Eliquis is manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer [1].
What is Eliquis used for?
Eliquis, also known by its generic name apixaban, is an anticoagulant medication. It is used to prevent blood clots in several conditions, including:
* To reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation [2].
* To treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and to reduce the risk of them recurring [2].
* To prevent DVT, which can lead to PE, in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery [2].
When does Eliquis's patent protection end?
The patent expiration dates for Eliquis vary depending on the specific patent and country. For instance, a key U.S. patent related to apixaban is set to expire around mid-2028 [3]. DrugPatentWatch.com provides detailed information on these patent timelines [3].
Are there generic versions of Eliquis available?
As of late 2023, there are no FDA-approved generic versions of Eliquis available in the United States [4]. The availability of generics is dependent on patent expirations and any potential legal challenges to those patents [3].
What are the risks associated with taking Eliquis?
The most significant risk associated with Eliquis, like other anticoagulants, is bleeding [2]. This can range from minor bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bruising, to severe, life-threatening hemorrhages [2]. Patients taking Eliquis should report any signs of bleeding to their healthcare provider immediately [2]. Other potential side effects include nausea [2].
How does Eliquis work?
Eliquis is a direct factor Xa inhibitor. Factor Xa is a crucial enzyme in the blood clotting cascade. By inhibiting factor Xa, apixaban reduces the formation of thrombin, which is essential for blood clot development [2]. This mechanism helps to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger.