Apixaban: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Apixaban is an oral anticoagulant (blood thinner). It is a prescription medicine used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism and clot prevention after surgery. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 9 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Apixaban works

Apixaban blocks factor Xa, one of the proteins the blood needs to form a clot. By slowing down the clotting process it makes harmful clots less likely to form or grow, which gives the body time to break down an existing clot. It does not dissolve clots directly.

What is Apixaban used for?

• Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Pulmonary embolism
• Clot prevention after surgery

Apixaban is a blood thinner used to lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) that is not caused by a heart valve problem. It is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, to help stop these clots coming back, and to prevent clots after hip or knee replacement surgery.

Side effects of Apixaban

Bleeding is the main thing to watch for with Apixaban. Other effects people commonly notice include:

• Bruising more easily
• Nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Heavier or longer periods
• Nausea

Get urgent medical help if you have black or bloody stools, vomit blood or material like coffee grounds, cough up blood, have a sudden severe headache, or have bleeding that will not stop. Also seek help after any significant fall or head injury, even if you feel well.

Precautions and warnings

• Take Apixaban regularly and do not stop it without talking to your doctor, as stopping suddenly increases the risk of stroke or clots.
• Tell every doctor, dentist and pharmacist that you take a blood thinner, especially before surgery or a dental extraction.
• Avoid NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, and aspirin, unless your doctor has approved them; paracetamol is usually a safer choice for pain.
• Let your doctor know about kidney or liver disease, a mechanical heart valve or antiphospholipid syndrome, and about other medicines such as other blood thinners, some antifungals, rifampicin or epilepsy medicines.
• It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions about Apixaban

What is the price of Apixaban in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Apixaban products currently in stock range from Rs 585 to Rs 2,206 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Advaxaban 2.5mg Tablet at Rs 585. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Apixaban are available in Pakistan?

Apixaban is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Apxan (Ferozsons Laboratories Limited), Eliquis (Pfizer Laboratories Ltd), Platixa (Pharmatec Pakistan Ltd), Afixba (Sami Pharma Ltd), Apixaget (Getz Pharma Ltd), Zilero (Pharmevo LIMITED.), Apiban (Highnoon Laboratories Ltd) and Advaxaban (Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals Ltd), along with 1 more brands listed below.

Do I need a prescription for Apixaban?

Yes. Apixaban is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Apixaban be used during pregnancy?

It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Are all Apixaban brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Apixaban in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Apixaban brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 13 products containing Apixaban from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

Related medicines

Valsartan · Rosuvastatin · Aspirin · Lisinopril · Telmisartan · Atorvastatin