Indications

  • Nonvalvular AFib

    ELIQUIS (apixaban) is a prescription
    medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people who have atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat, not caused by a heart valve problem.

  • DVT/PE

    ELIQUIS (apixaban) is a prescription
    medicine used to treat blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), and reduce the risk of them occurring again.

  • Hip/Knee Replacement

    ELIQUIS (apixaban) is a prescription
    medicine used to reduce the risk of forming a blood clot in the legs and lungs of people who have just had hip or knee replacement surgery.

U.S. Full Prescribing Information Including BOXED WARNINGS

Medication Guide

Healthcare Professionals Site

En Español

Or Call Us at 1-855-ELIQUIS (354-7847)

U.S. Full Prescribing Information Including BOXED WARNINGS

Indications

  • Nonvalvular AFib

    ELIQUIS (apixaban) is a
    prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people who have atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat, not caused by a heart valve problem.

  • DVT/PE

    ELIQUIS (apixaban) is a
    prescription medicine used to treat blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), and reduce the risk of them occurring again.

  • Hip/Knee Replacement

    ELIQUIS (apixaban) is a
    prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of forming a blood clot in the legs and lungs of people who have just had hip or knee replacement surgery.

Medication Guide

Or Call Us at 1-855-ELIQUIS (354-7847)

AFib Home

AFib & Stroke Risk

Talking With Your Doctor

Frequently Asked Questions

Healthcare Professionals Site

En Español

This site is intended for U.S. residents 18 years of age or older.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. About 95% of AFib cases are not caused by a heart valve problem, also known as nonvalvular AFib. With AFib not caused by a heart valve problem, the upper chambers of the heart, the atria, quiver (fibrillate) instead of fully contracting to push blood through the heart. The blood left in the atria can pool and clump together, increasing the risk for clots to form. If a clot breaks loose and travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. In fact, patients with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem have about 5 times greater risk of stroke. The cause of AFib isn’t always known, but it becomes more common over age 65.

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Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide.

Some common symptoms of AFib not caused by a heart valve problem include irregular heartbeat, heart racing, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. However, some patients may not feel any symptoms at all. Whether or not you experience symptoms from your AFib, or if they come and go, you still have an increased risk of stroke.

If you or someone you know has AFib not caused by a heart valve problem, make sure you know the signs of stroke really well—knowing these can help you act fast and get immediate medical attention.

Remember, stroke is a medical emergency. If you notice any of the signs listed below, call 9-1-1 immediately.

  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden droopiness around the mouth while trying to smile
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden headache with or without vomiting and dizziness
  • Sudden loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden trouble with speaking or understanding speech

Note the time when the signs first begin. This information is important for the doctor to know.

Anticoagulants are the most often prescribed blood thinners to reduce risk of stroke due to AFib not caused by a heart valve problem. Anticoagulants increase the risk of bleeding, which can be serious, and rarely may lead to death.

To learn more, watch the video below.

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Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide.

It is projected that by 2030, about 12 million people in the U.S. will have AFib not caused by a heart valve problem.

To learn more, watch the video below.

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Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide.

AFib not caused by a heart valve problem is typically considered a chronic condition when not temporarily caused by other factors. This means that it will most likely not go away on its own.

If someone you know has AFib not caused by a heart valve problem, it is important that they talk to their doctor about taking medication to help them reduce the risk of stroke. But since it is usually a chronic condition, they may also need advice, encouragement, and support. Here are some of the ways you can help:

Start by learning more about AFib not caused by a heart valve problem—Knowing more about it will not only help you understand what they are dealing with but also help you offer them informed support.

Be of assistance on doctor visits—Regular physician follow-ups are one of the most important steps a person with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem can take. Download a discussion guide to prepare questions you or your loved one may have for the next appointment.

Follow doctor’s recommendations—If someone you know is taking ELIQUIS, it’s extremely important that they take it as prescribed by their doctor. They should not change their dose or stop taking ELIQUIS unless their doctor told them to. Stopping ELIQUIS increases their risk of having a stroke.

Help with coverage assistance—You can start by organizing medical and health insurance information where everything is easy to find. If you have questions about your loved one’s insurance coverage, a Live Specialist can assist you at 1-855-ELIQUIS (354-7847). Visit the ELIQUIS 360 Support page to learn more.

Lead by example—Chances are, a person with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem will be much more willing to take care of themselves—by eating well, keeping a regular schedule, meditating, taking a walk, etc.—if he or she is around another person who also leads a healthy lifestyle.

