Apixaban Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

APIXABAN is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It is used to lower the chance of stroke in people with a medical condition called atrial fibrillation.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders

• bleeding in the brain

• blood in your stools (black or tarry stools) or if you have blood in your vomit

• history of stomach bleeding

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• mechanical heart valve

• an unusual or allergic reaction to apixaban, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following:

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine and phenytoin

• certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin

• clarithromycin

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• rifampin

• ritonavir

• St. John's wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not stop taking this medicine without first talking to your doctor. Stopping this medicine may increase your risk of having a stroke. Be sure to refill your prescription before you run out of medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bloody or black, tarry stools

• changes in vision

• confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

• red or dark-brown urine

• red spots on the skin

• severe headaches

• spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds

• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg

• trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

• unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.