Apixaban 5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Preventing stroke and clots in atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat); Treating blood clots in the legs (DVT) and lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Listed MRPs range from ₹3.28 to ₹50.91 per tablet across 9 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apixaban Tablets 5mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹32.82 | ₹3.28 | 19 October 2026 |
| Apixapil 5 | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹122.15 | ₹12.21 | 19 October 2026 |
| Elixaban 5 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹179.00 | ₹17.90 | 19 October 2026 |
| Apixator 5 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹186.23 | ₹18.62 | 19 October 2026 |
| Pixaflo 5 | Lupin Ltd | 10 | ₹196.45 | ₹19.64 | 19 October 2026 |
| Abaxis 5 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹236.90 | ₹23.69 | 19 October 2026 |
| Apigy 5 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹237.08 | ₹23.71 | 19 October 2026 |
| Xapilis 5 | Abbott | 10 | ₹237.08 | ₹23.71 | 19 October 2026 |
| Eliquis 5 | Pfizer Ltd | 10 | ₹509.06 | ₹50.91 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Preventing stroke and clots in atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).
- Treating blood clots in the legs (DVT) and lungs (pulmonary embolism).
- Preventing clots from coming back after a DVT or pulmonary embolism.
- Preventing clots after hip or knee replacement surgery.
How to take it
Take it twice a day, about 12 hours apart, at the same times each day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet with water; if you cannot swallow it whole, it can be crushed and mixed with water or apple juice. The usual dose for atrial fibrillation is 5 mg twice daily, with a lower dose for some older, lighter or kidney-impaired patients; for a fresh clot a higher dose is used for the first week. Unlike warfarin, no INR tests are needed, but you must not miss doses – protection wears off within a day. Do not stop unless your doctor tells you to; stopping suddenly raises stroke risk. Carry your anticoagulant card and tell every doctor and dentist you take it.
Side effects
Common
- Bleeding more easily – nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bruising, longer bleeding from cuts.
- Heavier or longer periods.
- Nausea.
- Anaemia (tiredness, pale skin).
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Heavy or internal bleeding – blood in urine or stools, black stools, vomiting blood, coughing blood – go to hospital.
- Sudden severe headache, confusion, weakness or slurred speech (possible brain bleed) – emergency.
- Serious allergic reaction – swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
- Any head injury or fall – get checked even if you feel fine.
Safety information
Alcohol
Keep alcohol moderate. Heavy drinking raises bleeding risk and can cause falls.
Pregnancy
Not used in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy; a heparin injection is usually used instead.
Kidney problems
The dose may be reduced if your kidneys are weak, and it is avoided in severe kidney failure. Your doctor will check creatinine before and during treatment.
Liver problems
Not suitable in liver disease with bleeding risk; tell your doctor about any liver problem.
Children
Used in children only under a specialist.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember the same day, then continue twice daily as usual. Do not take two doses together to make up.
Interactions
- Painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac (NSAIDs) – higher bleeding risk; use paracetamol.
- Other blood thinners – warfarin, clopidogrel, heparin – only if your doctor plans it.
- Antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole, and HIV medicines such as ritonavir – raise apixaban levels; usually avoided.
- Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and St John's wort – lower apixaban levels and reduce protection.
- SSRI antidepressants (sertraline, escitalopram) – slightly higher bleeding risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is Eliquis 5 used for?
Eliquis 5 is apixaban 5 mg, a newer oral blood thinner. It prevents stroke in atrial fibrillation and treats or prevents clots in the legs and lungs, and after hip or knee replacement.
Eliquis 2.5 vs Eliquis 5 – which one do I need?
5 mg twice daily is the standard dose for atrial fibrillation and for long-term clot treatment. 2.5 mg twice daily is used after joint surgery, for extended prevention after a clot, or when you meet the criteria for dose reduction (older age, low weight, reduced kidney function). Your doctor decides.
Does apixaban need INR blood tests like warfarin?
No. Apixaban has a predictable effect, so routine INR monitoring is not needed. Your doctor will still check your kidney function and haemoglobin from time to time.
Can I take Eliquis 5 with alcohol?
Keep alcohol moderate. Heavy drinking increases bleeding risk and the chance of falls and head injury.
What if I miss a dose of Eliquis?
Take it as soon as you remember the same day and continue your usual twice-daily schedule. Do not double up. Missing doses leaves you unprotected, so set a reminder.
Can I take Ecosprin or painkillers with apixaban?
Low-dose aspirin is combined only when a cardiologist specifically prescribes it. Avoid ibuprofen, diclofenac and other NSAIDs; paracetamol is the safe painkiller.
Do I need to stop Eliquis before surgery or dental work?
Tell the surgeon or dentist in advance. Apixaban is usually paused 24 to 48 hours before procedures with bleeding risk, depending on your kidneys; minor dental work may not need a pause. Never stop it on your own.
Is Apixapil 5 the same as Eliquis?
Yes. Apixapil, Apigy, Elixaban and other Indian brands contain the same apixaban 5 mg as Eliquis. The active molecule and dose are identical; ask your doctor before switching brands.
Is Eliquis safe in pregnancy?
No. Apixaban is not used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be; heparin injections are usually used instead.
Sources
- NHS – Apixaban (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms