Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Eliquis (Apixaban).
Increased bleeding risk: If you have any medical conditions that may cause an increased risk of bleeding, discuss with your doctor how Eliquis (Apixaban) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Eliquis (Apixaban), and whether any special monitoring is needed. These conditions include uncontrolled very high blood pressure; a problem with the blood vessels in the back of the eye called retinopathy; current or past ulcer of the stomach or intestines; recent stroke; or recent surgery of the brain, spinal column, or eye.
If you are taking medications to prevent blood clots (blood thinners; warfarin, Ticlopidine) or other medications that reduce blood clotting such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs; e.g., Diclofenac, Naproxen) or acetylsalicylic acid, discuss with your doctor whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart valves: The safety and effectiveness of Eliquis (Apixaban) have not been established for people with prosthetic heart valves or severe rheumatic heart disease. Eliquis (Apixaban) is not recommended for use by people with these conditions.
Kidney Disease: Eliquis (Apixaban) is not recommended for people with severely reduced kidney function or those who are receiving dialysis. If you have kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Eliquis (Apixaban) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Eliquis (Apixaban), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver disease: If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Eliquis (Apixaban) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Eliquis (Apixaban), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Eliquis (Apixaban) is not recommended for people with severe liver problems.
Spinal or epidural catheters: Eliquis (Apixaban) should not be taken by people who have spinal or epidural catheters in place or for 5 hours after their removal. It should not be taken by people receiving pain medications through an epidural catheter.
Surgery: Inform all health care professionals involved in your care that you are taking Eliquis (Apixaban). Eliquis (Apixaban) may need to be stopped temporarily before dental or surgical procedures to reduce your risk of bleeding heavily during or after the procedure.
Pregnancy: The safety and effectiveness of Eliquis (Apixaban) have not been established for pregnant women. Eliquis (Apixaban) is not recommended during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Eliquis (Apixaban), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Eliquis (Apixaban) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Eliquis (Apixaban), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of Eliquis (Apixaban) have not been established for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age. Eliquis (Apixaban) is not recommended in this age group.
Seniors: People over the age of 75 are at an increased risk of bleeding. Report any unusual bruising or bleeding to your doctor immediately.
