Description
Apixaban 5 mg Tablet is a prescription oral anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke. It belongs to a class of medications known as Factor Xa inhibitors, which work by selectively blocking the activity of Factor Xa—an essential protein in the blood coagulation cascade. By inhibiting this factor, Apixaban helps prevent the formation of harmful clots in the blood vessels.
Apixaban 5 mg is commonly prescribed for:
- Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
- Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Prevention of recurrent DVT and PE following initial treatment
- Prophylaxis of DVT, which may lead to PE, in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery
The typical dosage is 5 mg taken twice daily, though adjustments may be made in specific populations (e.g., elderly, low body weight, or impaired kidney function).
Key Points:
- Onset of action is rapid (within hours)
- Does not require routine INR monitoring like warfarin
- Lower risk of major bleeding compared to traditional anticoagulants in some studies
- Should be taken consistently at the same times each day
- Not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment or certain prosthetic heart valves
Common side effects may include bleeding, bruising, nausea, and anemia. Serious but less common risks include major bleeding events, especially if combined with other blood thinners or in patients with kidney issues.
Warnings: Discontinuation can increase the risk of thrombotic events. A reversal agent (andexanet alfa) is available in case of emergency bleeding.
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