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Apixaban

Apixaban is a blood-thinning medication used to reduce the risk of stroke, treat and prevent dangerous blood clots (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), and protect against clot recurrence in adults and certain children.

Brand names EliquisELIQUIS 30-Day Starter PackEliquis Sprinkle
Drug class Factor Xa Inhibitors
Rx Forms 2
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 12 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Oct 5, 2026
Apixaban at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Apixaban (Eliquis) is one of the most prescribed blood thinners, blocking the clotting protein factor Xa to prevent strokes in atrial fibrillation and to treat and prevent clots in the legs and lungs; it has been around since about 2012 and is available as a generic. Most people tolerate it well, though bleeding is its main risk, mostly easier bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums or cuts that are slow to stop. Its boxed warning covers two dangers, a higher risk of stroke and clots if you stop it early (so never quit on your own) and bleeding around the spinal cord after an epidural or spinal tap.

Clinical pearls

  • Tell every prescriber, dentist and surgeon you take apixaban, since it may need pausing before procedures on a planned schedule.
  • For pain, reach for acetaminophen over ibuprofen or naproxen, and skip St. John’s wort, which makes apixaban less effective.
  • Food does not matter but spacing does, so take a missed dose the same day you remember and never double the next.
  • Black or tarry stools, pink or brown urine, or coughing or vomiting blood means emergency care, not waiting it out.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
⚠️ FDA Boxed Warning — the FDA’s strongest safety alert ▾

WARNING: Do not stop apixaban on your own — and be aware of spinal bleeding risk.

Stopping apixaban early without your doctor's guidance significantly raises the risk of stroke or dangerous blood clots. If apixaban needs to be stopped for any reason other than bleeding or completing your treatment course, your doctor may need to switch you to a different blood thinner temporarily.

People who receive spinal or epidural anesthesia (numbing injections in the spine) or undergo spinal puncture while taking apixaban are at risk of developing a blood clot in or around the spinal cord — called a spinal or epidural hematoma. This can cause long-term or permanent paralysis. The risk is higher if you have a spinal catheter in place, take other drugs that affect bleeding, or have had repeated or difficult spinal procedures. Watch for warning signs like numbness or weakness in the legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control, and seek emergency care immediately if these occur.

Read the full warning on DailyMed →
How you get itPrescription only
Comes asTablet, Capsule
Earliest FDA record2012
Companies listing it with the FDA8
FDA label last updatedApr 17, 2025
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)Yes, read the warning

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Apixaban, written from its FDA label.

What Apixaban is used for

▾

Apixaban is a blood thinner (anticoagulant) approved for several conditions across its available products. Not every product is approved for every use.

  • Reduces the risk of stroke and systemic embolism (clots traveling through the blood) in adults with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation — approved for both Eliquis and apixaban tablets
  • Prevents deep vein thrombosis (DVT — blood clots in the legs) in adults after hip or knee replacement surgery — approved for both Eliquis and apixaban tablets
  • Treats DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE — blood clots in the lungs) in adults — approved for both Eliquis and apixaban tablets
  • Reduces the risk of recurrent DVT and PE in adults following initial treatment — approved for both Eliquis and apixaban tablets
  • Eliquis is additionally approved to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE) and reduce recurrent VTE in pediatric patients from birth and older, after at least 5 days of initial anticoagulant therapy

How Apixaban works

▾

Apixaban selectively blocks a clotting protein called Factor Xa — a key step in the chain reaction that forms blood clots. By blocking Factor Xa, apixaban reduces the production of thrombin, the substance your body uses to turn liquid blood into a solid clot. Less thrombin means clots are less likely to form or grow. It works on both free-floating Factor Xa and Factor Xa that's already bound to a clot, making it effective in a range of clotting situations. Unlike some older blood thinners, apixaban does not need another protein (antithrombin III) to do its job.

Apixaban dosage

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Apixaban tablets and Eliquis tablets are both taken by mouth twice daily. Food does not affect absorption, so they can be taken with or without a meal. For patients who cannot swallow whole tablets, Eliquis tablets may be crushed and suspended in water or mixed with applesauce; they can also be delivered through a nasogastric tube. Eliquis Sprinkle capsules are used in pediatric patients and are dosed based on the child's body weight.