Many different factors such as lifestyle and medical conditions can raise the risk of developing AFib not caused by a heart valve problem. It is important to note that the risk of AFib increases with age, especially after age 65. Additional risk factors include, but are not limited to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease such as heart failure and ischemic heart disease
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Overactive thyroid
  • Lung disease, including COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
  • Lifestyle habits, such as excessive alcohol and drug use, smoking, and stress
  • Obesity

Some important safety information to know about ELIQUIS is: (1) Do not stop taking ELIQUIS without talking to the doctor who prescribed it for you. For patients taking ELIQUIS for atrial fibrillation: stopping ELIQUIS increases your risk of having a stroke. Talk to your healthcare team before any surgery, medical, or dental procedures. (2) ELIQUIS can cause bleeding, which can be serious, and rarely may lead to death. This is because ELIQUIS is a blood thinner medicine that reduces blood clotting. While taking ELIQUIS, you may bruise more easily and it may take longer than usual for any bleeding to stop. (3) People who take ELIQUIS, and have medicine injected into their spinal or epidural area, or have a spinal puncture, have a risk of forming a blood clot that can cause long-term or permanent loss of the ability to move (paralysis). (4) A reaction to ELIQUIS can cause hives, rash, itching, and possibly trouble breathing. If you get this reaction, it will usually happen soon after you take a dose of ELIQUIS. Get medical help right away if you have sudden chest pain or chest tightness, have sudden swelling of your face or tongue, have trouble breathing, wheezing, or feeling dizzy or faint. This is not a complete list of all important safety information. Please see full Important Safety Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, for ELIQUIS (apixaban). Please see the U.S. Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and the Medication Guide for ELIQUIS (apixaban).

ELIQUIS is a type of blood thinner medicine known as an anticoagulant. Learn more about anticoagulants here.

Because AFib not caused by a heart valve problem is considered chronic and generally does not go away, the risk of stroke also does not go away. It is important that you continue to take ELIQUIS exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Do not stop taking ELIQUIS without talking to the doctor who prescribed it to you. For patients taking ELIQUIS for atrial fibrillation: stopping ELIQUIS increases your risk of having a stroke.

Talk to your healthcare team before any medical procedures. ELIQUIS may need to be stopped before surgery, or a medical or dental procedure. Your doctor will tell you when you should stop taking ELIQUIS and when you may start taking it again. If you have to stop taking ELIQUIS your doctor may prescribe another medicine to help prevent a blood clot from forming.

See Important Safety Information below.

Blood clots form through a chain of events that involves several clotting components that interact to cause red blood cells to form a clot. ELIQUIS selectively blocks one clotting factor, Factor Xa, and this makes it less likely that blood clots will form. ELIQUIS can cause bleeding, which can be serious, and rarely may lead to death. This is because ELIQUIS is a blood thinner medicine that reduces blood clotting.

View a video to learn more about how ELIQUIS works.

Patients taking ELIQUIS do not need to have routine INR (International Normalized Ratio) blood testing.

Patients taking ELIQUIS do not have any known dietary restrictions, such as leafy greens.

ELIQUIS may need to be stopped before surgery, or a medical or dental procedure. Your doctor will tell you when you should stop taking ELIQUIS and when you may start taking it again. If you have to stop taking ELIQUIS your doctor may prescribe another medicine to help prevent a blood clot from forming. Be sure to talk to your doctor before any surgeries or procedures, and if you have questions about stopping ELIQUIS before surgery.

Do not stop taking ELIQUIS without talking to the doctor who prescribed it to you. Stopping ELIQUIS increases your risk of having a stroke.

See Important Safety Information below.

Determining the price you may pay for a medicine can be complicated and depends on many different factors, such as insurance coverage. For more information, view Pricing Information for ELIQUIS.

ELIQUIS can cause bleeding, which can be serious, and rarely may lead to death. This is because ELIQUIS is a blood thinner medicine that reduces blood clotting. While taking ELIQUIS, you may bruise more easily and it may take longer than usual for any bleeding to stop.

You may have a higher risk of bleeding if you take ELIQUIS with other medicines that increase your risk of bleeding, such as:

  • Aspirin
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (called NSAIDs)
  • Warfarin
  • Heparin
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Other medicines to help prevent or treat blood clots

Tell your doctor if you take any of these medicines.

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of these signs or symptoms of bleeding when taking ELIQUIS:

  • Unexpected bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time, such as:
    • Unusual bleeding from the gums
    • Nosebleeds that happen often
    • Menstrual or vaginal bleeding that is heavier than normal
  • Bleeding that is severe or you cannot control
  • Red, pink, or brown urine
  • Red or black stools (looks like tar)
  • Coughing up or vomiting blood
  • Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • Unexpected pain, swelling, or joint pain
  • Headaches
  • Feeling dizzy or weak

See Important Safety Information below.

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About ELIQUIS

Find out more about ELIQUIS, including clinical study results, possible side effects, and additional factors for you and your healthcare professional to consider.

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Important facts about ELIQUIS® (apixaban)

This is a summary of important safety information that you need to know about ELIQUIS.

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Helpful information
to remember

Do not stop taking ELIQUIS without talking to the doctor who prescribed it to you

For patients taking ELIQUIS for atrial fibrillation: stopping ELIQUIS increases your risk of having a stroke.

Talk to your healthcare team before any medical procedures. ELIQUIS may need to be stopped before surgery or a medical or dental procedure. Your doctor will tell you when you should stop taking ELIQUIS and when you may start taking it again. If you have to stop taking ELIQUIS, your doctor may prescribe another medicine to help prevent a blood clot from forming.

