From the Guidelines
For deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment, Eliquis (apixaban) is typically started with a loading dose of 10 mg twice daily for the first 7 days, followed by 5 mg twice daily for at least 3 months. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which is the 2014 ESC guidelines on the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism 1. Although this study focused on pulmonary embolism, the dosage of apixaban for DVT is consistent with this guideline.
The dosage is crucial in preventing blood clot formation by inhibiting Factor Xa. It's essential to take Eliquis with or without food at approximately the same times each day. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered on the same day, but never take a double dose to make up for a missed one. While on Eliquis, patients should be aware of the increased bleeding risk and report any unusual bleeding or bruising to their doctor immediately.
Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor treatment, and kidney function should be assessed before starting therapy as dose adjustments may be needed for patients with severe renal impairment 1. Avoid taking Eliquis with other blood thinners unless specifically directed by the doctor. The American Society of Hematology 2020 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism also discuss the use of DOACs, including apixaban, for the treatment of DVT, but the dosage recommendation remains consistent with the earlier guideline 1.
Key points to consider when prescribing Eliquis for DVT include:
- Initial loading dose: 10 mg twice daily for 7 days
- Maintenance dose: 5 mg twice daily for at least 3 months
- Monitoring for bleeding risk and renal function
- Avoidance of concomitant use with other blood thinners unless necessary.
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. 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.
The initial therapy dosage of Eliquis (apixaban) for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is 10 mg taken orally twice daily for the first 7 days of therapy 2.
From the Research
Initial Therapy Dosage of Eliquis (Apixaban) for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- The initial therapy dosage of Eliquis (apixaban) for DVT is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, according to the study 4, apixaban is an oral factor Xa inhibitor with a rapid onset of action and predictable pharmacokinetics that allows a fixed dose regimen.
- The study 4 mentions that the fixed-dose regimen of oral apixaban alone is as effective as conventional treatment regimen and is associated with a clinically relevant reduction of major bleeding.
- The treatment dose of apixaban is mentioned as 5 mg twice daily, and the thromboprophylactic dose is mentioned as 2.5 mg twice daily 4.
- It can be inferred that the initial therapy dosage of Eliquis (apixaban) for DVT might be 10 mg twice daily for the first 7 days, followed by 5 mg twice daily, although this information is not directly provided in the given studies.
- Further information from the studies suggests that the dosage and duration of anticoagulation therapy should be individualized based on the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism and the risk of anticoagulant-induced bleeding 3, 5, 6, 7.