  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day — then return to your regular schedule
  • Never double up doses to make up for a missed one
  • If you need surgery or a procedure, your doctor will tell you when to stop and restart — do not stop on your own

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Apixaban prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Reduction of risk of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (most patients)
    • 5 mg taken orally twice daily
  • Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in patients with at least 2 of the following: age greater than or equal to 80 years, body weight less than or equal to 60 kg, serum creatinine greater than or equal to 1.5 mg/dL
    • 2.5 mg orally twice daily
    • Applies to patients with at least two of: age greater than or equal to 80 years, body weight less than or equal to 60 kg, serum creatinine greater than or equal to 1.5 mg/dL
  • Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis following hip or knee replacement surgery
    • 2.5 mg taken orally twice daily
    • Initial dose taken 12 to 24 hours after surgery
    • Duration of treatment: 35 days for hip replacement surgery; 12 days for knee replacement surgery
  • Treatment of DVT and PE
    • 10 mg taken orally twice daily for the first 7 days of therapy
    • After 7 days, 5 mg taken orally twice daily
  • Reduction in the risk of recurrence of DVT and PE
    • 2.5 mg taken orally twice daily after at least 6 months of treatment for DVT or PE
  • Treatment of VTE and reduction in the risk of recurrent VTE in pediatric patients
    • Based on the patient's weight, see Table 1
    • Adjust the dose according to weight-tier as treatment progresses
    • Initiate following at least 5 days of initial anticoagulation therapy
    • Weight-based dosing
Read the label’s full dosing text

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Reduction of risk of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: o The recommended dose is 5 mg orally twice daily. (2.1) o In patients with at least 2 of the following characteristics: age greater than or equal to 80 years, body weight less than or equal to 60 kg, or serum creatinine greater than or equal to 1.5 mg/dL, the recommended dose is 2.5 mg orally twice daily. (2.1) • Prophylaxis of DVT following hip or knee replacement surgery: o The recommended dose is 2.5 mg orally twice daily. (2.1) • Treatment of DVT and PE: o The recommended dose is 10 mg taken orally twice daily for 7 days, followed by 5 mg taken orally twice daily. (2.1) • Reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy: o The recommended dose is 2.5 mg taken orally twice daily. (2.1) • Treatment of VTE and reduction in the risk of recurrent VTE in pediatric patients from birth and older after at least 5 days of initial anticoagulant treatment: o See dosing recommendations in the Full Prescribing Information (2.2) 2.1 Recommended Dose in Adult Patients Reduction of Risk of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation The recommended dose of ELIQUIS for most patients is 5 mg taken orally twice daily. The recommended dose of ELIQUIS is 2.5 mg twice daily in patients with at least two of the following characteristics: • age greater than or equal to 80 years • body weight less than or equal to 60 kg • serum creatinine greater than or equal to 1.5 mg/dL Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery The recommended dose of ELIQUIS is 2.5 mg taken orally twice daily. The initial dose should be taken 12 to 24 hours after surgery. • In patients undergoing hip replacement surgery, the recommended duration of treatment is 35 days. • In patients undergoing knee replacement surgery, the recommended duration of treatment is 12 days. Treatment of DVT and PE The recommended dose of ELIQUIS is 10 mg taken orally twice daily for the first 7 days of therapy. After 7 days, the recommended dose is 5 mg taken orally twice daily. Reduction in the Risk of Recurrence of DVT and PE The recommended dose of ELIQUIS is 2.5 mg taken orally twice daily after at least 6 months of treatment for DVT or PE [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] .

