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 for 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) in the lungs' pulmonary embolism.
This medication is often used to reduce the risk of blood clots. Apixaban is also authorised to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and prevent new blood clots from developing.
Usage of Apixaban
There are many uses for Apixaban. Let's discuss apixaban uses.
- Prevent blood clots and stroke
- Treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Treat pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Prevent DVT or PE from recurring
- Prevent DVT in those 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's 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
Joint pain 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.
Like all medications, apixaban side effects can range from minor to severe. Due to its anticoagulant effects, some people may experience muscle weakness. However, it is essential to have a look at any unusual symptoms, such as nausea or joint pain, which could be signs that the medication is affecting your body.
Not all, but in some situations, apixaban side effects could lead to more serious health complications, such as significant bleeding or anaemia. It is recommended to stay in touch with a doctor or healthcare provider to manage these risks effectively.
What are the symptoms of overdosage of Apixaban?
Apixaban, when taken more than the recommended dose, may cause:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Red, brown, or pink-colored urine
- Red or black, tarry stools
- Bleeding gums
- Coughing up or vomiting blood (or vomit that looks like coffee grounds)
- Prolonged or frequent nosebleeds
In such cases, it is recommended to call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention in a nearby hospital without wasting time.
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.
Do not use Apixaban without informing your healthcare provider. Your doctor should be aware of all your pre-existing medical conditions bleeding disorders or a prosthetic heart valve, as these could make the drug less safe or effective. Individuals with a history of stroke, severe liver disease, or active bleeding may be advised against using Apixaban. Always follow your doctor's advice on the apixaban dosage and never adjust your medication without consulting them first.
Is Apixaban safe?
Apixaban has been 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.
The standard dosage for this medication is typically Apixaban 5 mg twice daily, though the dosage may differ based on individual health needs and conditions. If you miss a dose of apixaban 2.5 or apixaban 5 mg, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
Steps to Avoid Apixaban Side Effects
1. Never self-medicate: Stick to the recommended dosage of Apixaban 2.5 or Apixaban 5 mg as prescribed by your doctor.
2. Discuss medical history with your doctor: Make sure you have informed the doctor about all your medical history, including any existing conditions or medications you're taking.
3. Pay close attention to your body: Monitor any unusual symptoms that occur and inform the doctor as soon as possible.
Apixaban can be taken with or without food, and its effectiveness is not impacted by meals.
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.
Ask your doctor for the correct apixaban dose. Do not self-medicate on your own. There may be some apixaban contraindications, which you can ask your doctor about. The apixaban indications say that it is used in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation to lower stroke and blood clot risks.
FAQs
What are the side effects of Apixaban?
1· Bruising
2· Nausea
3· Anaemia
Does Apixaban cause side effects?
Yes, Apixaban can cause side effects.
What are the dangers of taking Apixaban?
One uncommon but significant side effect of taking Apixaban is internal haemorrhage. Abruptly discontinuing Apixaban may raise the risk of blood clots. Your chance of suffering a stroke rises if you take Apixaban.
Does Apixaban cause depression?
Yes, Apixaban causes depression if taken in excess or without the doctor's consultation.
