Canadian Pharmacy Service

What is Eliquis?

Thursday 27 January 2022
Eliquis
4 minute(s) read
Dr.Sandra Bolanos

Medically reviewed by

Dr Sandra Bolanos, MD, PhD

on 31 October 2022


Table of Contents


I. What is Eliquis Used For?

II. Eliquis Side Effects

III. What Foods to Avoid while taking Eliquis

IV. How to Take Eliquis


What is Eliquis Used For?

Eliquis (apixaban) is used to treat blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke in people with conditions like atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), to prevent blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery, and pulmonary embolism. The active ingredient in Eliquis is apixaban, a factor Xa inhibitor that prevents the blood’s clotting function.

Blood clots become dangerous when they rupture, break free, and travel to the brain, legs, or lungs. A clotting event that occurs in the head or neck area can cut off oxygen and nutrients to the brain, causing a stroke. A stroke requires prompt medical treatment to prevent permanent brain damage. If the clot travels to the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, a DVT can occur. This can cause serious swelling and pain to the affected area. A clot in a lung artery (pulmonary embolism) can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood.

an x-ray of the lung area

Canadian Pharmacy Service offers many resources if you would like to learn more about the benefits of Eliquis. We also offer generic Eliquis from Canada to help make filling your prescription more affordable. Read on to learn more about the side effects and dosing instructions for Eliquis.

Eliquis Side Effects

An allergic reaction to Eliquis may cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, light-headedness, and face swelling. During the course of treatment, tell your doctor if you experience tingling, numbness, or weakness. These symptoms may indicate a spinal blood clot. Because apixaban blocks the body’s natural clotting ability, Eliquis increases the risk of excessive bleeding. Other side effects may include:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Blood in the cough or vomit
  • Red, pink, or brown urine
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Easy bruising
  • Headache and dizziness

To reduce your risk of Eliquis side effects, your doctor may ask you to refrain from contact sports. Patients taking Eliquis should also handle sharp objects with care to prevent cuts or scrapes that can lead to excessive bleeding. Finally, try to lower your risk of severe side effects by avoiding drug interactions. Eliquis should not be combined with other blood thinners, antidepressants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) unless your doctor instructs you to do so. [1]

cucumbers, spinach, lettuce, kale, and lemon slices

What Foods to Avoid while taking Eliquis

Eliquis is a newer blood thinner and has the advantage of having minimal food interactions outside of grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice may increase the effects of Eliquis, so grapefruit juice consumption should be avoided when taking this medication.

Older blood thinners such as warfarin are known to interact with leafy greens and other foods high in vitamin K. {{2}} Eliquis is not affected by vitamin K, so you can continue reaping the benefits of nutritious vegetables like spinach and kale. But why does Eliquis have fewer food interactions?

The liver takes vitamin K and creates substances that help the blood clot. Traditional blood thinners work by blocking the liver from using vitamin K, preventing blood clots as a result. Eliquis works independently of vitamin K and directly affects the clotting proteins in your liver. This means you are free to enjoy most healthy food items unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Patients should avoid drinking excessive alcohol. Drinking too much increases the risk of falling and accidents, which are more dangerous when on blood thinners. You may not have to cut out alcohol completely, but drinking less can go a long way in preventing excessive bleeding events.

How to Take Eliquis

You should follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Eliquis. Generally, the instructions involve swallowing the tablet whole, with or without food. However, those who cannot swallow the tablet whole may crush and mix the tablet in water or apple juice. A crushed tablet should not be chewed but swallowed right away. If you have a scheduled surgery or dentist appointment, inform your doctor because you may need to stop taking Eliquis to reduce the risk of bleeding. Continue taking Eliquis unless your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping this medication before your treatment plan is complete may cause blood clots to return. {{3}}

medication tablets

As mentioned above, Canadian Pharmacy Service lets you buy Eliquis at the lowest prices. Over time, the cost of Eliquis can become burdensome, and you may wonder why is Eliquis so expensive? Luckily, the generic version of Eliquis can help you save money. If you are at risk of blood clots, talk to your doctor about how Eliquis (apixaban) can help. 

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.