What is Apixaban used for?

treating blood clots in the legs or lungs; lowering the chance that blood clots come back; lowering the chance of stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation; preventing clots after hip or knee replacement surgery.

What are the common side effects of Apixaban?

Bruising more easily. Small bleeding, like from your gums or nose. Heavier periods. Upset stomach. Feeling tired or a little short of breath if your blood count drops.

When should I call my care team while taking Apixaban?

Bleeding that will not stop, such as a nosebleed or a cut that keeps bleeding; Red, pink, or dark brown urine; Red or black stools that look like tar; Coughing up blood, or throwing up blood or something that looks like coffee grounds; A sudden bad headache, confusion, weakness, or trouble seeing or speaking; A fall or a hit to the head, even if you feel fine.

Apixaban

Say it: uh-PIX-uh-ban · Brand names: Eliquis

Apixaban is a blood thinner pill that helps prevent and treat harmful blood clots.

What it is

Your blood has proteins that help it clot. Apixaban blocks one of these proteins, called factor Xa. This makes it harder for dangerous clots to form or grow.

Often used for

treating blood clots in the legs or lungs
lowering the chance that blood clots come back
lowering the chance of stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation
preventing clots after hip or knee replacement surgery

How you get it

It is a pill you take by mouth, usually 2 times a day, about 12 hours apart. You can take it with or without food. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

Bruising more easily. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
Small bleeding, like from your gums or nose. Press firmly for 10 minutes. Call if it does not stop.
Heavier periods. Tell your team if your periods change.
Upset stomach. Taking it with a small snack may help.
Feeling tired or a little short of breath if your blood count drops. Tell your team.

Call your care team right away if you have

Bleeding that will not stop, such as a nosebleed or a cut that keeps bleeding
Red, pink, or dark brown urine
Red or black stools that look like tar
Coughing up blood, or throwing up blood or something that looks like coffee grounds
A sudden bad headache, confusion, weakness, or trouble seeing or speaking
A fall or a hit to the head, even if you feel fine

Before you start, tell your team

If you have ever had bleeding problems, stomach ulcers, or a stroke
If you have kidney or liver problems
All medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take, especially aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, other blood thinners, and fish oil
If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
If you have a surgery, dental work, or a procedure planned
If you have a mechanical heart valve or a condition called antiphospholipid syndrome

Good to know

Stopping this medicine too soon raises the chance of a clot or stroke. Do not stop it unless your care team tells you to.
If you get a spinal tap or a numbing shot in the back (epidural), there is a rare risk of bleeding near the spine that can cause lasting weakness. Tell your team you take this medicine.
Some medicines and herbs, like St. John's wort and some antifungal or seizure medicines, can change how apixaban works.
You may have blood tests to check your kidneys, liver, and blood counts.

At home

Take it at the same times each day.
If you cannot swallow pills, ask your team. The tablet can be crushed and mixed with water, apple juice, or applesauce.
If you miss a dose, ask your team what to do. Do not take two doses at once.
Store it at room temperature, away from children.
Do not run out. Refill it before your supply is gone.

Questions to ask

How long will I need to take this medicine?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Which pain relievers are safe for me?
What should I do before surgery or dental work?

Side effect guides

Sources

Quick answers

What is Apixaban?: Apixaban is a blood thinner pill that helps prevent and treat harmful blood clots. Brand names: Eliquis.
What is Apixaban used for?: treating blood clots in the legs or lungs; lowering the chance that blood clots come back; lowering the chance of stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation; preventing clots after hip or knee replacement surgery.
How is Apixaban given?: It is a pill you take by mouth, usually 2 times a day, about 12 hours apart. You can take it with or without food. Your schedule may be different.
What are the common side effects of Apixaban?: Bruising more easily. Small bleeding, like from your gums or nose. Heavier periods. Upset stomach. Feeling tired or a little short of breath if your blood count drops.
When should I call my care team while taking Apixaban?: Bleeding that will not stop, such as a nosebleed or a cut that keeps bleeding; Red, pink, or dark brown urine; Red or black stools that look like tar; Coughing up blood, or throwing up blood or something that looks like coffee grounds; A sudden bad headache, confusion, weakness, or trouble seeing or speaking; A fall or a hit to the head, even if you feel fine.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.