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Apixaban side effects

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The most common side effects of apixaban are related to bleeding. Watch for these:

Common side effects

  • Bleeding (most common — can range from minor bruising to more serious bleeding)
  • Unexpected or prolonged bleeding from cuts
  • Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
  • Heavier-than-normal menstrual bleeding
  • Blood in urine or stool
  • Coughing or vomiting blood
  • Prolonged bleeding from cuts or wounds
  • Heavier menstrual periods
  • Red, dark, or tarry stools

When to get medical help

  • Get emergency help immediately if you have signs of serious bleeding: unusual bruising, pink or brown urine, red or black tarry stools, coughing or vomiting blood, or bleeding that won't stop
  • Call your doctor or go to the ER if you feel faint, weak, or dizzy, or have unexpected pain, swelling, or discomfort — these can be signs of internal bleeding
  • If you have had spinal or epidural anesthesia or a spinal puncture, watch for tingling, numbness, or weakness in your legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control — seek urgent care immediately
  • Do not stop taking apixaban on your own without talking to your doctor — stopping suddenly raises your risk of stroke or dangerous blood clots
  • Tell your doctor right away if you develop signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing

If you experience signs of serious or uncontrolled bleeding — or feel faint, weak, or unusually dizzy — seek emergency medical attention right away. A reversal agent (andexanet alfa) is available for adults in emergency situations.

Apixaban warnings and precautions

▾
  • Serious and potentially fatal bleeding: Apixaban increases bleeding risk. The danger is higher when combined with aspirin, NSAIDs, other blood thinners, or certain antidepressants. Report any unusual bleeding to your doctor promptly.
  • Do not stop suddenly: Stopping apixaban early without medical guidance sharply raises the risk of stroke or blood clots. If you must stop, your doctor may prescribe a bridging anticoagulant.
  • Spinal/epidural hematoma risk: If you receive spinal or epidural anesthesia or undergo a spinal puncture while taking apixaban, there is a risk of a blood clot forming in or around the spinal cord, which can cause permanent paralysis. Watch for leg weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder/bowel control and seek emergency care immediately.
  • Prosthetic heart valves: Apixaban is not recommended for patients with artificial heart valves.
  • Triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome: Apixaban is not recommended — it may increase the risk of clots compared to warfarin in this condition.
  • Severe liver disease: Apixaban is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Apixaban interactions

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Apixaban interacts with several medications and supplements that can either increase bleeding risk or reduce how well it works:

  • Strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir): raise apixaban levels in the blood, increasing bleeding risk — dose reduction or avoidance may be needed
  • Strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John's wort): lower apixaban levels, which can leave you under-protected against clots — avoid combining
  • Other anticoagulants and heparin: significantly raise bleeding risk when used together
  • Antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel): increase bleeding risk — use together only if your doctor has weighed the risks
  • NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): raise bleeding risk, especially with chronic use
  • SSRIs and SNRIs (common antidepressants): also increase bleeding risk in combination with apixaban
  • Thrombolytics (clot-dissolving drugs): markedly increase bleeding risk when combined

Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label

From the Apixaban prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.

  • Combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir): Increase exposure to apixaban, which increases the risk for bleeding. For patients receiving 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily, decrease the dose by 50%; for patients receiving 2.5 mg twice daily, avoid coadministration.
  • Clarithromycin: Although clarithromycin is a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, pharmacokinetic data suggest no dose adjustment is necessary. No dose adjustment is necessary with concomitant administration.
  • Combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John's wort): Decrease exposure to apixaban, which increases the risk for stroke and other thromboembolic events. Avoid concomitant use.
  • Antiplatelet agents, fibrinolytics, heparin, aspirin, and chronic NSAID use: Coadministration increases the risk of bleeding.
Read the label’s full interactions text

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increase blood levels of apixaban. Reduce ELIQUIS dose or avoid coadministration. ( 2.6 , 7.1 , 12.3) • Simultaneous use of combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers reduces blood levels of apixaban: Avoid concomitant use. (7.2 , 12.3) 7.1 Combined P-gp and Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors For patients receiving ELIQUIS 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily, the dose of ELIQUIS should be decreased by 50% when coadministered with drugs that are combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . For patients receiving ELIQUIS at a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily, avoid coadministration with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Concomitant administration of combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors has not been studied in pediatric patients. Apixaban is a substrate of both CYP3A4 and P-gp. Concomitant use with drugs that are combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increases exposure to apixaban [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] which increases the risk for bleeding. Clarithromycin Although clarithromycin is a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, pharmacokinetic data suggest that no dose adjustment is necessary with concomitant administration with ELIQUIS [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 Combined P-gp and Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Avoid concomitant use of ELIQUIS with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John’s wort) because such drugs will decrease exposure to apixaban [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Apixaban is a substrate of both CYP3A4 and P-gp. Concomitant use with drugs that are combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers decreases exposure to apixaban [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] which increases the risk for stroke and other thromboembolic events.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Drug Interactions section on DailyMed →

