Eliquis Tablets (Apixaban) – Product Description, Strengths & FAQs for South Africa

Eliquis contains apixaban, an oral anticoagulant that belongs to the direct Factor Xa inhibitor class. It works by reducing the activity of Factor Xa, an important part of the blood-clotting process, thereby helping reduce the formation of harmful blood clots.

For patients and healthcare professionals in South Africa searching for information about Eliquis tablets, the medicine is available in 2.5 mg and 5 mg film-coated tablet strengths according to the South African approved product information.

Eliquis Tablets – Uses

Eliquis (apixaban) is used for several conditions involving blood clots. Approved uses include reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after hip or knee replacement surgery, and treating DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE). It may also be used to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT or PE following initial treatment.

Treatment should always be based on a healthcare professional's assessment because the appropriate dose depends on the medical condition and individual patient factors.

Available Eliquis Strengths

Eliquis 2.5 mg Tablets

Eliquis 5 mg Tablets

The correct strength and dosing schedule should be determined by the prescribing healthcare professional. Eliquis should not be started, stopped, or changed without medical advice because interruption of anticoagulant treatment can increase the risk of clotting events.

Important Safety Information

Because Eliquis reduces blood clotting, bleeding is an important potential risk. Patients should seek prompt medical attention for unusual or persistent bleeding, blood in urine or stools, vomiting blood, or other signs of significant blood loss.

Patients should inform their doctor about all medicines they take, including other anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines, anti-inflammatory medicines and certain medicines that affect CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein, as interactions can alter apixaban exposure or increase bleeding risk.

FAQs About Eliquis Tablets

1. What is Eliquis used for?

Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant used for conditions including atrial fibrillation-related stroke prevention and treatment or prevention of DVT and PE.

2. What strengths of Eliquis are available?

The South African approved information lists 2.5 mg and 5 mg film-coated tablets.

3. Is Eliquis a blood thinner?

Yes. Eliquis is an anticoagulant that inhibits Factor Xa and reduces the formation of blood clots.

4. Can I stop Eliquis suddenly?

Do not stop Eliquis without medical advice. Premature discontinuation of an anticoagulant can increase the risk of thrombotic events.

5. Can Eliquis cause bleeding?

Yes. Bleeding is an important adverse effect and can sometimes be serious. Contact a healthcare professional promptly if significant or unusual bleeding occurs.

6. Where can I find reliable medicine information in South Africa?

SAHPRA provides an Online Medicines Directory and a repository of approved product information and patient leaflets for medicines available in South Africa.