Pfizer Eliquis is an oral anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). The active ingredient in Eliquis is apixaban, which belongs to a class of drugs called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
Eliquis was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2012 and is marketed by Pfizer. Since then, Eliquis has become one of the most commonly prescribed anticoagulant medications, with over 46 million prescriptions filled worldwide.
The mechanism of action of Eliquis is to inhibit factor Xa, which is a key component in the blood clotting cascade. By blocking factor Xa, Eliquis prevents the formation of thrombin and reduces the risk of blood clot formation. Compared to older anticoagulants like warfarin, Eliquis has a faster onset of action, fewer interactions with other drugs, and does not require frequent monitoring of blood levels.
Eliquis is available in tablet form in various strengths (2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg) for oral administration with or without food. The recommended dose depends on the patient’s condition, age, and renal function. The starting dose is usually 5 mg taken twice daily, but this may be adjusted based on the patient’s risk factors.
Like all anticoagulants, Eliquis can cause bleeding. Patients taking Eliquis should be warned about the signs and symptoms of bleeding and advised to seek medical attention if these occur. Eliquis should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment and those taking other medications that increase the risk of bleeding.
In clinical trials, Eliquis has been shown to be more effective than warfarin in reducing the risk of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with NVAF. It has also been shown to have fewer major bleeding events compared to warfarin. Eliquis has also been shown to be effective in the treatment and prevention of DVT and PE.
In summary, Pfizer Eliquis is a widely used oral anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting factor Xa and reducing the risk of blood clot formation. Compared to older anticoagulants, Eliquis has a faster onset of action, fewer drug interactions, and does not require frequent blood monitoring. Eliquis has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with NVAF and in the treatment and prevention of DVT and PE. However, patients taking Eliquis should be monitored closely for signs of bleeding.
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