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿285 supplements and herbs with documented Apixaban interactions, ranked by severity Check Apixaban against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Apixaban

▾
  • Do not take apixaban if you have active pathological bleeding (unusual, uncontrolled bleeding)
  • Do not take it if you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to it before
  • Tell your doctor if you have an artificial (prosthetic) heart valve — apixaban is not recommended
  • Tell your doctor if you have triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome — apixaban is not recommended
  • Tell your doctor if you have severe liver disease — apixaban is not recommended
  • Pregnancy: apixaban is not recommended during pregnancy; it may increase the risk of bleeding for both mother and baby, especially during labor and delivery
  • Breastfeeding: breastfeeding is not advised during treatment — it is not known whether apixaban passes into human milk
  • Older adults (65+) were well represented in clinical studies with no major differences in safety or effectiveness, but remain at general bleeding risk
  • Kidney disease: dose adjustments may be needed depending on your kidney function and other health factors — tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis
  • Pediatric use: Eliquis is established for use in children of all ages for VTE treatment; dosing is based on body weight

Apixaban overdose

▾

Taking too much apixaban increases the risk of serious bleeding. If an overdose is suspected, activated charcoal may help reduce absorption if given quickly after ingestion — this should be done under medical supervision. A reversal agent is available for adults to counteract apixaban's blood-thinning effect in an emergency.

What Apixaban does in the body

▾

By blocking Factor Xa, apixaban slows the production of thrombin — reducing the blood's ability to form clots. Standard clotting tests (like PT, INR, and aPTT) are prolonged by apixaban, but the changes are small and unpredictable, so these tests are not useful for monitoring how well the drug is working. Apixaban's blood-thinning effect can be expected to last at least 24 hours after the last dose. Vitamin K and protamine sulfate do not reverse apixaban's effect.

How your body processes Apixaban

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After taking apixaban by mouth, blood levels peak in about 3 to 4 hours. Food does not affect absorption. The drug is approximately 87% bound to proteins in the blood and has a half-life of about 12 hours — meaning it takes roughly that long for the body to clear half the dose. Apixaban is broken down mainly by liver enzymes (primarily CYP3A4) and is eliminated through both urine (about 27%) and feces. It is also a substrate of P-gp (a drug transport protein), which is why certain medications that affect P-gp can change how much apixaban stays in your system.

How to store Apixaban

▾

Store ELIQUIS and ELIQUIS SPRINKLE at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) .

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

285

Supplements & herbs that interact with Apixaban

285 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Apixaban in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 5
  • Moderate · 240
  • Minor · 40
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major DANSHEN Major GRAPEFRUIT Major PIRACETAM Major ST. JOHN'S WORT Major ACACIA RIGIDULA Moderate ACONITE Moderate ADRAFINIL Moderate +277 more
Every supplement checked against Apixaban — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 5 major · 240 moderate · 40 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Apixaban against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Apixaban: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Apixaban — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What exactly is apixaban used for?

▾
Apixaban is a blood thinner prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke if you have a type of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. It's also used to treat or prevent dangerous blood clots in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) — including after hip or knee replacement surgery — and to keep those clots from coming back. Eliquis, one of the brand names, is also approved to treat blood clots in children.

Can I take apixaban with food, and does it matter what time of day I take it?

▾
You can take apixaban with or without food — it doesn't make a difference to how it's absorbed. It's usually taken twice a day, so try to space your doses roughly 12 hours apart and take them at the same times each day to stay consistent. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day, then pick up your normal schedule — just don't double up the next dose.

What are the signs of bleeding I should watch for?

