From the Guidelines
Eliquis (apixaban) 5mg orally twice daily is sufficient for treating Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) after the initial 7-day treatment period of 10mg twice daily. The standard treatment regimen begins with 10mg twice daily for the first 7 days, followed by 5mg twice daily for at least 3 months, as recommended by the American College of Cardiology 1. This dosing schedule is designed to provide more intensive anticoagulation during the initial phase when clot propagation risk is highest, then transition to a maintenance dose. For patients with certain risk factors such as unprovoked DVT, recurrent DVT, or ongoing risk factors, treatment may need to be extended beyond 3 months. Dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with renal impairment, low body weight (less than 60kg), or those over 80 years of age. Eliquis works by inhibiting Factor Xa, preventing thrombin formation and clot development. It's essential to take Eliquis at approximately the same times each day with or without food, and not to stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider as this could increase your risk of stroke or blood clots.
Some key points to consider:
- The initial treatment dose is 10mg twice daily for 7 days, followed by 5mg twice daily 1.
- Apixaban has been shown to be non-inferior to conventional therapy for the treatment of VTE, with a lower risk of major bleeding 1.
- The NCCN panel assigns category 1 recommendations to apixaban for the treatment of DVT/PE, based on large prospective randomized controlled clinical trials 1.
- It's crucial to follow the recommended dosing schedule and consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.
Overall, Eliquis (apixaban) 5mg orally twice daily is a suitable maintenance dose for DVT treatment, but it's essential to follow the recommended treatment regimen and consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
From the FDA Drug Label
The recommended dose of apixaban tablets for the treatment of DVT 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.
The dose of Eliquis (apixaban) 5 mg po bid is sufficient for DVT treatment, but only after the initial 7 days of therapy with 10 mg twice daily. For the first 7 days, a dose of 10 mg twice daily is recommended 2.
From the Research
DVT Treatment with Eliquis
- The therapeutic dose of Eliquis (apixaban) for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) treatment is a crucial aspect of patient care.
- According to the study 3, apixaban 5 mg twice-daily was evaluated in patients with symptomatic DVT, and the results showed a low incidence of recurrent venous thromboembolism and asymptomatic deterioration of bilateral compression ultrasound or perfusion lung scan.
- The study 4 investigated the use of apixaban for the treatment of upper extremity DVT, with a dose of 10 mg PO twice daily for 7 days followed by 5 mg twice daily for 11 weeks.
- Another study 5 evaluated the safety and efficacy of apixaban in Japanese subjects with acute venous thromboembolism, with a dose of 10 mg twice daily for 7 days, followed by 5 mg twice daily for 23 weeks.
- The evidence suggests that apixaban 5 mg po bid can be sufficient for DVT treatment, as shown in the study 3, where the incidence of recurrent venous thromboembolism was low and comparable to other treatment groups.
- Additionally, the study 6 found that apixaban decreased coagulation activity in patients with acute DVT, with a similar reduction in biomarker levels across all treatment groups.
- A comprehensive review 7 of apixaban in the treatment of venous thromboembolism highlights its advantages over historical therapy, including convenience and accessibility.
Key Findings
- Apixaban 5 mg twice-daily was effective in reducing the incidence of recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with symptomatic DVT 3.
- The dose of 10 mg PO twice daily for 7 days followed by 5 mg twice daily for 11 weeks was used in the treatment of upper extremity DVT 4.
- Apixaban was well-tolerated and had a favorable safety profile in Japanese subjects with acute venous thromboembolism 5.
- Biomarker levels decreased over 12 weeks of treatment with apixaban or LMWH/VKA in most patients with acute VTE 6.
- Apixaban offers several advantages over historical therapy for the treatment and secondary prevention of VTE, but further research is needed in certain populations 7.