Apixaban Is a Prescription Blood Thinner Used to Prevent Strokes and Treat Blood Clots

Apixaban is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that reduces the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation and treats deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Sold under the brand name Eliquis, it's one of the most widely prescribed blood thinners in the United States.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Apixaban in 2026 — what it is, how it's used, proper dosing, who shouldn't take it, and what it costs.

What Is Apixaban?

Apixaban is the generic name for the brand-name drug Eliquis. It belongs to a class of medications called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), specifically a Factor Xa inhibitor.

Key facts:

• Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb / Pfizer Alliance
• Drug class: Factor Xa inhibitor (anticoagulant)
• Controlled substance: No — Apixaban is not a controlled substance
• Generic available: Yes, since late 2024/early 2025
• Available forms: 2.5 mg and 5 mg oral tablets

For a plain-English explanation of how the medication works in your body, see How Does Apixaban Work?

What Is Apixaban Used For?

The FDA has approved Apixaban for the following uses:

1. Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation — Reduces the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in adults with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm that can cause blood to pool and clot in the heart.
2. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — Treats blood clots that form in the deep veins of the legs.
3. Treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) — Treats blood clots that travel to the lungs.
4. Prevention of recurrent DVT and PE — Reduces the risk of clots coming back after initial treatment.
5. DVT prevention after hip or knee replacement — Prevents blood clots following major orthopedic surgery.

Doctors also sometimes use Apixaban off-label for conditions like cancer-associated blood clots and left ventricular thrombus, though these uses have less clinical evidence.

How Is Apixaban Taken?

Apixaban is taken by mouth, twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. It can be taken with or without food.

Standard Dosing

• Atrial fibrillation (stroke prevention): 5 mg twice daily
• DVT/PE treatment: 10 mg twice daily for the first 7 days, then 5 mg twice daily
• DVT/PE prevention (after initial treatment): 2.5 mg twice daily
• Post-surgical DVT prevention: 2.5 mg twice daily, starting 12-24 hours after surgery

Dose Reduction for Atrial Fibrillation

For AFib patients, the dose is reduced to 2.5 mg twice daily if you have at least two of the following:

• Age 80 years or older
• Body weight 60 kg (132 lbs) or less
• Serum creatinine 1.5 mg/dL or higher

Important Instructions

• Swallow tablets whole, or crush and mix with water, apple juice, or applesauce if you cannot swallow pills
• Take doses at approximately the same times each day
• Do not stop taking Apixaban without talking to your doctor — premature discontinuation increases the risk of stroke and blood clots (boxed warning)

Who Should Not Take Apixaban?

Apixaban is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• Active bleeding — Any uncontrolled bleeding, such as a bleeding ulcer or recent brain hemorrhage
• Severe allergy to Apixaban — If you've had a serious reaction to the medication before
• Prosthetic heart valves — Apixaban has not been studied in patients with mechanical heart valves and is not recommended
• Triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome — This clotting disorder may worsen with Apixaban use

Use with caution if you have liver disease (mild to moderate). Avoid entirely with severe liver impairment. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How Much Does Apixaban Cost?

The cost of Apixaban depends on whether you use the brand-name or generic version, and whether you have insurance:

• Brand-name Eliquis: $500–$600 per month (without insurance)
• Generic Apixaban: $30–$80 per month (without insurance)
• With insurance: Most commercial plans and Medicare Part D cover Apixaban. Brand Eliquis is typically Tier 3 (preferred brand); generic is often Tier 1 or Tier 2.

Ways to Save

• Eliquis Savings Card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $10/month (covers up to $6,400/year; not for Medicare/Medicaid patients)
• Generic Apixaban: Ask your pharmacist to fill with generic to save $400+ per month
• Patient assistance programs: Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation provides free Eliquis to qualifying uninsured patients. Pfizer RxPathways also connects patients to help.
• Discount cards: GoodRx, SingleCare, and other tools can further reduce generic prices

For a full breakdown, see our guide to saving money on Apixaban.

Final Thoughts

Apixaban is one of the most effective and widely used blood thinners available in 2026. With generic versions now on the market, it's more affordable than ever for most patients. Whether you're newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, recovering from a blood clot, or preventing clots after surgery, understanding your medication helps you use it safely and effectively.

If you need help finding Apixaban at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can show you real-time availability in your area. And if you have questions about side effects or interactions, check our guides on Apixaban side effects and Apixaban drug interactions.