What should I do if I miss an Eliquis (apixaban) dose?
If you miss a dose of Eliquis, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. If you do not remember until it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
Can I take two doses at once to catch up?
No. Eliquis should not be “caught up” by taking extra doses. Taking a double dose increases bleeding risk.
What if I take the missed dose late?
If you remember later the same day, taking the missed dose later than usual is generally preferable to skipping it, as long as it is not so late that it would overlap with your next scheduled dose. If you’re unsure, follow the “skip if close to the next dose” approach rather than doubling.
What are the risks of missing Eliquis?
Missing doses can lower the protection Eliquis provides against blood clots, which may increase the risk of clot-related events (depending on why you’re taking it, such as atrial fibrillation or treatment/prevention of DVT/PE). The safest plan is to resume your regular dosing schedule after the missed dose is handled properly.
When should I call my doctor or seek urgent help?
Contact your prescriber (or pharmacist) for guidance if:
- you miss multiple doses,
- you are unsure how much time has passed,
- you have symptoms that could suggest a clot or bleeding.
Seek urgent care right away for signs of serious bleeding (such as vomiting blood, black/tarry stools, severe or persistent bleeding, unusual severe headache, weakness on one side, or trouble speaking) or for possible stroke/clot symptoms (sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, or sudden severe leg pain/swelling).
How to prevent missed doses next time
A daily alarm, linking the dose to a regular routine (like meals), and using a pill organizer can help reduce missed doses.
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