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Apixaban

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Apixaban, Eliquis, Eliquis 30-Day Starter Pack, Eliquis Sprinkle

Brand Names
Apixaban, Eliquis, Eliquis 30-Day Starter Pack, Eliquis Sprinkle
Dosage Form
POWDER
Product Type
BULK INGREDIENT

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

BOXED WARNING WARNING: (A) PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF APIXABAN INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS (B) SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA (A) PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF APIXABAN INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including apixaban, increases the risk of thrombotic events. If anticoagulation with apixaban is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Clinical Studies ( 14.1)] . (B) SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients treated with apixaban who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include:

  • use of indwelling epidural catheters
  • concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants
  • a history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures
  • a history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery
  • optimal timing between the administration of apixaban and neuraxial procedures is not known [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. WARNING: (A) PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF APIXABAN INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS (B) SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. (A) PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF APIXABAN INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS: Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including apixaban, increases the risk of thrombotic events. To reduce this risk, consider coverage with another anticoagulant if apixaban is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy. ( 2.4 , 5.1 , 14.1 ) (B) SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA: Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients treated with apixaban who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. ( 5.3 )

    • Description

    11 DESCRIPTION Apixaban, a factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor, is chemically described as 1-(4- methoxyphenyl)-7-oxo-6-[4-(2-oxopiperidin-1-yl)phenyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4 c]pyridine-3-carboxamide. Its molecular formula is C 25 H 25 N 5 O 4 , which corresponds to a molecular weight of 459.5. Apixaban has the following structural formula: Apixaban is a white to off white crystalline powder. At physiological pH (1.2 - 6.8), apixaban does not ionize; its aqueous solubility across the physiological pH range is ~0.04 mg/mL. Apixaban tablets are available for oral administration in strengths of 2.5 mg and 5 mg of apixaban with the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium lauryl sulfate, and magnesium stearate. The film coating contains lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and yellow iron oxide (2.5 mg tablets) or red iron oxide (5 mg tablets). str

    What Is Apixaban Used For?

    1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Apixaban is a factor Xa inhibitor indicated: to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. ( 1.1 ) for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. ( 1.2 ) for the treatment of DVT and PE, and for the reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy. ( 1.3 , 1.4 , 1.5 ) 1.1 Reduction of Risk of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Apixaban tablets are indicated to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. 1.2 Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery Apixaban tablets are indicated for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. 1.3 Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis Apixaban tablets are indicated for the treatment of DVT. 1.4 Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism Apixaban tablets are indicated for the treatment of PE. 1.5 Reduction in the Risk of Recurrence of DVT and PE Apixaban tablets are indicated to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy.

    Dosage and Administration

    2 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Reduction of risk of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: The recommended dose is 5 mg orally twice daily. ( 2.1 ) In patients with at least 2 of the following characteristics: age greater than or equal to 80 years, body weight less than or equal to 60 kg, or serum creatinine greater than or equal to 1.5 mg/dL, the recommended dose is 2.5 mg orally twice daily. ( 2.1 ) Prophylaxis of DVT following hip or knee replacement surgery: The recommended dose is 2.5 mg orally twice daily. ( 2.1 ) Treatment of DVT and PE: The recommended dose is 10 mg taken orally twice daily for 7 days, followed by 5 mg taken orally twice daily. ( 2.1 ) Reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy: The recommended dose is 2.5 mg taken orally twice daily. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Recommended Dose Reduction of Risk of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation The recommended dose of apixaban tablets for most patients is 5 mg taken orally twice daily. The recommended dose of apixaban tablets is 2.5 mg twice daily in patients with at least two of the following characteristics:

  • age greater than or equal to 80 years
  • body weight less than or equal to 60 kg
  • serum creatinine greater than or equal to 1.5 mg/dL Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery The recommended dose of apixaban tablets is 2.5 mg taken orally twice daily. The initial dose should be taken 12 to 24 hours after surgery.
  • In patients undergoing hip replacement surgery, the recommended duration of treatment is 35 days.
  • In patients undergoing knee replacement surgery, the recommended duration of treatment is 12 days. Treatment of DVT and PE The recommended dose of apixaban tablets is 10 mg taken orally twice daily for the first 7 days of therapy. After 7 days, the recommended dose is 5 mg taken orally twice daily. Reduction in the Risk of Recurrence of DVT and PE The recommended dose of apixaban tablets is 2.5 mg taken orally twice daily after at least 6 months of treatment for DVT or PE [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )]. 2.2 Missed Dose If a dose of apixaban tablets is not taken at the scheduled time, the dose should be taken as soon as possible on the same day and twice-daily administration should be resumed. The dose should not be doubled to make up for a missed dose. 2.3 Temporary Interruption for Surgery and Other Interventions Apixaban tablets should be discontinued at least 48 hours prior to elective surgery or invasive procedures with a moderate or high risk of unacceptable or clinically significant bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Apixaban tablets should be discontinued at least 24 hours prior to elective surgery or invasive procedures with a low risk of bleeding or where the bleeding would be non-critical in location and easily controlled. Bridging anticoagulation during the 24 to 48 hours after stopping apixaban tablets and prior to the...

    • Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

    6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the prescribing information.

  • Increased risk of thrombotic events after premature discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
  • Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
  • Spinal/epidural anesthesia or puncture [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Most common adverse reactions (>1%) are related to bleeding. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Indoco Remedies Limited at +1-855-642-2594 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Reduction of Risk of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation The safety of apixaban tablets was evaluated in the ARISTOTLE and AVERROES studies [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] , including 11,284 patients exposed to apixaban tablets 5 mg twice daily and 602 patients exposed to apixaban tablets 2.5 mg twice daily. The duration of apixaban tablets exposure was ≥12 months for 9375 patients and ≥24 months for 3369 patients in the two studies. In ARISTOTLE, the mean duration of exposure was 89 weeks (>15,000 patient-years). In AVERROES, the mean duration of exposure was approximately 59 weeks (>3000 patient-years). The most common reason for treatment discontinuation in both studies was for bleeding-related adverse reactions; in ARISTOTLE this occurred in 1.7% and 2.5% of patients treated with apixaban tablets and warfarin, respectively, and in AVERROES, in 1.5% and 1.3% on apixaban tablets and aspirin, respectively. Bleeding in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation in ARISTOTLE and AVERROES Tables 1 and 2 show the number of patients experiencing major bleeding during the treatment period and the bleeding rate (percentage of subjects with at least one bleeding event per 100 patient-years) in ARISTOTLE and AVERROES. Table 1: Bleeding Events in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation in ARISTOTLE* Apixaban N=9088 n(per 100 pt-year) Warfarin N=9052 n(per 100 pt-year) Hazard Ratio (95% CI) P-value Major † 327(2.13) 462(3.09) 0.69(0.60,0.80) <0.0001 Intracranial(ICH) ‡ 52( 0.33) 125(0.82) 0.41(0.30,0.57) - Hemorrhagic stroke § 38 (0.24) 74(0.49) 0.51(0.34,0.75) - Other ICH 15 (0.10) 51(0.34) 0.29(0.16,0.51) - Gastrointestinal(GI) ¶ 128 (0.83) 141(0.93) 0.89(0.70,1.14) - Fatal** 10 (0.06) 37(0.24) 0.27(0.13,0.53) - Intracranial 4 (0.03) 30(0.20) 0.13(0.05,0.37) - Non-intracranial 6 (0.04) 7(0.05) 0.84(0.28,2.15) - * Bleeding events within each subcategory were counted once per subject, but subjects may have contributed events to multiple endpoints. Bleeding events were counted during treatment or within 2 days of stopping study treatment (on-treatment period). † Defined as clinically overt bleeding accompanied by one or more of the following: a decrease in hemoglobin of ≥2 g/dL, a transfusion of 2 or more units of packed red blood cells, bleeding at a critical site: intracranial, intraspinal, intraocular, pericardial, intra-articular, intramuscular with compartment syndrome, retroperitoneal or with fatal outcome. ‡ Intracranial bleed includes intracerebral, intraventricular, subdural, and subarachnoid bleeding. Any type of hemorrhagic stroke was adjudicated and counted as an intracranial major bleed. § On-treatment analysis based on the safety population, compared to ITT analysis presented in Section 14. ¶ GI bleed includes upper GI, lower GI, and rectal bleeding. ** Fatal bleeding is an adjudicated death with the primary cause of death as intracranial bleeding or non-intracranial bleeding during the on-treatment period. In ARISTOTLE, the results for major bleeding were generally consistent across most...

