From the Guidelines
For a patient with a new deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the recommended starting dose of Eliquis (apixaban) is 10 mg taken orally twice daily for the first 7 days, followed by 5 mg twice daily for at least 3 months. This loading dose regimen helps achieve therapeutic anticoagulation quickly, as supported by the AMPLIFY trial 1. The medication should be taken approximately 12 hours apart, with or without food. Before starting Eliquis, it is essential to assess the patient's renal function, liver function, weight, age, and potential drug interactions, as certain conditions may require dose adjustments or alternative treatments, as noted in the 2020 American Society of Hematology guidelines 1. Patients should be counseled about bleeding risks, the importance of not missing doses, and to inform all healthcare providers about taking this anticoagulant before procedures. No routine monitoring of coagulation parameters is required, unlike warfarin. Eliquis works by directly inhibiting factor Xa, preventing thrombin formation and clot development, making it effective for both treatment and prevention of recurrent DVT, as discussed in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings 1. Dose adjustments may be needed for patients with severe renal impairment, low body weight, or those taking certain interacting medications. It is crucial to consider the patient's individual factors and medical history when selecting an anticoagulant, as emphasized in the 2020 guidelines 1. The use of apixaban for the treatment of DVT is supported by recent studies, including the AMPLIFY trial, which demonstrated its efficacy and safety compared to conventional anticoagulant therapy 1. Overall, the recommended dose of Eliquis for a patient with a new DVT is based on the latest evidence and guidelines, prioritizing the patient's morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
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 dose of Eliquis (apixaban) to start a patient with a new DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is 10 mg twice daily for the first 7 days, then 5 mg twice daily. 2
From the Research
Dosage of Eliquis for New DVT
- The initial dosage of Eliquis (apixaban) for the treatment of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, according to the study published in 2020 3, apixaban is approved for the acute treatment of DVT and pulmonary embolism, but the study does not provide specific dosage information.
- Another study from 2013 5 discusses the pharmacokinetic profile and variability of apixaban, but does not provide dosage recommendations for DVT treatment.
- The studies from 2019 6 and 2024 7 focus on the safety and efficacy of apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation, but do not provide specific dosage information for DVT treatment.
- A study from 2023 4 reviews the safety and efficacy of apixaban in patients with severe renal impairment, but does not provide dosage recommendations for DVT treatment.
Special Considerations
- When considering the use of apixaban in patients with DVT, it is essential to take into account factors such as renal function, age, and concomitant medications, as these can affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug 5, 6, 7.
- The presence of polypharmacy or P-glycoprotein/CYP3A4-modulating drugs may increase the risk of major bleeding in patients taking apixaban 6, 7.