Apixaban 5 mg Tablet: Your Ultimate Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Potential Side Effects
Apixaban is a prescription medication used for several medical conditions, primarily to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke in individuals with certain medical conditions. It is sold under various brand names, including Eliquis.
Here’s your ultimate guide to Apixaban, including its uses, dosage, and potential side effects:
Uses:
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Preventing Blood Clots: Apixaban is often prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots, especially in individuals with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or atrial fibrillation.
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Stroke Prevention: It is commonly used to prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), which can lead to blood clots forming in the heart and potentially causing a stroke.
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Post-Surgical Blood Clot Prevention: In some cases, Apixaban may be prescribed to prevent blood clots following orthopedic surgery, such as hip or knee replacement.
Dosage:
The recommended dosage of Apixaban can vary depending on the specific medical condition for which it is prescribed. It is crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and the label on the medication. However, here are some general guidelines:
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Atrial Fibrillation: The standard dosage is 5 mg taken orally twice daily.
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Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: For the initial treatment, 10 mg twice daily for seven days, followed by 5 mg twice daily for the remaining treatment duration.
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Prevention of Recurrent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: The standard dosage is 2.5 mg taken orally twice daily.
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Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery: Usually, 2.5 mg is taken orally twice daily. The treatment duration may vary.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage, and do not alter the dosage without their guidance.
Potential Side Effects:
While Apixaban is generally well-tolerated, like any medication, it may cause side effects. Common side effects include:
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Bleeding: This is the most common side effect. It can manifest as nosebleeds, bruising, or bleeding gums. Serious bleeding can also occur but is less common.
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Nausea
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Fatigue
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Headache
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Swelling (Edema)
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Rash or Itching
It’s important to be aware of signs of serious bleeding, such as prolonged or excessive bleeding from cuts, unusual bruising, blood in urine or stool, and coughing up blood. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
If you have any known allergies or are taking other medications, inform your healthcare provider before starting Apixaban to prevent potential interactions and allergic reactions.
This guide provides an overview of Apixaban, but it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized information, including appropriate dosages and potential side effects based on your specific medical history and condition.
