Eliquis is the brand name for apixaban, a medication prescribed as a blood thinner. It works by blocking the Xa enzyme complex, which is involved in forming blood clots. Preventing clots is crucial because if they travel to the brain or heart, they can block blood flow, potentially causing a stroke or heart attack.
The FDA first approved Eliquis in 2012 to help prevent strokes and blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder not linked to faulty heart valves. Then in March 2014, the FDA approved it for reducing blood clots after hip and knee surgeries. By September 2014, Eliquis was also approved for treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), which are blood clots that form in the legs or lungs.
Eliquis comes in 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets and can be taken with or without food. The standard dose is twice a day, with a maximum daily dose of 10 mg.
For seniors, blood thinners are often prescribed because they are at a higher risk of stroke, especially those aged 75 and older with atrial fibrillation. This is largely due to aging affecting heart muscles. Even without atrial fibrillation, older people have a higher risk of blood clots. However, since blood thinners can increase bleeding risks, their use should be carefully evaluated to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks.
Common side effects of Eliquis in older adults include prolonged bleeding from cuts, nose or gum bleeding, dizziness, easy bruising, minor bleeding, and nausea. While most bleeding is minor, in rare cases, it can be severe or even fatal.
The risk of bleeding increases if Eliquis is taken with other anticoagulants like warfarin, heparin, aspirin, and NSAIDs. Additionally, people should avoid using Eliquis if they have an artificial heart valve, certain clotting disorders, or allergies to its ingredients. It’s important to discuss with a healthcare provider if there are any health conditions that might prevent using Eliquis.
Eliquis has several advantages, such as effectively preventing strokes, offering predictable dosing, having fewer dietary restrictions, and limited drug interactions. However, it also has downsides like bleeding risk, cost, potential unsuitability for some people, and the absence of an antidote.
Eliquis and tramadol are different; Eliquis is an anticoagulant, while tramadol is a pain reliever for moderate to moderately severe pain.
Alternatives to Eliquis include warfarin (Coumadin), which requires regular INR monitoring and has more dietary restrictions.
The side effects of Eliquis are generally consistent regardless of age, but older people are more prone to severe side effects if they misuse the medication. Taking Eliquis with food or milk can help ease gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea. It’s important to stick to the prescribed dose to prevent excessive bleeding or blood clots.
While on Eliquis, avoiding alcohol and combining it with other blood thinners is crucial to mitigate bleeding risks. Care should also be taken when handling sharp objects to avoid injury due to slower blood clotting.
Eliquis is considered a “high alert” medication because improper use can lead to severe bleeding or stroke. Older adults might face memory challenges, so getting help with medication management can reduce risks.
Eliquis is seen as a safer option compared to other blood thinners like warfarin due to fewer interactions and no need for regular lab monitoring. However, discontinuing Eliquis can increase the risk of blood clots, so it’s essential to consult a doctor before stopping it.
Understanding potential side effects and monitoring symptoms is vital for safe Eliquis use. Regular communication with healthcare providers helps effectively manage any side effects while ensuring the medication’s benefits outweigh the risks.
