeding risk; AVOID | Major |
| Combined P-gp and CYP3A4 inducers (rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin) | Reduce apixaban levels by ~50% — loss of efficacy; AVOID | Major |
| NSAIDs / Aspirin / Antiplatelets / other anticoagulants | Additive bleeding risk | Major |
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Side Effects
Common
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Nausea
- Anaemia
Serious / Discontinue If
- Major bleeding (GI, intracranial)
- Spinal/epidural haematoma
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Contraindications
- Active major bleeding
- Prosthetic heart valves
- Significant hepatic disease
- Pregnancy
Available Indian Brands
| Brand | Manufacturer | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Eliquis 5mg | BMS-Pfizer | 10 tab ₹985 |
| Apigat 5mg | Mankind | 10 tab ₹485 |
| Clotika 5mg | Cipla | 10 tab ₹465 |
| Apixa 5mg | Sun Pharma | 10 tab ₹445 |
Monitoring Required
- Renal function annually or with illness
- CBC
- LFTs
- Signs of bleeding — no routine anticoagulation monitoring needed
Patient Counseling Points
- Can be taken with or without food
- Twice daily dosing — take approximately 12 hours apart
- Never stop without medical advice — stroke risk in AF
- Report all bleeding, no matter how minor initially
- Carry anticoagulant card or medical alert
- If tooth extraction or procedure planned — tell doctor in advance
Stop Googling drug references mid-consultation
EasyClinic auto-flags Eliquis interactions, renal cutoffs, and pregnancy warnings the moment you write the prescription. Built-in safety net for every Indian doctor.
Clinically reviewed by: Dr. Priya Sharma, DM (Cardiology), Senior Cardiologist
Last reviewed: 2026-04-01
References
- BNF — Apixaban
- ARISTOTLE Trial
- AMPLIFY Trial
- ESC AF Guidelines 2023