    • Drug Interactions

    7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Apixaban is a substrate of both CYP3A4 and P-gp. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 and P-gp increase exposure to apixaban and increase the risk of bleeding. Inducers of CYP3A4 and P-gp decrease exposure to apixaban and increase the risk of stroke and other thromboembolic events. Combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increase blood levels of apixaban. Reduce apixaban dose or avoid coadministration. ( 2.5 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) Simultaneous use of combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers reduces blood levels of apixaban: Avoid concomitant use. ( 7.2 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Combined P-gp Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors For patients receiving apixaban 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily, the dose of apixaban should be decreased by 50% when coadministered with drugs that are combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3) ]. For patients receiving apixaban at a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily, avoid coadministration with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Clarithromycin Although clarithromycin is a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, pharmacokinetic data suggest that no dose adjustment is necessary with concomitant administration with apixaban [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3) ]. 7.2 Combined P-gp Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Avoid concomitant use of apixaban tablets with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John’s wort) because such drugs will decrease exposure to apixaban [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.3 Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents Coadministration of antiplatelet agents, fibrinolytics, heparin, aspirin, and chronic NSAID use increases the risk of bleeding. APPRAISE-2, a placebo-controlled clinical trial of apixaban in high-risk, post-acute coronary syndrome patients treated with aspirin or the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel, was terminated early due to a higher rate of bleeding with apixaban compared to placebo. The rate of ISTH major bleeding was 2.8% per year with apixaban versus 0.6% per year with placebo in patients receiving single antiplatelet therapy and was 5.9% per year with apixaban versus 2.5% per year with placebo in those receiving dual antiplatelet therapy. In ARISTOTLE, concomitant use of aspirin increased the bleeding risk on apixaban from 1.8% per year to 3.4% per year and concomitant use of aspirin and warfarin increased the bleeding risk from 2.7% per year to 4.6% per year. In this clinical trial, there was limited (2.3%) use of dual antiplatelet therapy with apixaban.

    Contraindications

    4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Apixaban tablets are contraindicated in patients with the following conditions:

  • Active pathological bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Adverse Reactions( 6.1) ]
  • Severe hypersensitivity reaction to apixaban (e.g., anaphylactic reactions) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] Active pathological bleeding ( 4 ) Severe hypersensitivity to apixaban ( 4 )

    • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The limited available data on apixaban tablets use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse developmental outcomes. Treatment may increase the risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were seen when apixaban was administered to rats (orally), rabbits (intravenously) and mice (orally) during organogenesis at unbound apixaban exposure levels up to 4, 1 and 19 times, respectively, the human exposure based on area under plasma-concentration time curve (AUC) at the Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) of 5 mg twice daily. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Pregnancy confers an increased risk of thromboembolism that is higher for women with underlying thromboembolic disease and certain high-risk pregnancy conditions. Published data describe that women with a previous history of venous thrombosis are at high risk for recurrence during pregnancy. Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions Use of anticoagulants, including apixaban, may increase the risk of bleeding in the fetus and neonate. Labor or delivery All patients receiving anticoagulants, including pregnant women, are at risk for bleeding. Apixaban tablets use during labor or delivery in women who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia may result in epidural or spinal hematomas. Consider use of a shorter acting anticoagulant as delivery approaches [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Data Animal Data No developmental toxicities were observed...

    8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Females of reproductive potential requiring anticoagulation should discuss pregnancy planning with their physician. The risk of clinically significant uterine bleeding, potentially requiring gynecological surgical interventions, identified with oral anticoagulants including apixaban should be assessed in females of reproductive potential and those with abnormal uterine bleeding.

    Overdosage

    10 OVERDOSAGE Overdose of apixaban tablets increases the risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. In controlled clinical trials, orally administered apixaban in healthy subjects at doses up to 50 mg daily for 3 to 7 days (25 mg twice daily for 7 days or 50 mg once daily for 3 days) had no clinically relevant adverse effects. In healthy subjects, administration of activated charcoal 2 and 6 hours after ingestion of a 20-mg dose of apixaban reduced mean apixaban AUC by 50% and 27%, respectively. Thus, administration of activated charcoal may be useful in the management of apixaban overdose or accidental ingestion. An agent to reverse the anti-factor Xa activity of apixaban is available.

    How Supplied

    16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Apixaban tablets 2.5mg and 5mg are available as below. 2.5mg, yellow, round, film coated biconvex tablets debossed with "C31" on one side and plain on the other side. NDC 14445-149-60 Bottles of 60 NDC 14445-149-18 Bottles of 180 NDC 14445-149-05 Bottles of 500 NDC 14445-149-14 Unit-Dose Blister Package 10x 14's 5 mg, pink, oval, film coated biconvex tablets debossed with "C32" on one side and plain on the other side. NDC 14445-150-60 Bottles of 60 NDC 14445-150-18 Bottles of 180 NDC 14445-150-05 Bottles of 500 NDC 14445-150-10 Unit-Dose Blister Package 10x 10's Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F - 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F - 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

    About This Information

    This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

    What are side effects?

    Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

    What are drug interactions?

    Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.