What are the possible serious side effects of ELIQUIS?

This is a list of some of the serious side effects of ELIQUIS.

Bleeding

ELIQUIS can cause bleeding, which can be serious, and rarely may lead to death. This is because ELIQUIS is a blood thinner medicine that reduces blood clotting. While taking ELIQUIS, you may bruise more easily and it may take longer than usual for any bleeding to stop.

You may have a higher risk of bleeding if you take ELIQUIS with other medicines that increase your risk of bleeding, such as:

  • Aspirin
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (called NSAIDs)
  • Warfarin
  • Heparin
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Other medicines to help prevent or treat blood clots

Tell your doctor if you take any of these medicines.

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of these signs or symptoms of bleeding when taking ELIQUIS:

  • Unexpected bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time, such as:
    • Unusual bleeding from the gums
    • Nosebleeds that happen often
    • Menstrual or vaginal bleeding that is heavier than normal
  • Bleeding that is severe or you cannot control
  • Red, pink, or brown urine
  • Red or black stools (looks like tar)
  • Coughing up or vomiting blood
  • Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • Unexpected pain, swelling, or joint pain
  • Headaches
  • Feeling dizzy or weak

Spinal or epidural blood clots (hematoma)

People who take ELIQUIS, and have medicine injected into their spinal or epidural area, or have a spinal puncture, have a risk of forming a blood clot that can cause long-term or permanent loss of the ability to move (paralysis).

Your risk of developing a spinal or epidural blood clot is higher if:

  • A thin tube called an epidural catheter is placed in your back to give you certain medicine
  • You take NSAIDs or a medicine to prevent blood from clotting
  • You have a history of difficult or repeated epidural or spinal punctures
  • You have a history of problems with your spine or have had surgery on your spine

If you take ELIQUIS and receive spinal anesthesia or have a spinal puncture, your doctor should watch you closely for symptoms of spinal or epidural blood clots or bleeding.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these signs or symptoms (especially in your legs and feet) when taking ELIQUIS:

  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Muscle weakness

A reaction to ELIQUIS itself

A reaction to ELIQUIS can cause hives, rash, itching, and possibly trouble breathing. If you get this reaction, it will usually happen soon after you take a dose of ELIQUIS.

Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Sudden chest pain or chest tightness
  • Sudden swelling of your face or tongue
  • Trouble breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Feeling dizzy or faint

Talk to your doctor about any side effect that may be bothering you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of ELIQUIS. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Who should not take ELIQUIS?

ELIQUIS is not for patients who:

  • have artificial heart valves
  • have antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), especially with positive triple antibody testing, who have a history of blood clots
  • currently have certain types of abnormal bleeding
  • have had a serious allergic reaction to ELIQUIS

What should I discuss with my healthcare team before starting ELIQUIS?

Talk to your healthcare team about the following:

  • Kidney or liver problems
  • If you have antiphospholipid syndrome
  • Any other medical conditions
  • If you have ever had bleeding problems

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed. You and your doctor should decide if you will take ELIQUIS or breastfeed. You should not do both.

Females who are able to become pregnant: talk with your healthcare provider about pregnancy planning, and your risk of severe uterine bleeding if you are treated with blood thinner medicines, including ELIQUIS.

Tell your healthcare team about all the medicines you take, including any:

  • prescription medicines
  • over-the-counter medicines
  • vitamins
  • herbal supplements

During treatment, make sure you talk to your healthcare team before you begin to take any new medication.

How should I take ELIQUIS?

Take ELIQUIS exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

  • Twice daily

  • With or without food

Do not change your dose or stop taking ELIQUIS unless your doctor tells you to.

What if I miss a dose of ELIQUIS?

If you miss a dose of ELIQUIS, take it as soon as you remember, and do not take more than one dose at the same time.

When should I refill my prescription?

If you are taking ELIQUIS for atrial fibrillation, stopping ELIQUIS may increase your risk of having a stroke. Do not run out of ELIQUIS. Refill your prescription before you run out. When leaving the hospital following hip or knee replacement, be sure that you will have ELIQUIS available to avoid missing any doses.

ELIQUIS is available in two different tablets. Your doctor or healthcare provider will determine what dose is right for you.

2.5 mg tablet

Round, with a pale yellow color

OR

5 mg tablet

Oval, with a pale orange or pink color

Note: Images do not represent actual tablet size.

On one side of each tablet, there is a number indicating the dosage strength of the tablet (in milligrams). On the other side, there is a medication identification number.

What is ELIQUIS?

ELIQUIS is a prescription medicine used to:

Reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people who have atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat, not caused by a heart valve problem.

Treat blood clots in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis – DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism – PE), and reduce the risk of them occurring again.

Reduce the risk of forming a blood clot in the legs (DVT) and lungs (PE) of people who have just had hip or knee replacement surgery.

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide.

The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.