How to take it Eliquis 5mg (Apixaban 5 mg)?
Take Eliquis 5mg (Apixaban 5 mg) twice a day orally with or without food with a glass of water. Always try to take it at the same time every day in order to get the best effects from the treatment.

If you missed a dose take Eliquis 5mg (Apixaban 5 mg) as soon as you remember.  If it is too close to your next dose then skip the missed dose and take the regular dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.

Always take the medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed.

Do not stop the treatment suddenly without talking to your doctor first as you may be at higher risk of developing a clot if stopped suddenly.

Side effects of Eliquis 5mg
As with all medications some people experience certain side effects.  Inform your doctor immediately if you have any of the effects below:

• Bleeding including
• blood in the urine
• from your gums
• from your nose
• in your eyes
• bruising and swelling
• in your stomach or bowel
• from your rectum
• Nausea
• Anemia
• Bloody or black tarry stools
• Constipation
• Decreased alertness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion
• Joint pain and swelling
• Severe stomach pain
• Shortness in breath
• Tightness in the chest

Storage
Store at a temperature 20°C - 25°C, away from direct sunlight. Keep all medicine out of reach of children.

Discard any medicine which has expired.

Keep the blisters in outer pack until required to use.

Interactions
The medicines mentioned below may increase the chance of unwanted bleeding

• some antiviral medicines for HIV / AIDS (eg: ritronavir)
• medication given for high blood pressure or heart problems (eg: diltiazem)
• certain medicine given for fungal  infections (eg: ketoconazole, itraconazole)
• medicines prescribed to prevent blood clotting (eg: heparin , warfarin, rivaroxaban)
• antidepressant medicines

The medicines mentioned below may decrease the ability to of Eliquis 5mg (Apixaban 5 mg) to prevent blood clots from forming

• medicines prescribed for seizures or epilepsy (eg: phenytoin)
• medicines prescribed for Tuberculosis and other infections (eg: rifampicin)
• St John warts

It is not recommended to use Eliquis 5mg (Apixaban 5 mg) on pregnant patients. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits involved prior to starting your treatment.

It is not recommended to breastfeed  while you are on Eliquis 5mg (Apixaban 5 mg)

Precautions
If you have been told that you have intolerance for certain sugars seek your doctor’s advice before starting Eliquis 5mg (Apixaban 5 mg).
If you need to go for surgery or a procedure inform your doctor that you are on Eliquis 5mg (Apixaban 5 mg). You may have to stop your treatment for a few days prior to the surgery.

Inform your doctor prior to your treatment if you are having any of the conditions below

• severe kidney disease or you are on dialysis
• if you have a prosthetic heart valve
• liver problems or a history of liver problems
• high blood pressure or bleeding disorders
• If you are above 75 years
• You are on medication to prevents blood clotting

Inform your doctor if youare allergic to Eliquis 5mg (Apixaban 5 mg) or to any of its active ingredients, any other medications that you are taking.