What does it do?

Apixaban is used to treat and help prevent clots in your blood. It reduces your chance of having a stroke and new clots forming in your legs or lungs.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have bleeding problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take apixaban regularly as directed with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with apixaban including:

• anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren®), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®), or aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (e.g. Nurofen Cold and Flu®).
• low-dose aspirin (e.g. Cartia®) - sometimes prescribed with apixaban, check with your doctor.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Bleeding you cannot stop, bruises that get bigger, coughing or vomiting blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, red or black poo, severe headache (may be signs of bleeding)	Tell your doctor immediately

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• It is important to tell anyone who gives you medical or dental treatment (e.g. doctor, dentist, pharmacist or podiatrist) that you are taking apixaban.
• You may bleed or bruise more easily while you are taking apixaban. Take care or avoid activities that may cause bleeding e.g. tattoos, piercings and contact sports.
• If you have a serious fall or hurt your head, talk to or see a doctor straight away.