A Stroke Risk On Eliquis: What You Should Know

Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat. AFib is the most common arrhythmia and a major risk factor for stroke, especially among older adults. People with AFib are four to six times more likely to have a stroke compared to those without the condition. Eliquis is an anticoagulant medication that works by interfering with the body's natural clotting process to lower the risk of blood clots forming in the heart. While Eliquis can help lower the risk of stroke, it does not guarantee that a stroke won't occur.

Eliquis is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots

Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause blood to pool and form blood clots in the heart, which can then travel to the brain and cause a stroke. As a blood thinner or anticoagulant, Eliquis interferes with the body's natural clotting process to reduce this risk.

Eliquis is often prescribed to patients with AFib, as they are four to six times more likely to have a stroke compared to those without the condition. AFib is the most common type of arrhythmia and is a major risk factor for strokes, especially in older adults. By taking Eliquis, patients can lower their risk of stroke and dangerous blood clots.

In addition to its use in treating AFib, Eliquis is also prescribed to prevent blood clots in patients who have recently undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. It is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the veins of the legs) and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs).

While Eliquis can effectively reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots, it is important to note that it does not guarantee the absence of strokes. Additionally, as with any blood thinner, Eliquis increases the risk of bleeding, which can be serious and may even lead to death in rare cases. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a doctor to determine if Eliquis is safe and appropriate for an individual's specific health needs and lifestyle.

It is used to treat blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)

Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to treat blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism). It is also used to reduce the risk of them occurring again.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the thighs or pelvis. The clot, or a part of the clot, may break off and travel through blood vessels toward the lungs. If a blood clot reaches the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE can reduce or cut off the blood supply to the lungs and may even cause sudden death.

Symptoms of DVT include swelling in the leg or around a vein in the leg, pain or tenderness felt when standing or walking, and redness around the affected area. Symptoms of PE include difficulty breathing, a faster than normal or irregular heartbeat, and very low blood pressure, light-headedness, or fainting. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Eliquis is a blood thinner that works by blocking substances in the blood from forming blood clots. It is important to note that Eliquis may increase the risk of bleeding, which can be serious and rarely may lead to death. Common side effects include bruising easily and longer bleeding times.

If you are considering taking Eliquis or any other medication, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks for your specific situation.

Eliquis is also used to prevent blood clots in people who have had hip or knee replacement surgery

Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat. It is also used to treat blood clots in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism) and to prevent them from occurring again.

In the context of hip or knee replacement surgery, Eliquis is specifically indicated for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that forms in the veins of the legs. DVT is a serious complication that can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), where the blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

People who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery are at an increased risk of developing DVT due to the immobilization, venous stasis, and vascular injury associated with the procedure. Eliquis is prescribed to reduce this risk by interfering with the body's natural clotting process. It is usually taken orally, with or without food, starting 12–24 hours after surgery. The recommended duration of therapy is 10–14 days after knee replacement surgery and 32–38 days after hip replacement surgery.

It is important to note that Eliquis increases the risk of bleeding and can cause serious, potentially fatal, bleeding. Therefore, it should be used with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Eliquis is more effective than aspirin for preventing recurrent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation

Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is a type of irregular heartbeat that is not caused by a heart valve problem. People with AFib are four to six times more likely to have a stroke than those without the condition. Eliquis is an anticoagulant medication that works by interfering with the body's natural clotting process, thereby lowering the risk of dangerous blood clots forming in the heart.

While Eliquis can help lower the risk of stroke, it does not guarantee that a stroke will not occur. Additionally, it is important to note that Eliquis can lead to dangerous bleeding risks. The body needs some clotting ability to prevent major bleeding events, and Eliquis can make it more difficult for the blood to clot properly. As a result, patients taking Eliquis may experience bleeding side effects such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, vaginal bleeding, and blood in their stools.

Eliquis has been shown to be more effective than aspirin in preventing recurrent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation. More than a decade ago, a study found that Eliquis was superior to aspirin in preventing recurrent strokes in these patients. However, a more recent multi-centre, phase 3 clinical trial called ARCADIA found that Eliquis was no more effective than aspirin in preventing a second stroke in patients with a milder condition called atrial cardiopathy. This condition is thought to be a potential precursor to atrial fibrillation and has also been linked to blood clots and strokes.

In the ARCADIA trial, 1,015 patients with atrial cardiopathy were assigned to take either 81mg of aspirin or Eliquis daily. The results showed that there was the same rate of new strokes in each group, with 4.4% of patients experiencing a stroke per year. This indicates that Eliquis is not more effective than aspirin in preventing recurrent strokes in patients with atrial cardiopathy. However, it is important to note that this study only looked at patients with atrial cardiopathy and not those with atrial fibrillation.

Eliquis is not suitable for those with kidney and/or liver disease or a history of bleeding complications

Eliquis is a prescription medicine used to treat and prevent blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat that can lead to strokes. It is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Eliquis is not suitable for everyone and carries several warnings and precautions.

In addition, those with kidney problems may have higher levels of Eliquis in their body, increasing the risk of side effects. Similarly, if the liver is not working well, levels of Eliquis can build up, raising the risk of adverse effects. Eliquis has not been studied in people with blood clotting issues related to liver disease and is not recommended for those with severe liver problems.

It is important to note that Eliquis may need to be stopped temporarily before certain procedures or surgeries to reduce the risk of bleeding. However, stopping Eliquis suddenly can increase the risk of blood clots. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor before starting or stopping Eliquis to ensure it is safe and appropriate for the individual.

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