From the Research
The standard dose of Eliquis (apixaban) for treating an apical thrombus is typically 5 mg taken orally twice daily, as supported by the most recent study 1 from 2018, which reported effective treatment of left ventricular thrombi with apixaban. However, a reduced dose of 2.5 mg twice daily may be appropriate for patients who meet at least two of the following criteria: age ≥80 years, body weight ≤60 kg, or serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL. Some key points to consider when treating apical thrombus with Eliquis include:
- Treatment duration generally ranges from 3 to 6 months, though this may vary based on individual patient factors and response to therapy 1.
- Before starting Eliquis, kidney function should be assessed, and the medication should be used cautiously in patients with severe renal impairment, as noted in a study from 2022 2.
- Regular monitoring for bleeding complications is essential during treatment, as anticoagulation therapy can increase the risk of bleeding, highlighted in a study from 2014 3.
- Apixaban works by inhibiting Factor Xa, preventing thrombin formation and clot development, making it effective for treating thrombi.
- The medication should be taken consistently at approximately the same times each day, with or without food.
- If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it's close to the next scheduled dose. It's also important to note that dosing considerations may vary depending on the specific patient population, such as those with antiphospholipid syndrome, as discussed in a case report from 2018 4.