Apixaban (By mouth)

Apixaban (a-PIX-a-ban)

Treats and prevents blood clots. This medicine is a blood thinner.

Brand Name(s):

Eliquis, Eliquis 30 Day DVT/PE Starter Pack

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• If you are unable to swallow the tablet whole:
  • The 2.5 milligram (mg) and 5 mg tablets may be crushed and mixed with water, 5% dextrose in water (D5W), apple juice, or applesauce.
  • If you are using nasogastric tube: The 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets may be crushed and mixed with 60 milliliters (mL) of water or D5W before giving it via the tube. Flush the tube with another 20 mL of water or D5W.
• Eliquis® Sprinkle:
  • Hold the capsule with the colored end up. Tap the clear end to get the medicine into the clear end.
  • Twist both ends of the capsule and slowly pull it apart. Sprinkle the contents into a medicine cup. Check the capsule shells to make sure they are empty. Do not swallow the capsule.
  • Add 5 milliliters (mL) of water or infant formula into the medicine cup. Do not use any other liquid. Stir the mixture until the powder particles can no longer be seen.
  • Push the plunger all the way down. Place the syringe tip into the cup and pull up the mixture. Make sure your child is sitting upright. Place the oral syringe into the mouth with the tip along either cheek. Slowly push the plunger all the way down to give all of the medicine.
  • If there is medicine remaining in the cup, you may add about 5 mL of water or infant formula. Give the mixture within 2 hours after mixing.
• Tablets for suspension:
  • Liquid mixing method:
    • Tap the packet. Cut the dotted line on the packet to open it. Do not swallow the tablet.
    • Empty the tablets inside the packet into a medicine cup. Add 10 milliliters (mL) of water, infant formula, or apple juice into the medicine cup. Do not use any other liquid.
    • Use a small spoon to crush and stir the medicine in the liquid. Stir continuously until the tablets are no longer visible in the liquid. It will take about 5 to 7 minutes.
    • Push the plunger all the way down. Place the syringe tip into the cup and pull up the mixture. Make sure your child is sitting upright. Place the oral syringe into the mouth with the tip along either cheek. Slowly push the plunger all the way down to give all of the medicine.
    • If there is medicine remaining in the cup, you may add about 5 mL of water, infant formula, or apple juice. Give the mixture within 2 hours after mixing.
  • Food mixing method:
    • Tap the packet. Cut the dotted line on the packet to open it. Do not swallow the tablet.
    • Empty the tablets inside the packet into a medicine cup. Use a small spoon to stir the tablets into the applesauce. Give the mixture right away.
    • If you are using nasogastric tube or gastrotomy tube: Empty the tablets in the packet and prepare the medicine as directed. Place the mixture into the tube. Flush the tube with additional water or infant formula.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Oral liquid: If your child vomits or spits up right after or within 30 minutes after taking the medicine, give another dose. If it is more than 30 minutes, give the next dose at the regular time. Call your doctor right away if your child vomits or spits out the medicine repeatedly.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• You may store the crushed tablet with water, 5% dextrose in water (D5W), apple juice, and applesauce mixture for up to 4 hours.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how apixaban works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Carbamazepine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, St John's wort
  • Blood thinner (including clopidogrel, heparin, prasugrel, warfarin)
  • Medicine to treat depression
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, antiphospholipid syndrome, or an artificial heart valve.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk for bleeding
  • Increased risk for blood clots in your spine or back after a spinal procedure
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You might have a higher risk of stroke for a short time after you stop using this medicine.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, red or pink urine
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Coughing up blood, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in your legs or feet
• Red or brown urine, bloody or black, tarry stools
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 6/4/2025