About Eliquis, Its Mechanism of Action And Side Effects

Eliquis is a prescription medication. It’s widely used in the medical field to prevent and treat serious health conditions that are blood clots and stroke related.

It is mainly prescribed for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation which is a type of irregular heartbeat, as well as for those dealing with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.

This piece looks at how Eliquis works and what patients can expect in terms of side effects.

Table of Contents

How Eliquis Works to Prevent Blood Clots

Eliquis functions by targeting and inhibiting Factor Xa. This is a critical protein in the blood that contributes to clotting. This action helps to reduce the likelihood of clot formation greatly.

Clots that form in the bloodstream can block important arteries, which could lead to serious problems like strokes or heart attacks. Eliquis holds a critical action in managing the risks of some heart and vascular conditions because it stops these clots from forming.

This medicine is especially important after major surgeries like hip or knee replacements when you will not be able to move around for a long time and the risk of clots growing.

Doctors usually prescribe Eliquis before such procedures so the risk of clotting is lowered, protecting a patient’s present and post-surgery health.

The Dual Role of Eliquis in Medical Treatment

Apart from its main function of clot prevention – Eliquis is basic for managing atrial fibrillation. This condition can cause the heart to beat irregularly and generally too quickly, which can lead to blood clots.

Inhibiting Factor Xa, Eliquis maintains a steadier, more regular heartbeat. This indirectly prevents conditions that could lead to strokes.

Pulmonary embolisms happen when a blood clot breaks free and travels to the lungs. Eliquis is also used to put a stop to this from occurring. People who have a high risk of DVT should keep taking Eliquis to keep its protective effects.

Understanding the Dosing of Eliquis

How much Eliquis a person needs may change depending on their condition and the risks involved. A higher dose of 5 mg might be given to people undergoing surgery who are more likely to have problems.

This dose makes sure that the blood stays thin enough to keep it from clotting without putting anything at risk. A venous thromboembolism could be treated with the same dose, though these situations do not occur very often.

Potential Side Effects of Eliquis

Although Eliquis works well to stop harmful blood clots, its anticoagulant properties can make you more likely to bleed. This can be anything from a small problem, like a nosebleed, to a bigger one, like internal bleeding or even brain hemorrhages.

Also, people who take Eliquis may have side effects like anemia, which can make them feel dizzy, especially when they get up after lying or sitting. Headaches are another reported side effect, though experiences are very different from one individual to another.

Key Takeaways for Eliquis Users

Eliquis is an adequate blood clot prevention medication, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should not be used in place of other preventative measures recommended by a healthcare provider, like lifestyle changes or other medications.

Importantly, talk to your doctor about the possible pros and cons, especially if you experience any side effects.

If you are going to have surgery, especially one that replaces a joint, and are given Eliquis, it is important to take it as directed so that you do not have any of the serious problems that can show up from blood clots.

Knowing both the strong benefits and possible risks of Eliquis can help patients and their caretakers make smart choices about how to use it in their specific healthcare situations.

For more information, visit Canadian Pharmacy