Medication change – Switching to Apixaban – Your questions answered
Your Medication Has Changed: Switching to Apixaban – Your Questions Answered
Important: Your medication for atrial fibrillation has been changed to apixaban. This is a routine change to an equally effective medication. You do not need to do anything except follow the instructions in your message.
Why has my medication been changed?
Your medication has been changed to apixaban because it works just as well as your previous medication. Apixaban is now available at lower cost, which helps the NHS care for more patients. This change has been recommended by NHS England and approved by your local doctors.
Is apixaban as good as my old medication?
Yes. Apixaban and your previous medication (edoxaban) are both from the same family of medicines called Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs). NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) considers them to have similar effectiveness and safety for preventing strokes in atrial fibrillation.
When do I start taking apixaban?
Start taking apixaban at the time your next edoxaban dose would have been due. For example:
- If you take your last dose of edoxaban on Monday morning, start apixaban on Tuesday morning
- Take apixaban twice daily (morning and evening) – this is different from edoxaban which was once daily
What dose will I be taking?
Your dose has been calculated based on your age, weight, and kidney function:
- Most patients take apixaban 5mg twice daily
- Some patients take apixaban 2.5mg twice daily
The medicines team has determined the correct dose for you.
What should I do with my old tablets?
- Keep taking your current edoxaban tablets as normal
- Start taking your new apixaban at the time your next edoxaban dose would have been due
- Do not take both medications together
- Do not throw old tablets in the bin or flush them down the toilet. Return any unused tablets to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
Will I get any side effects?
Because apixaban works in a similar way to edoxaban, you should not experience any new side effects. The common side effects (such as bruising or bleeding) are the same across all DOACs. If you had no side effects with edoxaban, you’re unlikely to have them with apixaban.
How do I order my new medication?
Apixaban will now appear on your medication list when you order your repeat prescription. You can order it in the same way you normally order your medications (NHS App, online, or at your pharmacy). Edoxaban will be removed from your list.
I’ve run out of edoxaban – what do I do?
If you’ve received the message about switching but haven’t collected your apixaban yet, contact your pharmacy or GP practice. They can arrange for you to collect apixaban so there’s no gap in your treatment.
I’m worried about changing medications – can I stay on edoxaban?
This is a routine, safe change between equivalent medications. However, if you have specific concerns not covered in this information, you can contact your GP practice to discuss them.
When to contact your GP Practice:
- If you experience severe or unusual bleeding (e.g., coughing blood, blood in urine or stool, severe headache)
- If you have a fall or head injury
- If you have any other unusual symptoms after switching
When to contact your Community Pharmacist:
- If you have questions about taking your other medications
- If you’re unsure when to start your new medication
- If you haven’t received your new prescription
Can I take apixaban with my other medications?
Yes. Continue taking all your other medications as normal. Apixaban is simply replacing edoxaban. All your other medications remain the same.
Will this change affect my stroke risk?
No. Apixaban is equally effective at preventing strokes in atrial fibrillation. You should not notice any change in your level of protection.
Why should I take a cheaper version of a medicine?
“Cheaper” doesn’t mean lower quality. Apixaban costs less simply because generic versions are now available – the medicine itself is just as effective. NICE (the independent body that assesses medicines for the NHS) confirms these medications work equally well. The NHS needs these savings to fund new medicines and treatments as they become available.
Still have Questions?
Contact your Community Pharmacist or your GP practice if you have any concerns about this medication change.
Remember: This is a safe, routine change to an equally effective medication. Thousands of patients across England are making similar switches. You will continue to receive excellent care for your condition.
