Apixaban - Switching to Apixaban (generics)

Patient Information Leaflet

Important changes to your medication: Eliquis (apixaban)- your blood thinning medicine

Information for patients

• Until recently, only one pharmaceutical manufacturer made Apixaban.
• It is now being made by several pharmaceutical manufacturers, so we have more versions of the same medicine.
• These new versions are known as 'generic equivalents'.
• They are the same as the original medicine and are cheaper for the NHS to buy.
• The dose (how often you take them), and the side effects of Apixaban generic, are the same as with Eliquis Apixaban.
• Generic Apixaban tablets may look different in size and shape.
• The outside of the tablet might be a different colour and there might be different markings.
• This depends on the brand who supply the tablets.
• The ingredients are the same.

How do I take Apixaban?

• Use up your current supply of Eliquis before starting generic Apixaban.
• Start generic Apixaban 12 hours after the last dose of Eliquis.
• Take your first dose of generic Apixaban at the same time you would normally take the next dose of Eliquis.
• Take generic Apixaban twice a day, ideally in the morning and the evening.
• Take generic Apixaban with or without food.
• If you find the tablets hard to swallow, you may crush or mix generic Apixaban with water, apple juice or apple puree immediately before taking them.

What if I forget to take Apixaban?

• Take the tablet as soon as you remember, as long as it is within 4-6 hours of taking your usual dose.
• If it is later than this (over six hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
• Do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose.
• If you are not sure what to do, or have missed more than one dose of Apixaban, ask your Doctor, Pharmacist, or Nurse.

What if I take too much Apixaban?

• You may be at risk of bleeding if you take more Apixaban than you have been prescribed.
• Contact NHS 111 or tell your Doctor, Pharmacist, or Nurse immediately.

Further information

• Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
• If you have any questions about this change in medicine brand or would like to discuss it further, please speak to your clinical ward Pharmacist.
• Alternatively, contact your practice pharmacist or GP, or your local community Pharmacist.