What is the duration of treatment with apixaban (Apixaban) 10mg twice daily (bid) for an acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) before switching to 5mg twice daily (bid)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: March 15, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

For acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT), apixaban should be administered at 10 mg twice daily for the first 7 days before transitioning to 5 mg twice daily for the remainder of the treatment course. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality evidence from the 2021 American College of Cardiology expert consensus decision pathway for anticoagulant therapy in patients with venous thromboembolism 1. The initial higher-dose regimen of 10 mg twice daily is designed to rapidly achieve therapeutic anticoagulation levels during the most critical period when clot propagation risk is highest.

Key points to consider in the treatment of DVT with apixaban include:

  • The initial treatment dose of 10 mg twice daily for 7 days, followed by a maintenance dose of 5 mg twice daily 1
  • The importance of taking apixaban at approximately 12-hour intervals, with or without food
  • Counseling patients about bleeding risks, medication interactions, and the importance of not missing doses
  • Potential dose adjustments for patients with severe renal impairment, those weighing less than 60 kg, or those over 80 years old

The total duration of apixaban therapy typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on whether the DVT was provoked by a transient risk factor or is unprovoked, with longer durations sometimes recommended for recurrent events or ongoing risk factors 1. It is also important to note that no laboratory monitoring is required for apixaban, unlike warfarin, which simplifies the management of anticoagulation therapy.

From the FDA Drug Label

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. The duration of treatment with apixaban 10mg twice daily for an acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) before switching to 5mg twice daily is 7 days 2.

From the Research

Treatment Duration for Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis with Apixaban

  • The treatment duration for acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) with apixaban 10mg twice daily (bid) before switching to 5mg twice daily (bid) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
  • However, study 6 mentions that patients with symptomatic DVT were randomized to receive 84-91 days of apixaban 5 mg twice-daily, 10 mg twice-daily, or 20 mg once-daily, indicating that the initial treatment duration with apixaban 10mg bid is around 84-91 days.
  • It is worth noting that the studies provided do not specify the exact duration of treatment with apixaban 10mg bid before switching to 5mg bid, but rather provide information on the overall treatment duration with apixaban for acute DVT 4, 6.
  • The decision to switch from apixaban 10mg bid to 5mg bid may depend on individual patient factors and clinical guidelines, which are not explicitly stated in the provided studies 3, 5, 7.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.