Apixaban
Uses of Apixaban
Apixaban is commonly used to treat Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Stroke Prevention
How Apixaban Works
Apixaban works by inhibiting Factor Xa which responsible for catalysing prothrombin to thrombin. It then also prevents the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and thrombus formation hence causing no clot formation.
Side Effects of Apixaban
Bleeding, Anaemia, Nausea, Rectal haemorrhage, Blood in urine
Warnings
Kidney High Risk
Dose adjustment is needed for patient with renal impairment and cautious measure should be taken for severe renal impairment patient.
Alcohol Safe
Apixaban is safe to be consumed with alcohol as no clinical reports or data to suggest harmful interaction or effects on the user.
Pregnancy Maybe Safe
Animal studies do not indicate any harmful effect on fetal development and limited studies on human showed any adverse effect. Due to its potential effect of bleeding, use of Apixaban in pregnancy is only indicated with specialist advice only.
Driving Generally Safe
Apixaban has no known adverse effect that may affect the ability to drive or concentrate.
Liver High Risk
Apixaban should be used with caution in people with mild to moderate hepatic impairment and is contraindicated in severely impaired hepatic function.
Lactation Limited Data
Some animal studies showed traces of Apixaban in breastmilk but limited data is available for human data during the lactation period. Until it is fully safe to be used during lactating period, Apixaban is best avoided for lactating mother and replaced with other anti-coagulant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
