Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. When your supply of this medicine is running low, contact your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions.

If you are not able to swallow whole tablets, the tablets may be crushed, mixed in D5W, water, apple juice, or applesauce. Or, the crushed tablets may be mixed with 60 mL of water or D5W dose and given through a nasogastric tube (NGT).

If you are taking another medicine to thin the blood (eg, heparin, warfarin, Coumadin®, Jantoven®), your doctor will give you very specific instructions about how to switch to apixaban. Carefully follow the instructions and ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For prevention of deep venous thrombosis (hip replacement surgery):
      • Adults—2.5 milligrams (mg) two times a day, for 35 days. The first dose should be taken 12 to 24 hours after surgery.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For prevention deep venous thrombosis (knee replacement surgery):
      • Adults—2.5 milligrams (mg) two times a day, for 12 days. The first dose should be taken 12 to 24 hours after surgery.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For prevention of reoccurring deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism:
      • Adults—2.5 milligrams (mg) two times a day, after at least 6 months of treatment for deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For prevention of strokes and blood clots in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation:
      • Adults—5 milligrams (mg) two times a day.
      • Adults with 2 of the following characteristics: 80 years of age and older, body weight of 60 kilograms (kg) or less, or kidney problems—2.5 mg two times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For treatment of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism:
      • Adults—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) two times a day, for the first 7 days. Then, your doctor may give you 5 mg two times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.