Table of Contents

I. Which Conditions can Apixaban Treat?

II. How Does Eliquis (apixaban) work?

III. Do the Benefits of Eliquis Outweigh the Risks?

IV. Maximizing the Efficacy of Eliquis

V. FAQ: How do I determine if Eliquis (apixaban) is right for me?

Apixaban is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent the formation of blood clots. The brand-name version is called Eliquis. Both Eliquis and its generic version apixaban are available through online Canadian pharmacies like Canadian Pharmacy Service. Eliquis is one of the most commonly prescribed blood thinners in the U.S. But who does it benefit?

Eliquis can be prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clot formation in those with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the heart's upper chambers (the atria), causing blood to enter and leave them in an uncoordinated manner, increasing the risk of clot formation. Unfortunately, these clots can become loose and travel out of the heart and into blood vessels that supply other parts of the body, including the brain, resulting in a stroke. Those who have atrial fibrillation are, therefore, at an increased risk of developing blood clots or experiencing a stroke, so a blood thinner like Eliquis is often needed to prevent these life-threatening complications. [1]

Hip or knee replacement patients also have an increased risk of developing blood clots. This is because the surgical procedure required for hip or knee replacement is invasive and can trigger your body’s clotting factor to seal up wounds at the surgical site. Eliquis can benefit post-surgery patients, especially those with a history of blood clots. [2]

Which Conditions can Apixaban Treat?

Eliquis (apixaban) is also approved in the U.S. to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Apixaban is also approved to prevent these types of blood clots from forming again. [2]

DVT is a serious type of blood clot that typically occurs in the lower leg. DVT can be caused by high cholesterol, blood vessel damage from surgery, and prolonged periods of inactivity. If you have been diagnosed with DVT, Eliquis can prevent the clot from traveling to the lungs. However, DVT is often not detected until serious swelling has occurred or a clot occurs in the lungs. [3]

A pulmonary embolism is commonly caused by DVT in the leg that travels up to the lungs. A clot can also form directly in the lungs due to atrial fibrillation. Blockage in the lungs can be life-threatening, but Eliquis can treat PE by reducing the body’s ability to form blood clots. 

To learn more about what Eliquis is used for, read our article “What Is Eliquis?”

How Does Eliquis (apixaban) work?

So, how do anticoagulants work? Your ability to clot blood is essential to stopping excessive bleeding in the event of a cut or scrape. But if the blood clots are in the wrong places, your life could be at risk. Your body uses an enzyme known as factor Xa to clot blood. Eliquis works by blocking this enzyme. When factor Xa is blocked, the body is less likely to form clots, thereby lowering your risk of a clot-related stroke.

Do the Benefits of Eliquis Outweigh the Risks?

As with all blood-thinning medications, taking Eliquis can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. When the substances required to form clots are blocked, even a small paper cut can cause the blood to flow uncontrollably. Eliquis may also have side effects that include dizziness, bloody stools or urine, and coughing up blood. Even if you are careful, you may find that taking Eliquis causes you to bruise easily, increasing the risk of internal bleeding.

Compared to other blood thinners, Eliquis may be less likely to lead to an excessive bleeding event. Still, it is important to consider drug interactions with blood thinners that can lead to adverse outcomes. With these risks in mind, it is important to weigh the benefits against the risks with your doctor to assess if Eliquis or apixaban is right for you.

Eliquis does not need to be monitored as frequently as other blood thinners. It is very effective at preventing blood clots and may play a vital role in patients who are recovering from DVT or PE. It also significantly reduces the risk of blood clots in those who have many risk factors, such as a family history of blood clots. [4]

Maximizing the Efficacy of Eliquis

Taking Eliquis properly can reduce the risk of side effects while maximizing its effectiveness. Eliquis comes in a tablet form that can be taken with or without food. When you are on a treatment plan with Eliquis, it is important not to stop abruptly without your doctor’s say-so, or sudden blood clots may form.

There are many ways to improve your overall health while taking Eliquis. For example, leading an active lifestyle and eating a healthy diet can go a long way in preventing risk factors of blood clots. Talk to your doctor to discuss the benefits of, and visit a Canadian online pharmacy to fill your prescription today. 

FAQ: How do I determine if Eliquis (apixaban) is right for me?

Start by understanding your underlying condition and why Eliquis (apixaban) is prescribed. This medication is used to treat stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and to prevent blood clots after major surgery like hip or knee replacement.

Then, it’s important to consider the cost factor. Brand-name Eliquis can be expensive, especially for patients paying out of pocket. Generic Eliquis is available from Canadian online pharmacies and can serve as a cheaper option that’s just as effective.

It is also important to review potential drug interactions. Drugs that affect the CYP3A4 liver enzyme or the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter, both of which help process Eliquis in the body, can increase bleeding risk or reduce its effectiveness. 

Finally, determine your risk of bleeding, as this is one of the most important safety factors. Eliquis works by thinning the blood, which increases the risk of severe bruising or serious bleeding. Below is a step-by-step plan to help you determine whether Eliquis (apixaban) is right for you.

How to decide if Eliquis is right for you

1. Confirm your condition. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or post-surgical clot prevention are the most common reasons for taking Eliquis.
2. Assess your bleeding risk. If you have a history of bleeding, falls, or a health condition that increases your risk, Eliquis may not be recommended.
3. Review your current medications. Check for interactions, including supplements and herbal products, and speak to your doctor if you are unsure.
4. Evaluate the cost. Check your insurance coverage, research assistance programs, generic options, and alternatives.
5. Consider lifestyle fit. Eliquis requires consistent dosing. However, it does not require routine blood monitoring like some other options.
6. Talk to your doctor. Speaking with a certified healthcare professional is the best way to get your questions answered, learn more about your treatment options, and determine whether Eliquis is right for you.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.