Apixaban is used to lower the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot in people with a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation.

Apixaban is also used after hip or knee replacement surgery to prevent a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

Apixaban is also used to treat DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE), and to lower your risk of having a repeat DVT or PE.

Apixaban may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not take apixaban if you are allergic to it, or if you have active bleeding from a surgery, injury, or other cause.

Apixaban may cause you to bleed more easily, especially if you have a bleeding disorder that is inherited or caused by disease.

Tell your doctor if you have an artificial heart valve, or if you have ever had:

• bleeding problems;
• antiphospholipid syndrome, especially if you have a triple positive antibody test; or
• liver or kidney disease.

Apixaban can cause a very serious blood clot around your spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural). This type of blood clot could cause long-term paralysis, and may be more likely to occur if:

• you have a spinal catheter in place or if a catheter has been recently removed;
• you have a history of spinal surgery or repeated spinal taps;
• you have recently had a spinal tap or epidural anesthesia;
• you take aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or
• you are using other medicines to treat or prevent blood clots.

Taking apixaban may increase the risk of bleeding while you are pregnant or during your delivery. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

Use Eliquis Starter Pack For Treatment Of DVT And PE (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; chest pain, wheezing, difficult breathing; feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Also seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of a spinal blood clot such as tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness especially in your legs and feet.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), bleeding from wounds or needle injections, any bleeding that will not stop;
• heavy menstrual bleeding;
• headache, dizziness, weakness, feeling like you might pass out;
• urine that looks red, pink, or brown; or
• black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care while shaving or brushing your teeth.