▾
Since apixaban thins your blood, bleeding is the main side effect to stay alert to. Serious warning signs include unusual or heavy bruising, cuts that won't stop bleeding, pink or brownish urine, red or black tarry stools, coughing or vomiting blood, or feeling dizzy and faint without explanation. If any of those happen, go to the emergency room right away — don't wait to call your doctor. Minor bleeding like the occasional nosebleed is worth mentioning at your next visit, but severe or unexplained bleeding is an emergency.

Can I just stop taking apixaban if I feel like I don't need it anymore?

▾
Please don't stop without talking to your doctor first — this is one of the most important things to know about this medication. Stopping apixaban suddenly without medical guidance significantly raises your risk of having a stroke or developing a dangerous blood clot. If you need to stop for surgery or another reason, your doctor will give you a specific plan for when to pause and when to restart. Never stop on your own.

Are there any medications or supplements I need to avoid while taking apixaban?

▾
Yes, a few important ones. Certain antifungal medications (like ketoconazole or itraconazole) and some HIV medications (like ritonavir) can raise apixaban levels and increase bleeding risk. On the flip side, drugs like rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and even the herbal supplement St. John's wort can lower apixaban levels and make it less effective at preventing clots. Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other blood thinners also raise your bleeding risk when taken with apixaban. Always tell your pharmacist and every doctor you see that you're on this medication before starting anything new.

Is it safe to take apixaban if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

▾
Apixaban is not recommended during pregnancy. It can increase the risk of bleeding for both you and your baby, especially during labor and delivery. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor right away — breastfeeding is also not advised while taking apixaban because it's not known whether the drug passes into breast milk. Your doctor can help you find a safer anticoagulation option if you need one during pregnancy.

Is Apixaban available over the counter?

▾
No. Apixaban is a prescription medicine: every Apixaban product listed with the FDA is prescription only, so it is not sold over the counter. Your prescriber decides whether it is appropriate for you, and your pharmacist dispenses it.

When was Apixaban first available?

▾
The earliest FDA record we hold for Apixaban is from 2012: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Apixaban was first used.

Who makes Apixaban?

▾
8 companies currently list Apixaban products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C., A-S Medication Solutions, Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Apixaban on HelloPharmacist

📊Apixaban supplement interactions285 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerApixaban vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Apixaban NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Apixaban Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Apixaban forms and strengths (how it comes)

Apixaban is available in 2 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Need a version that does not list lactose, a gluten source, a dye or gelatin? Inactive ingredients differ by manufacturer: see Apixaban inactive ingredients by manufacturer.

Tablet

By mouth
Brands Eliquis
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Eliquis tablets are used to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in adults with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
  • Eliquis tablets are used to prevent DVT after hip or knee replacement surgery, and to treat DVT and PE in adults
  • Eliquis tablets are used to treat VTE and reduce recurrent VTE in pediatric patients from birth and older (following initial anticoagulation)
  • Apixaban tablets are used to reduce stroke risk in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, prevent DVT after hip or knee replacement, and treat or prevent recurrent DVT and PE in adults
Important instructions
  • Eliquis and apixaban tablets are taken by mouth twice daily, with or without food
  • If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible on the same day — do not double the next dose
  • Eliquis tablets may be crushed and suspended in water or mixed with applesauce for patients who cannot swallow them whole; a crushed tablet can also be delivered via nasogastric tube suspended in dextrose solution
  • Do not stop taking apixaban or Eliquis tablets without guidance from your prescriber — stopping early increases clot and stroke risk
Available strengths 3 strengths
0.5 mg 2.5 mg 5 mg
40 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Capsule

By mouth
Brands Eliquis Sprinkle
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Eliquis Sprinkle capsules are used to treat VTE and reduce the risk of recurrent VTE in pediatric patients, dosed according to the child's weight
Important instructions
  • Eliquis Sprinkle capsules are taken by mouth and are dosed based on the child's body weight — follow the prescriber's specific instructions
  • Eliquis Sprinkle is given twice daily; the dose schedule may change after the first 7 days of treatment depending on the child's weight tier
Available strengths 1 strength
0.15 mg
2 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Apixaban on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Apixaban appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

8 companies list 20 Apixaban product records with the FDA, mostly as tablet, capsule; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 2012. Brand names on the directory include Eliquis, ELIQUIS 30-Day Starter Pack, Eliquis Sprinkle; the rest are generics.

