What is Eliquis Starter Pack: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Eliquis Starter Pack

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Please read the Medication Guide that comes in the package. 

• Take Eliquis tablets twice per day.

• Eliquis can be taken with or without food.

• The tablets are packaged in two blister pack wallets:

  • Start with the first wallet.

  • The first week’s tablets are on the left (“Week 1”) in columns numbered “Day 1” to “Day 7.”

  • The “morning” tablets are in the orange row, and the “evening” tablets are in the blue row.

  • For the first seven days, take the two morning tablets every morning and the two evening tablets every evening in order.

  • The right side of the pack contains the Week 2 tablets.

  • They, too, are arranged by day and divided into morning and evening tablets.

  • Take the one morning tablet and the one in the evening.

  • The second wallet contains the tablets for the third and fourth weeks.

  • If there’s any confusion, ask a caregiver or call a healthcare provider.

• Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.

• If you are not able to swallow the tablets whole, ask the prescriber for directions on crushing the tablets.

  • Eliquis tablets may be crushed and mixed in water, apple juice, or applesauce. 

  • Swallow the mixture immediately.

• For use with a nasogastric feeding tube (NGT), ask the prescriber for directions.

  • Eliquis tablets can be crushed and mixed with 60 mL of water for administration through a nasogastric tube.

• Do not miss doses. Refill the prescription before you run out of pills in the blister packs.

• Store Eliquis in a closed container at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Eliquis Starter Pack

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible. 

• Do not take more than one dose at the same time.

• Ask the prescriber what to do if a dose is not taken at all, particularly in the first week.

Eliquis Starter Pack contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have active bleeding or have had an allergic reaction to apixaban.

Eliquis Starter Pack warnings

• Eliquis treatment requires a high amount of follow-up care to monitor treatment and side effects. Keep all appointments.

• Eliquis treatment can significantly affect decisions other healthcare providers make, particularly with regard to medical procedures or medications. Do not fail to tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

• You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

• Tell the prescribing doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have: 

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Bleeding problems

  • Antiphospholipid syndrome

  • An artificial heart valve

  • Any other medical conditions

• Eliquis can cause serious and even life-threatening bleeding problems:

  • You may bruise easily or experience bleeding that takes longer than usual to stop. 

  • Eliquis increases your risk for bleeding that can become serious or life-threatening if not controlled. Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of blood loss and tell a doctor immediately or go to an emergency room if they occur.

  • Eliquis may increase your risk for a hematoma (blood clot) in your spine or back if you undergo an epidural or spinal puncture. This could lead to paralysis. Tell your doctor if you ever had spine problems or back surgery.

• Do not stop taking Eliquis doses without consulting with the prescriber. There is a higher risk of stroke for a short time after Eliquis is discontinued.

• If you take too much Eliquis, call the prescriber or get emergency medical help.

• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Never share Eliquis with anyone.

Eliquis Starter Pack interactions

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you take or plan to take. 

• The most significant drug interactions are those that increase the risk of bleeding, blood clots, heart attack, or stroke when combined with Eliquis. Make sure the prescriber knows if you are taking: 

  • Other blood thinners

  • Antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs

  • NSAIDs, including over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen

  • Aspirin or aspirin-containing products

  • Macrolide antibiotics, particularly clarithromycin

  • The anticonvulsants carbamazepine or phenytoin

  • The antifungal drugs ketoconazole or itraconazole

  • The tuberculosis drug rifampin

  • The antiviral drug ritonavir

  • The COVID-19 drug Paxlovid

  • The herbal supplement St. John’s wort

• Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Find more detailed information about Eliquis interactions to avoid here.