Apigat (Apixaban 2.5mg)

Apigat 2.5mg, a trusted generic version of Apixaban, is prescribed for:

• Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism: For patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
• DVT prophylaxis: To reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) following hip or knee replacement surgery.
• DVT and PE treatment: For managing DVT and PE and reducing the risk of recurrence after initial therapy.

Dosage Guidelines:

1. Stroke and systemic embolism risk reduction in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation:

   • Standard dose: 5 mg orally twice daily.
   • Adjusted dose: 2.5 mg orally twice daily for patients meeting at least two of the following criteria:
     • Age ≥ 80 years.
     • Body weight ≤ 60 kg.
     • Serum creatinine ≥ 1.5 mg/dL.

2. DVT prophylaxis after hip or knee replacement surgery:

   • 2.5 mg orally twice daily.

3. DVT and PE treatment:

   • Initial dose: 10 mg orally twice daily for 7 days.
   • Maintenance dose: 5 mg orally twice daily.

4. Reduction in risk of recurrent DVT and PE:

   • 2.5 mg orally twice daily.

Side Effects and Precautions:

General Risks:

• Increased risk of clotting if stopped suddenly: Discontinuing Apigat without medical advice increases the risk of clots and stroke. Always consult your doctor before stopping the medication.
• Bleeding risk: As a blood thinner, Apigat may cause serious or life-threatening bleeding.

Common Symptoms to Monitor:

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Unusual or prolonged bleeding (e.g., gums, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual flow).
• Signs of internal bleeding (e.g., red/pink/brown urine, black/tarry stools, blood in vomit).
• Severe headaches, persistent dizziness, or unexplained joint swelling.

Drug Interactions:

Using Apigat with the following increases the risk of bleeding:

• Aspirin or aspirin-containing products.
• Long-term NSAID use.
• Other blood thinners like warfarin or heparin.
• SSRIs, SNRIs, or medications for clot prevention.

Special Warnings:

• Not suitable for certain conditions: Apigat is not recommended for patients with artificial heart valves or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
• Spinal or epidural blood clots: Use with caution during spinal procedures, as Apigat can increase the risk of clots leading to paralysis. Notify your doctor of symptoms like numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the legs.

Allergic Reactions:

Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Chest pain, swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing, or fainting.

Other Considerations:

• Patients with a history of spinal surgery or complex spinal punctures should exercise caution.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you experience skin rash or persistent discomfort.

Important Note:

This summary does not cover all potential side effects or precautions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance and additional information.