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APIXABAN

This page contains brief details about the drug apixaban, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Apixaban is an anticoagulant drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as Factor Xa Inhibitors. It was approved on 28 December 2012 to prevent blood clots.

Mechanism of Action of Apixaban

It is a direct factor Xa inhibitor, which works majorly through the process of alkylation. It enters the cancer cells after getting activated by the liver and inhibits DNA synthesis. This process disrupts the normal cell cycle and DNA function, leading to arrest in cancer cell growth and multiplication.

Uses of Apixaban

Apixaban has been developed as a direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) drug to prevent strokes and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism.

Apixaban Drug administaration and Dosage available

Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Apixaban based on the disease condition. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended starting oral dose of axitinib is 2.5 mg twice daily. Take the tablet at the same time everyday, with or without food. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water. If you forgot to take the tablet, simply take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Apixaban

Warnings

This medication may interact with other anticoagulants and heighten the risk of spinal or epidural hematoma (a blood clot in the spinal canal), especially during spinal procedures or with spinal anesthesia. Hence, patients should notify their healthcare provider before any medical procedures, including dental work or surgery, to enable appropriate precautions. Regular monitoring for neurological symptoms like arm or leg numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in bowel or bladder control is essential, with urgent treatment required to avert further neurological damage if such symptoms arise. Throughout treatment, your physician may periodically assess complete blood counts, prothrombin time, INR, blood glucose levels, electrolytes, liver function, and kidney function to forestall severe complications.

Precautions

Avoid using this medication during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby. Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before starting this treatment. It’s uncertain whether this medicine is passed into human milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding. This medication is unsuitable for patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and those with clinically significant bleeding risk. Additionally, it’s not recommended for individuals with severe hepatic impairment. Certain formulations of this drug may contain lactose as an inactive ingredient, which can cause discomfort such as bloating and abdominal pain in individuals unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. If you have lactose intolerance, notify your doctor before initiating this therapy.

Side Effects

Typical side effects you may experience while using Apixaban include fainting, low blood pressure, skin rash, hair loss, itching, and a decrease in platelet count. If you encounter any allergic reactions or unusual symptoms following the administration of this medication, promptly inform your doctor.

Word Of Advice

This medication heightens the risk of bruising, so caution is advised when handling sharp objects or engaging in activities that could lead to injury. Inform your doctor before any medical procedures, including dental work or surgery, to ensure appropriate precautions are taken. Disclose all other medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal remedies. Consistently consume a diet rich in fiber, comprising fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as this can aid in regulating bowel movements and mitigating the risk of constipation, thereby reducing the likelihood of bleeding.

Frequently Asked Question

Apixaban is commonly used to prevent strokes and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism.
There are no specific foods that need to be avoided while taking Apixaban.
It is advised to avoid activities that may increase the risk of bleeding, such as contact sports, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting or standing. Be careful when using sharp objects such as razors and knives.
The risk of bleeding with apixaban therapy is influenced by several factors, including age, weight, kidney function, and the presence of other medical conditions.
It is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that works by inhibiting the activity of factor Xa, which is a protein involved in the blood clotting process. Specifically, this drug binds to the active site of factor Xa and blocks its ability to convert prothrombin to thrombin. This, in turn, prevents the formation of blood clots.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.