Key takeaways
- Eliquis is prescribed to treat or prevent blood clots and to reduce the risk of stroke in certain adults. Its dosage varies based on the condition being treated and other factors.
- The standard Eliquis dosage for stroke prevention in adults with atrial fibrillation is 5 milligrams (mg) twice per day.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an Eliquis overdose, which can cause severe bleeding or other symptoms.
Eliquis (apixaban) is a brand-name drug prescribed for adults to:
- treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- treat pulmonary embolism (PE)
- prevent DVT or PE from recurring if you have a history of DVT or PE
- prevent stroke and blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
- prevent DVT, which can cause PE, in people who’ve had knee or hip replacement surgery
Eliquis comes in three oral forms:
- an oral tablet that you swallow
- a tablet that you mix with fluid to form a liquid mixture before swallowing
- a capsule that contains “sprinkles” that you mix with liquid before swallowing
The active ingredient in Eliquis is apixaban. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. Eliquis is a type of medication called an anticoagulant.
This article describes the dosages of the Eliquis oral tablet form. To learn more about Eliquis, including its uses, side effects, and more, read this Eliquis overview article.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage of Eliquis and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following table highlights the basics of Eliquis’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
Always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown here.
| Indication | Dosage |
|---|---|
| to prevent stroke and blood clots for atrial fibrillation (AFib) | 5 mg twice per day |
| to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) | 10 mg twice per day for 7 days; then 5 mg twice per day for as long as directed by your doctor |
| to prevent DVT and PE | 2.5 mg twice per day |
| to prevent DVT after knee and hip replacement | 2.5 mg twice per day |
Eliquis form
Eliquis is available as tablets that you swallow.
Eliquis strengths
Eliquis oral tablets come in two strengths: 2.5 mg and 5 mg.
Your doctor will start you on the right amount of Eliquis based on the reason for its use. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
Your dosage for Eliquis will depend on:
- the reason you’re taking the drug
- other medications you may be taking
- other conditions you may have
- how you react to Eliquis
- your age
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for preventing blood clots and stroke in people with AFib
The typical dosage for most people with nonvalvular AFib is 5 mg taken twice per day.
But in some cases, your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose.
Your doctor may recommend that you start with Eliquis 2.5 mg twice per day if at least two of these apply to you:
- you’re age 80 years or older
- you weigh 60 kilograms (about 132 pounds) or less
- you have serious kidney problems
Dosage for treating DVT and PE
The typical Eliquis dosage to treat DVT and PE is 10 mg twice per day. You’ll take this dosage for the first 7 days of treatment.
After this, your doctor will typically lower your dosage to 5 mg twice per day. You’ll take this dosage for as long as your doctor recommends.
Dosage for preventing DVT and PE
The typical Eliquis dosage for preventing DVT and PE is typically 2.5 mg twice per day.
You’ll take this dosage after taking the recommended Eliquis dosage for treating DVT and PE for at least 6 months. (See the “Dosage for treating DVT and PE” section earlier.)
You’ll take this preventive dosage for as long as your doctor feels it’s needed.
Dosage for preventing DVT after hip or knee replacement
People undergoing knee and hip replacement surgery have a higher risk of blood clots after surgery. This is why your doctor may prescribe Eliquis to lower your risk.
The typical dosage of Eliquis for hip and knee replacement is 2.5 mg taken twice per day. You’ll take your first dose at least 12 to 24 hours before your scheduled surgery.
- for knee surgery, you’ll continue taking Eliquis for 12 days
- for hip replacement surgery, you’ll continue taking Eliquis for 35 days
Your doctor will provide instructions on when to begin taking Eliquis before your surgery. They’ll also tell you how long you need to continue the medication after surgery.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you specific instructions for taking Eliquis.
Eliquis comes as tablets you swallow. You can take Eliquis with or without food.
Eliquis is taken twice per day. Try to take each dose at around the same time each day to have consistent levels of the medication in your body.
If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, see these tips on how to swallow a pill for help.
How long do you take Eliquis?
Eliquis is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss taking your normal dose of Eliquis, take it as soon as you remember. But do not take two doses of Eliquis at once to make up for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of serious side effects.
Remember, it’s important to take your doses of Eliquis as directed to lower your risk of blood clots.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Eliquis on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Eliquis than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose of Eliquis can include:
- severe bleeding
- severe headache
- dizziness
- coffee ground vomitus (vomiting blood)
- coughing up blood
What to do in case you take too much Eliquis
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Eliquis. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
The following are answers to some commonly asked questions about Eliquis dosage.
Does Eliquis require dosage adjustments for older adults?
Yes, this is possible in certain situations. Eliquis is used to lower the risk of blood clots or stroke in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). Older adults with AFib, specifically those age 80 years or older, may need dosage adjustments of Eliquis in some cases.
You may need a lower dosage if at least two of the following apply to you:
- you’re age 80 years or older
- you weigh 60 kilograms (about 132 pounds) or less
- you have severe kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease
In this case, your doctor may lower your dosage for Eliquis to 2.5 mg taken twice per day. This is to lower your risk of side effects of the drug.
If you have questions about your dosage, ask your doctor for more information.
Is there a once-per-day dosing for Eliquis?
No, Eliquis is typically prescribed twice daily. In the drug’s clinical studies, a twice-daily dosage regimen was found to be effective for the conditions Eliquis is approved to treat.
Do not change your dosing schedule or dose of Eliquis on your own. This can increase your risk of developing blood clots or other serious side effects. If you have questions about your dosage or dosing schedule, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What factors can affect my Eliquis dosage?
The dosage of Eliquis you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
- your age and body weight
- other conditions you may have
- other medications you may be taking
- how you respond to the medication
Your doctor will monitor you while you’re taking Eliquis. They’ll adjust your dosage if needed to manage your condition.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.