Apixaban: Uses, Side Effects, Dosing, and Safety
Apixaban is a prescription blood thinner that helps prevent blood clots. It is used to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and to reduce the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation.
Apixaban can reduce the risk of serious blood clots, but it also increases the chance of bleeding. Take it exactly as prescribed and ask your doctor or pharmacist before changing the dose or combining it with other medicines.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B01AF02
- Generic
- Apixaban
- Class
- doac
- Brands
- Eliquis
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 12
- Onset (min)
- 120
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- renal-function, coagulation, bleeding
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- weight-based dosing twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
all trimestersavoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative anticoagulants such as heparin
regular fetal monitoring and obstetric follow-up
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid
apixaban is not recommended during breastfeeding; mothers should either discontinue breastfeeding or avoid apixaban; consider alternative anticoagulants compatible with breastfeeding such as warfarin
monitor infant for bleeding signs if breastfeeding continues
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno routine dose reduction; consider dose reduction to 2.5mg twice daily if criteria met
use with caution due to increased bleeding risk; dose reduction to 2.5mg twice daily recommended if patient meets at least two of the following: age 80 years or older, body weight 60 kg or less, or serum creatinine 1.5 mg/dL or higher
regular renal function monitoring, monitor for signs of bleeding, assess fall risk
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children and adolescents under 18 yearsnot approved for pediatric use
apixaban is not approved for use in patients under 18 years of age; pediatric dosing has not been established; consider alternative anticoagulants such as enoxaparin or warfarin for pediatric patients requiring anticoagulation
not applicable due to lack of pediatric indication
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairment crcl 15 30 ml minreduce dose to 2.5mg twice daily
regular monitoring of renal function; more frequent monitoring in patients with changing renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
end stage renal disease crcl less than 15 ml minavoid use
apixaban is not recommended in patients with end-stage renal disease or on dialysis; consider alternative anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin
not applicable due to lack of recommendation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentavoid use
apixaban is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment; avoid use in patients with coagulopathy
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderate hepatic impairmentno dose adjustment required but use with caution
use with caution in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment; no dose adjustment required; avoid in patients with signs of coagulopathy
monitor liver function tests periodically; monitor for signs of bleeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Eliquis
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Half-life
Pharmacokinetic properties
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy