This article describes Eliquis’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Eliquis. If you want to know more about Eliquis, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Eliquis is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet that you’ll swallow. It’s available in a generic version called apixaban. This article describes dosages of Eliquis.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings for the risk of blood clots if Eliquis is stopped early and the risk of spinal blood clots from certain procedures. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.
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Form and strengths of Eliquis
Eliquis comes as follows:
- Forms: oral tablet, which you’ll swallow
- Strengths: 2.5 milligrams (mg) and 5 mg
Dosage of Eliquis
This article describes the recommended dosages for Eliquis. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Eliquis without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Eliquis in adults
Usually, doctors prescribe a standard dosage of Eliquis.
Dosage for treating and preventing certain types of blood clots
| Purpose | Recommended dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Prevent blood clots and stroke in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib) | 5 mg | twice per day |
| Prevent DVT after hip or knee replacement surgery | 2.5 mg | twice per day |
| Treat DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE) | 10 mg | twice per day for 7 days then 5 mg twice per day |
| Prevent DVT or PE from recurring | 2.5 mg | twice per day |
Dosage adjustments for Eliquis
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Eliquis based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated
- your age
- your weight
- your kidney function
Missed dose of Eliquis
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Eliquis. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Eliquis and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Eliquis and its dosage.
Do older adults need to take a lower dose of Eliquis?
Possibly. Sometimes, doctors may prescribe a lower dosage of Eliquis to prevent blood clots and stroke in older adults with AFib. (In general, older adults refers to people ages 65 years and older.)
Doctors may prescribe a lower dose of Eliquis if two or more of these factors apply:
- you’re aged 80 years or older
- you weigh 60 kilograms (132 pounds) or less
- you have kidney problems
If the above factors don’t apply, the dosage of Eliquis is usually the same for older and younger adults.
If you’re an older adult and have concerns about taking Eliquis, talk with your doctor.
Will I need to take a loading dose of Eliquis?
Possibly. The recommended dosage for treating DVT or PE involves a loading dose. Doctors usually prescribe 10 mg twice per day for 7 days. Then, they’ll reduce the dosage to 5 mg twice daily. (A loading dose is a higher dose of medication given at the beginning of treatment so the drug can start working more quickly.)
Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Eliquis. If you have questions about a loading dose or how to take it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Eliquis taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Eliquis as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Eliquis, talk with your doctor.
How Eliquis is taken
You’ll swallow Eliquis twice per day. You can take it with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body, which can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s difficult for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Eliquis coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of Eliquis
It’s important that you do not take more Eliquis than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to an increased risk of bleeding.
What to do if you take too much Eliquis
If you think you’ve taken too much Eliquis, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Eliquis. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Eliquis without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Eliquis exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- What should I do if I miss a dose of Eliquis?
- How long will I need to take Eliquis?
- Are the side effects of Eliquis related to the dosage?
Boxed warnings for Eliquis
This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of blood clots if Eliquis is stopped early and the risk of spinal blood clots from certain procedures. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Risk of blood clots if Eliquis is stopped early. For people taking Eliquis for AFib, stopping Eliquis increases the risk of blood clots and stroke. Due to this risk, it’s important that you don’t stop taking Eliquis without first talking with your doctor.
Risk of spinal blood clots from certain procedures. Taking Eliquis may increase your risk of developing a spinal blood clot from certain procedures. These procedures include spinal or epidural injections and lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
Talk with your doctor to learn more.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.