Table of Contents

I. Who Does Eliquis Benefit?

II. Which Conditions can Apixaban Treat?

III. How does Eliquis (apixaban) work?

IV. Do the Benefits of Eliquis Outweigh the Risks?

V. Maximizing the Efficacy of Eliquis

Who Does Eliquis Benefit?

Apixaban is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent the formation of blood clots. The brand-name version is called Eliquis. Both Eliquis and its generic version apixaban are available through online Canadian pharmacies like Canadian Pharmacy Service. Eliquis is one of the most commonly prescribed blood thinners in the U.S. But who does it benefit?

Eliquis can be prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clot formation in those with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) that causes blood to enter and leave those chambers in an unorganized manner, increasing the likelihood of clot formation. Unfortunately, these clots can become loose and travel out of the heart and into blood vessels that supply other parts of the body, including the brain, resulting in a stroke. Those who have atrial fibrillation are, therefore, at an increased risk of developing blood clots or experiencing a stroke, so a blood thinner like Eliquis is often needed to prevent these life-threatening complications. [1]

Hip or knee replacement patients also have an increased risk of developing blood clots. This is because the surgical procedure required for hip or knee replacement is invasive and can trigger your body’s clotting factor to seal up wounds at the surgical site. Eliquis can benefit post-surgery patients, especially those with a history of blood clots. [2]

Which Conditions can Apixaban Treat?

Eliquis (apixaban) is also approved in the U.S. to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Apixaban is also approved to prevent these types of blood clots from forming again. [2]

DVT is a serious type of blood clot that typically occurs in the lower leg. DVT can be caused by high cholesterol, blood vessel damage from surgery, and prolonged periods of inactivity. If you have been diagnosed with DVT, Eliquis can prevent the clot from traveling to the lungs. However, DVT is often not detected until serious swelling has occurred or a clot occurs in the lungs. [3]

A pulmonary embolism is commonly caused by DVT in the leg that travels up to the lungs. A clot can also form directly in the lungs due to atrial fibrillation. Blockage in the lungs can be life-threatening, but Eliquis can treat PE by reducing the body’s ability to form blood clots. 

How Does Eliquis (apixaban) work?

So, how do anticoagulants work? Your ability to clot blood is essential to stopping excessive bleeding in the event of a cut or scrape. But if the blood clots are in the wrong places, your life could be at risk. Your body uses an enzyme known as factor Xa to clot blood. Eliquis works by blocking this enzyme. When factor Xa is blocked, the body is less likely to form clots, thereby lowering your risk of a clot-related stroke.

Do the Benefits of Eliquis Outweigh the Risks?

As with all blood-thinning medications, taking Eliquis can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. When the substances required to form clots are blocked, even a small paper cut can cause the blood to flow uncontrollably. Eliquis may also have side effects that include dizziness, bloody stools or urine, and coughing up blood. Even if you are careful, you may find that taking Eliquis causes you to bruise easily, increasing the risk of internal bleeding.

Compared to other blood thinners, Eliquis may be less likely to lead to an excessive bleeding event. Still, it is important to consider drug interactions with blood thinners that can lead to adverse outcomes. With these risks in mind, it is important to weigh the benefits against the risks with your doctor to assess if Eliquis or apixaban is right for you.

Eliquis does not need to be monitored as frequently as other blood thinners. It is very effective at preventing blood clots and may play a vital role in patients who are recovering from DVT or PE. It also significantly reduces the risk of blood clots in those who have many risk factors, such as a family history of blood clots. [4]

Maximizing the Efficacy of Eliquis

Taking Eliquis properly can reduce the risk of side effects while maximizing its effectiveness. Eliquis comes in a tablet form that can be taken with or without food. When you are on a treatment plan with Eliquis, it is important not to stop abruptly without your doctor’s say-so, or sudden blood clots may form.

There are many ways to improve your overall health while taking Eliquis. For example, leading an active lifestyle and eating a healthy diet can go a long way in preventing risk factors of blood clots. Talk to your doctor to discuss the benefits of, and visit a Canadian online pharmacy to fill your prescription today. 

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.