Apixaban (Eliquis) — NZ Medication Guide | KiwiMeds
✅ Reviewed by a Registered Pharmacist NZ | Last updated: May 2026 | This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
What is Apixaban (Eliquis)?
Apixaban (brand name Eliquis) is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) — a modern blood thinner. It is now Pharmac-funded in New Zealand and is a preferred alternative to warfarin for many patients.
What is it used for?
Apixaban is used to prevent stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AF), treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevent blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery. Unlike warfarin, it does not require regular blood test (INR) monitoring.
How does it work?
Apixaban is a direct factor Xa inhibitor — it directly blocks factor Xa, a key clotting protein in the blood clotting cascade. This reduces the formation of blood clots without the complex dietary and drug interactions associated with warfarin.
How to take it
Apixaban is taken twice daily (for AF, DVT/PE treatment) or once daily (for post-surgical prevention) — as directed by your doctor. Take at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
Common side effects
Apixaban is generally well tolerated. The main side effect is increased bleeding risk — easy bruising, nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding from cuts, and heavier menstrual periods.
Serious side effects
Seek immediate medical care for signs of major bleeding: blood in urine, blood in stools (black/tarry), vomiting blood, unusual headache, or significant bleeding after injury.
Drug interactions
Aspirin and NSAIDs increase bleeding risk with apixaban. Certain antibiotics and antifungals (fluconazole, azithromycin) may increase apixaban levels. Some antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, phenytoin) and rifampicin reduce apixaban levels — tell all prescribers you take apixaban.
Things to avoid
Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen) for pain relief — use paracetamol. Avoid activities with high injury risk. Avoid excessive alcohol. Do not combine with other anticoagulants without specialist guidance.
NZ-specific information
Apixaban (Eliquis) is now funded by Pharmac for AF stroke prevention and VTE treatment/prevention — a significant step forward from the previous situation where only warfarin was funded. No INR monitoring required. Carry a DOAC card or ID in case of emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take apixaban with ibuprofen? Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs — they significantly increase bleeding risk with apixaban. Use paracetamol instead. Do I need to stop apixaban before surgery? Yes — your surgeon and the prescriber will advise on when to stop and restart. Usually 24–48 hours before procedures.
💬 Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor for advice specific to you.
Related medications
Related: Warfarin, Rivaroxaban. Condition: Atrial Fibrillation.
References & Further Information
The following New Zealand and international resources were used to inform this page: