FDA approved Eliquis (apixaban) for Reducing Stroke Risk in Nonvalvular Atrial FibrillationFDA approved Eliquis to prevent strokes and treat blood clots.

Eliquis (apixaban) is a factor Xa inhibitor. It inhibits factor Xa, thereby decreasing thrombin generation and thrombus formation.

Eliquis is indicated for: reduction of risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation; prophylaxis of DVT, which may lead to PE, in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery; treatment of DVT and PE; and reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy.

For nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: 5 mg orally twice daily. Reduce to 2.5 mg twice daily in patients with at least two of: age ≥80 years, body weight ≤60 kg, or serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL. For DVT prophylaxis after hip/knee replacement: 2.5 mg twice daily, starting 12-24 hours after surgery. Duration: 35 days for hip replacement, 12 days for knee replacement. For treatment of DVT/PE: 10 mg twice daily for 7 days, then 5 mg twice daily. For reduction of recurrent DVT/PE: 2.5 mg twice daily after at least 6 months of treatment. Missed dose: take as soon as possible, do not double. Temporary interruption: discontinue at least 48 hours before surgery with moderate/high bleeding risk, at least 24 hours before low-risk procedures. Restart after hemostasis. Converting from warfarin: start Eliquis when INR <2.0. Converting to warfarin: discontinue Eliquis and begin parenteral anticoagulant and warfarin at next dose time. For combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: reduce dose by 50% for patients on 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily; avoid coadministration with 2.5 mg twice daily.

Trial data not available in label.

Not reported in label.

Eliquis provides an oral anticoagulant option for multiple indications with fixed dosing and no routine monitoring. Dose adjustments are needed for certain patient populations and drug interactions.