Description:

Apixaban tablets is a generic oral direct-acting anticoagulant (DOAC). It is a selective, reversible inhibitor  used to prevent and treat blood clots. Key indications include prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of VTE after elective hip or knee replacement surgery. It offers a convenient fixed-dose regimen without routine coagulation monitoring (unlike warfarin).

Prescription: Prescription-only (Rx). Requires a doctor’s prescription (typically from a cardiologist, haematologist, or general physician) with assessment of bleeding risk, renal function (CrCl/eGFR), and other factors. In Ghana and many markets, it is regulated and available through pharmacies (imported generics).

Therapeutic Category:

Anticoagulant / Direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) / Factor Xa inhibitor ( for prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Apixaban 2.5 mg or 5 mg per film-coated tablet. Excipients: Standard tablet components (e.g., lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, triacetin, iron oxides for coloring in some strengths; refer to label for full list—no additional actives).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: Film-coated tablets in 2.5 mg (often light blue/round) and 5 mg (pink/oval) strengths. Pack sizes vary (e.g., 10’s, 30’s, 60’s, or 100’s); 2.5 mg for reduced dose (e.g., elderly, low weight, renal impairment), 5 mg standard.

Consume Type:

Oral (tablet; swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food).

Directions/Usage: Adults (follow doctor’s exact prescription; standard guidelines):

• NVAF stroke prevention: 5 mg twice daily (reduce to 2.5 mg twice daily if ≥2 of: age ≥80 years, body weight ≤60 kg, serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL or CrCl 15-29 mL/min).
• DVT/PE treatment: 10 mg twice daily for 7 days, then 5 mg twice daily (reduce to 2.5 mg twice daily after ≥6 months for extended prevention).
• VTE prevention post-hip/knee surgery: 2.5 mg twice daily (start 12-24 hours post-op; 35 days hip, 12 days knee). Take at same times daily. Do not stop abruptly without advice (risk of rebound clotting). Renal/hepatic adjustment needed.

Common Side Effects:

• Bleeding (most common; e.g., bruising, epistaxis, haematuria, GI bleeding)
• Nausea
• Anaemia
• Rash
• Elevated liver enzymes Serious: Major bleeding (intracranial, GI, fatal), hypersensitivity (rare). Risk higher with age, renal impairment, concomitant antiplatelets/anticoagulants.

Package Type:

Blister packs (e.g., 10 or 30 tablets per blister strip; often 30’s or 60’s in carton with patient leaflet).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25-30°C), in original packaging to protect from moisture/light. Keep tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• High bleeding risk—monitor for signs (e.g., unusual bruising, black stools, severe headache).
• Contraindicated in active bleeding, severe hepatic disease, or hypersensitivity.
• Caution in renal impairment (dose reduce if CrCl <30 mL/min), elderly, low body weight.
• Not for mechanical heart valves or antiphospholipid syndrome (increased thrombosis risk).
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Avoid (limited data; potential fetal harm).
• Interactions: Strong CYP3A4/P-gp inducers (reduce efficacy), inhibitors (increase bleeding risk), NSAIDs/antiplatelets (additive bleeding).
• Spinal/epidural anaesthesia: Risk of hematoma—timing critical.
• Stop before surgery/ procedures; bridge if needed. Seek immediate help for bleeding or stroke symptoms.

Product Substitutes: Other apixaban 2.5mg/5mg tablets in Ghana: Eliquis (BMS/Pfizer original), generics like Apigat (Natco), Apixaban Accord, or brands from Glenmark, Cipla, Sun Pharma. Alternatives: Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), dabigatran (Pradaxa), edoxaban, or warfarin—consult cardiologist/haematologist per indication (e.g., NVAF prefers DOACs over warfarin in many guidelines).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country of Origin:

India