Apixaban
Also known as: Eliquis
What it's for
Apixaban thins your blood to prevent blood clots. It is used for atrial fibrillation, after hip or knee surgery, and to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 5mg twice a day (or 2.5mg twice daily for some people).
- Take about 12 hours apart, at the same times each day.
- Take with or without food.
- Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Bruising more easily
- Bleeding that takes longer to stop
- Nosebleeds
- Feeling tired
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Tell any doctor or dentist that you take a blood thinner
- Avoid contact sports or activities with high risk of injury
- Some medicines interact with apixaban - always check
- Does not require regular blood tests like warfarin
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have heavy bleeding that will not stop
- You cough up blood or have blood in your vomit
- You have a sudden severe headache or feel confused
- You have pink or red urine
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.