What to do if you miss a dose of Eliquis: Expert tips and next steps

In this article:

• What to do if you miss a dose of Eliquis
• Consequences of an Eliquis missed dose
• Maintaining a regular dosage schedule

In this article

• What to do if you miss a dose of Eliquis
• Consequences of an Eliquis missed dose
• Maintaining a regular dosage schedule

Eliquis is a prescription medication used to prevent blood clots in adults with atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT: blood clot in the veins of your legs), or pulmonary embolism (PE: blood clot in the lungs). It can also treat blood clots in all ages. It contains the active ingredient apixaban, and it is classified as a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) or blood thinner.

If you forget to take your dose of Eliquis, take it as soon as you remember, as long as there are more than 6 hours until your next scheduled dose. If it is less than 6 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time.

What to do if you miss a dose of Eliquis

“When patients miss a dose of Eliquis, I usually instruct them to take the dose right away, unless it’s time to take the next dose. If that’s the case, then I remind them to resume their Eliquis dosing as scheduled and not to take a double dose,” says Dr. Christopher Yi, MD, board-certified vascular surgeon at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. 

If you are not sure what to do after a missed dose, reach out to your healthcare provider to determine the right course of action.

Consequences of an Eliquis missed dose

“Eliquis has a short half-life, so if too much time passes after the last dose, its effect can wear off quickly,” Dr. Yi says. Because of the short half-life, it is recommended to take Eliquis tablets every 12 hours.

“There are no short-term side effects from a missed dose, but it can increase the risk of blood clots if the levels of medication in the blood are lower,” says Dr. Gail Clifford, MD, medical consultant at ARRC LED. 

Dr. Clifford explains that missing a dose can also impact the treatment plan. “Eliquis needs to be taken consistently, with a typical frequency of twice daily to maintain stable anticoagulation. Missing doses or not adhering to the treatment schedule as prescribed can reduce its effectiveness and trigger an increased risk of a clot,” she says. Blood clot formation may increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

“This can complicate the treatment plan, since now the healthcare provider may need to adjust the dose or monitor much more closely for symptoms of clotting. Those at high risk, such as patients with atrial fibrillation or prior clotting events, have a significantly increased risk of stroke or recurrent clots,” Dr. Clifford adds.

It is also important to note that the most common side effect of Eliquis is bleeding. This may include heavy menstrual bleeding, nose bleeds, bruises, and gum bleeds. Serious side effects include heavy bleeding, allergic reactions, and sudden, severe headaches. If you experience any of the side effects, call a healthcare professional or your local emergency number, and visit the emergency room.

Maintaining a regular dosage schedule

It is possible to forget to take your medication, especially when you’re busy or taking different medicines at various times throughout the day. To help you stay on track and avoid missing your dose of Eliquis, the following are tips to maintain a consistent dosage schedule.

Know your medication schedule 

It’s essential to understand your medication schedule, including the specific time to take Eliquis and the appropriate dose for you. Read the prescription label and Patient Medication Information (PMI) for detailed instructions. If you are unsure, reach out to your pharmacist or prescriber for medical advice.

Keep a medication tracker 

A medication tracker allows you to keep track of the medications you need to take daily, weekly, or monthly, so you can take them at the right time. Check online for printable medication tracker templates. You can customize it to fit your schedule, noting the medication, the time to take it, and a place to check it off after taking it. Keep this chart in a place where you won’t miss it. 

Download reminder apps

There are several prescription reminder apps that let you schedule your medication times and receive alerts when it is time to take them. Examples include Medisafe, EveryDose, and Dosecast. Apart from serving as a reminder when it’s time to take your medications, these apps may offer additional features, such as information on side effects, drug interactions, and refill reminders.

Use a pill box 

A pill box helps organize your medications by the exact time you need to take them and prevents double doses. Get a pill organizer that works for you—for example, if you need to take Eliquis twice daily for a week, you may need a 7-day pill box with two compartments for each day.

Follow a regular schedule

Try to take Eliquis at the same time each day, such as 8 am and 8 pm each day. To help, you may need to set an alarm on your phone to remind you when it’s time, or sync your Eliquis medication schedule with your regular habits, such as after breakfast, after dinner, or at bedtime. Eliquis can be taken with or without food. 

Use visual cues

Visual cues may include placing your medication in spots you frequent, such as the kitchen counter, bedside table, or bathroom sink. You can also turn the medication bottle over after taking it, and keep it upright when it’s still due, to help track your doses.

Sign up for automatic medication refills 

Ask your pharmacist about how to set up automatic refills. When you sign up for automatic medication refills, you avoid running out of your medication by chance and also reduce the probability of missing a dose because of that reason.