Eliquis is an anticoagulant, a medication that prevents thrombosis.  Eliquis is prescribed by healthcare providers to treat and prevent thrombosis.  It does not dissolve a thrombosis, but may keep it from getting bigger or traveling to another area in your body

Dosing, Administration and Monitoring

Eliquis is taken by mouth.  Dosing is dependent on the type of blood clot that is being treated.  It is taken twice a day, twelve hours apart.  It is important to take the medication on time to prevent blood clots.  Eliquis can be taken with or without food.  Abruptly stopping Eliquis increases the risk for a stroke.

Side Effects

  • Bleeding
  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

 

Considerations

Eliquis increases the risk for bleeding. Due to this, it is important to discuss the following treatments with a hematology provider before they take place so excessive bleeding can be prevented:

  • Shots into the muscle
  • All surgeries
  • Dental work that is more than a cleaning

 

Due to the increased risk for bleeding, the following medications should be avoided because they also increase the risk of bleeding

  • Aspirin
  • Aspirin-containing products
  • Ibuprofen
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

 

Due to the increased risk of bleeding, injuries to the head, neck, chest, belly or spine can be very serious, possibly life-threatening. If injuries to these areas occur, contact your hematology provider or go to the nearest emergency room.

Someone taking Coumadin should call the doctor or go to the emergency room if any of the following happen:

  • Nosebleed lasting longer than 15 minutes
  • Bleeding gums
  • Heavy periods
  • Urine that is red, orange or looks like Coca-cola
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Leg swelling or pain
  • If you throw up and it looks like coffee grounds
  • Bad headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Blood in poop
  • Numbness or weakness in one side
  • Trouble speaking

 

Teens and adults that take Coumadin need to take steps to prevent pregnancy (i.e. birth control).  If pregnancy occurs, your hematology provider must be told as soon as possible, as the safety of this medication while pregnant has not been determined.