Apixaban – Uses and Side effects

What is Apixaban?

Apixaban prevents specific blood clotting factors from functioning. This medication works as an anticoagulant, which prevents blood from clotting.

Apixaban is suggested to patients with atrial fibrillation, risk of stroke or blood clots.

People who have recently undergone hip or knee replacement surgery are less likely to develop blood clots in their legs or lungs if they take Apixaban. Apixaban cures blood clots and lowers the chance of recurrence in the legs’ deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or the lungs’ pulmonary embolism.

This medication is often used to reduce the risk of blood clots. Apixaban is also authorised for treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and preventing new blood clots from developing.

Usage of Apixaban

• Prevent blood clots and stroke
• Treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Treat pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Prevent DVT or PE from recurring
• Prevent DVT who’ve had hip or knee replacement surgery

Side effects of Apixaban

Side effects from Apixaban can range from minor to severe. Some of the significant side effects that could happen when taking Apixaban are listed below.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further details on Apixaban’ potential side effects. They can advise you on how to handle any uncomfortable side effects.

Easy bruising

Bruises develop when capillaries, the smallest blood vessels under the skin, burst and begin to leak, thereby discolouring the area. Blood thinners are made to slow down blood clotting, which makes it take longer for broken blood vessels to stop spreading.

Anaemia

Apixaban may result in bleeding, which could result in anaemia. Another frequent adverse effect is nausea.

Nausea

Nausea is a potential side effect of taking Apixaban. If you are experiencing nausea while taking Apixaban, it is essential to contact your doctor for advice. They can recommend ways to manage nausea or adjust your medication to reduce this side effect.

Muscle weakness

Call your doctor immediately if you have tingling, numbness or muscle weakness, particularly in your legs or feet. Other medications should not be taken unless they have been discussed with your doctor.

Joint pain

It frequently affects people in their medium to late years of life and can damage the entire joint, including the bone, cartilage, joint lining and ligaments. Warfarin is a blood thinner and anticoagulant that inhibits the action of vitamin K to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Low blood pressure

Blood thinners like Apixaban will also help lower your blood pressure. It also helps reduce atrial fibrillation.

Apixaban Warnings

Inform your doctor of any medical issues you have before beginning Apixaban medication. Before using Apixaban, discuss your medical history with your doctor.

Artificial heart valve

Apixaban may not be safe for patients with prosthetic heart valves. Apixaban will probably not be prescribed by your doctor if you have an artificial heart valve. They will advise taking a different drug to treat or prevent blood clots.

Bleeding disorders

Your risk of bleeding may rise if you use this drug. Apixaban may increase your risk of bleeding if you have a bleeding problem. Before beginning this medication, inform your doctor of any bleeding disorders.

Is Apixaban safe?

Apixaban has shown to be both safe and effective, but if it is not taken exactly as prescribed, it may cause serious harm, including severe bleeding or a stroke.

Steps to avoid Apixaban side effects

1. Stick to the recommended dosage

2. Discuss medical history with your doctor

3. Pay close attention to your body

When to consult a doctor?

Call your doctor immediately if bleeding or bruising is unusual and if you experience any change while taking this medicine.

Summing up

Apixaban does indeed thin the blood and act as an anticoagulant. Coagulation is the term used to describe the way your blood clots. Apixaban reduces your blood’s capacity to clot. Side effects from Apixaban can range from minor to severe. Therefore, be agile if you suspect any symptoms of a blood clot and consult a doctor.

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