2
Dose forms ⓘ
8
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
4
Brand names
20
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
2012
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (43) · Kit (6) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.30%
A-S Medication Solutions20%
Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC10%
Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC10%
Cardinal Health 107, LLC10%
Indoco Remedies Limited10%
Other makers10%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Apixaban is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Apixaban is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Apixaban is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

2,151,899
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$1.4B gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Apixaban prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Apixaban ranks #104 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 94% of them.

Where Apixaban ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #104 of 1,601
#99 Cefdinir 2,236,722 Rx #100 Sulfamethoxazole / Tri... 2,217,156 Rx #101 Carvedilol 2,202,041 Rx #102 Nystatin 2,190,507 Rx #103 Benzonatate 2,171,868 Rx #104 Apixaban 2,151,899 Rx #105 Lidocaine Transdermal... 2,146,915 Rx #106 Baclofen 2,144,009 Rx #107 Tamsulosin 2,108,678 Rx #108 Lorazepam 2,080,821 Rx #109 Pregabalin 2,058,308 Rx

Utilization by Apixaban product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 5 mg oral tablet is the most-dispensed Apixaban product — about 86% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

apixaban 5 MG Oral Tablet Most dispensed

1,855,921 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 86% of Apixaban prescriptions shown $1.22B gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $660 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 3 of 35 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1364445

apixaban 2.5 MG Oral Tablet

276,830 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 13% of Apixaban prescriptions shown $166.6M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $602 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 26 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1364435

Other Apixaban products — combination packs and listings not yet matched to a specific clinical product (kept visible so every prescription is accounted for)

19,148 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Apixaban prescriptions shown $13.6M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $709 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 72 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity.

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Apixaban, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 6 of 133 listed Apixaban NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Apixaban products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Apixaban — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 20 of 20 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 20 Apixaban NDCs →

Apixaban recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list no Apixaban recalls since July 2021.

✅No Apixaban recalls on record since July 2021

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Apixaban RxCUI 1364430 3 dose forms · 4 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 1364434 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 2.5 MG RxCUI 1364435 5 MG RxCUI 1364445
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Powder for Oral Suspension RxCUI 2749578 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.15 MG RxCUI 2749579
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Tablet for Oral Suspension RxCUI 2749684 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.5 MG RxCUI 2749685

Look up RxCUI 1364430 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Apixaban costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Sep 30, 2026). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Tablet, Film Coated · Oral 5 mg $5.52 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet, Film Coated · Oral 2.5 mg $5.51 per tablet NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Apixaban brand names

Apixaban is sold under 3 brand names in the FDA directory — Eliquis, ELIQUIS 30-Day Starter Pack, Eliquis Sprinkle. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Eliquis ELIQUIS 30-Day Starter Pack Eliquis Sprinkle

Who makes Apixaban: manufacturers and labelers

8 companies list Apixaban products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C., A-S Medication Solutions, Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. 6 A-S Medication Solutions 4 Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC 2 Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC 2 Cardinal Health 107, LLC 2 Indoco Remedies Limited 2 Proficient Rx LP 1 Remedyrepack Inc. 1

Apixaban drug class (RxNorm)

Apixaban belongs to the Factor Xa Inhibitor class.

Pharmacologic class Factor Xa Inhibitor
Drug family (ATC) Direct factor Xa inhibitors
How it works Factor Xa Inhibitors

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Apixaban page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Apr 17, 2025
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Apixaban.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Apixaban after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
12
Finished products in the current FDA directory
20
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
8
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
8
Linked representative label ⓘ
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.
Linked label effective
Apr 17, 2025
Composite sections available
25
Linked SPL Set ID
e9481622-7cc6-418a-acb6-c5450daae9b0
Linked SPL Document ID
1bd311e2-7bfd-4a0d-be9b-43a79cbad40d
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →