Apixaban

Apixaban tablets What is apixaban? Apixaban is prescribed to patients who have a heart rhythm condition known as atrial fibrillation in order to reduce the likelihood that they would have a stroke due to a blood clot. Apixaban is also used after surgery on the hip or knee to avoid a kind of blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs. This is done to prevent the development of blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Apixaban is not only used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), but it can also reduce the likelihood that you will suffer from either condition again in the future. Moreover, this drug guide may not include all of the possible applications for apixaban. Warnings Apixaban raises your risk of bleeding that is severe or even deadly, and this risk is increased when you combine it with certain other medications (including some over-the-counter medicines). Talk to your primary care physician about any and all recent medications you've used. If you have easy bruising, unusual bleeding, unexpected pain or swelling, feeling very weak or dizzy, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds, or any bleeding that will not stop, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you use apixaban, you run the risk of developing a life-threatening blood clot around your spinal cord, which might result in temporary or permanent paralysis. If you have a genetic defect in your spine, if you use a spinal catheter, if you've had spinal surgery or repeated spinal taps, or if you take other medications that can affect blood clotting, you have an increased risk of developing this type of blood clot during a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia (epidural). If you experience tingling, numbness, or muscular weakness, especially in your legs and feet, you should seek immediate medical attention as these might be signs of a blood clot in your spinal cord. Do not discontinue taking apixaban unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor. Putting an abrupt end to your activity might raise your chance of having a blood clot or a stroke. Before beginning to use this medication If you are allergic to apixaban or if you have current bleeding as a result of recent surgery, an injury, or another reason, you should not use apixaban. It is possible that taking apixaban will make you more prone to bleeding, particularly if you already have a bleeding issue that is either genetic or the result of a disease. Inform your physician if you have an artificial heart valve or if you have ever suffered from bleeding disorders, antiphospholipid syndrome (particularly if you have a triple positive antibody test), liver disease, or renal illness. Furthermore mention if you have previously had an artificial heart valve. If you get a spinal tap or are given spinal anesthesia while taking apixaban, you run the risk of developing a very dangerous blood clot around your spinal cord (epidural). If you have a history of spinal surgery or repeated spinal taps; if you have recently undergone a spinal tap or epidural anesthesia; if you take aspirin or any other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or if you have a spinal catheter in place, If you take apixaban while you are pregnant or while you are delivering your baby, your risk of bleeding may be increased. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or if you want to become pregnant in the near future. Stop breastfeeding immediately. Apixaban should be taken exactly how? Read all of the medication guides or instruction papers that come with your medicine, and make sure to follow all of the guidelines that are included on the prescription label. Your physician may decide to adjust your dosage every so often. Always follow the directions on the label while taking medication. Apixaban can be taken with or without food depending on your preference. If you find that you are unable to take a pill in its whole, you can smash it and then combine it with water, apple juice, or applesauce. Immediately and without chewing, ingest the concoction in its whole. It is also possible to administer a tablet combination that has been crushed via a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube. You should familiarize yourself with the medication's instructions and adhere to them very precisely. Apixaban makes it more likely that you may bleed, even from a relatively tiny cut or wound. If you have bleeding that won't stop, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Inform your primary care physician if you are scheduled to have dental procedures or surgery. It is possible that you will need to stop taking apixaban for a period of time. Do not discontinue taking apixaban unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor. If for whatever reason you decide to stop taking apixaban, your doctor may recommend switching to a different blood-clot-preventing medication. Keep at room temperature and away from heat and moisture when storing. What can I expect if I forget to take a dose? If you realize the missing dosage the same day, go ahead and take it. You should take your next dose at the typical time, and you should continue to adhere to your twice-daily dosing plan. It is not recommended to take two dosages at once. It is important that you have the prescription for your medicine renewed before you run out completely. What should I try to steer clear of while I'm on apixaban? Steer clear of any actions that can raise your chances of getting cut or bleeding out. While shaving or cleaning your teeth, exercise an additional degree of caution. Apixaban side effects Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: symptoms such as hives, chest discomfort, wheezing, and difficulty breathing; feeling lightheaded; and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck are all signs of an allergic reaction. If you develop signs of a spinal blood clot, such as tingling, numbness, or muscular weakness, especially in your legs and feet, you should seek immediate medical assistance. If you have easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), bleeding from wounds or needle injections, or any bleeding that will not stop; heavy menstrual bleeding; headache, dizziness, weakness, or the feeling like you might pass out; urine that looks red, pink, or brown; or black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds; call your doctor as soon as possible. This list of potential adverse effects is not exhaustive; additional symptoms may also surface. What other medications might potentially interact with apixaban? It is possible that using certain drugs at the same time might have adverse effects. Some medications have the potential to alter the blood levels of other medications that you take, which may result in an increase in adverse effects or a reduction in the efficacy of the prescriptions. The risk of bleeding or blood clots may be increased by a number of other medications, some of which are even available without a prescription. Tell your doctor about any and all medications you have taken in the recent past, including but not limited to: any other medications used to treat or prevent blood clots; a blood thinner such as heparin or warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); an antidepressant; or aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for an extended period of time. This list is not exhaustive, and the effects of apixaban may also be influenced by a great number of other medications. This include both prescription and over-the-counter medications, in addition to herbal and vitamin supplements. This page does not provide a complete listing of all possible medication interactions.