Apixaban is a type of medicine known as an anticoagulant.
It makes your blood flow through your veins more easily, which means your blood is less likely to make blood clots.
It's used to treat people who have had a health problem caused by a blood clot, such as:
- a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT)
- a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
It's also used to prevent blood clots if you're at high risk of having them in the future.
People who are at high risk include those who:
- have previously had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- have an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- have heart failure
- have recently had surgery to replace a hip or knee joint
Apixaban is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets.
Key facts
- You'll usually take apixaban twice a day.
- You can take it with or without food.
- The most common side effect of apixaban is bleeding more easily than normal, such as having nosebleeds, heavier periods, bleeding gums and bruising.
- Your doctor or pharmacist will give you an anticoagulant alert card. Always carry this with you. Show it to your doctor or dentist before you have surgery or dental treatment. It's important they know you're taking apixaban, as it may put you at risk of bleeding.
- You can drink alcohol while taking apixaban. But heavy drinking, especially binge drinking, can increase the effect of apixaban and make you more likely to bleed.