NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Apixaban

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Apixaban is a direct oral factor Xa inhibitor with strong evidence from the ARISTOTLE trial showing superiority to warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation with less bleeding. It is also approved for DVT/PE treatment and thromboprophylaxis after hip or knee replacement surgery.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
11 2015–2026
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Apixaban is a direct oral factor Xa inhibitor with strong evidence from the ARISTOTLE trial showing superiority to warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation with less bleeding. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is AF: 5 mg twice daily (2.5 mg twice daily if meeting dose reduction criteria); DVT/PE: 10 mg twice daily for 7 days, then 5 mg twice daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 11 sources.

What it's good for
  • Superior to warfarin for stroke prevention with less bleeding (ARISTOTLE)6,1
  • No routine INR monitoring required
  • Fixed-dose regimen9
  • Fewer drug and food interactions than warfarin
  • Lower intracranial hemorrhage risk than warfarin2,1
What to watch for
  • Bleeding (major and clinically relevant non-major)
  • Bruising
  • Nausea
  • Active pathological bleeding6
  • Severe hypersensitivity to apixaban1,2

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: superior to warfarin for stroke prevention with less bleeding (aristotle), no routine inr monitoring required, fixed-dose regimen. 11 sources indexed (2015–2026), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Selectively and reversibly inhibits free and clot-bound factor Xa, a key protease in the coagulation cascade at the convergence of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. By inhibiting factor Xa, it reduces thrombin generation and thrombus formation without directly affecting existing thrombin. Predictable pharmacokinetics allow fixed dosing without routine monitoring.

Class
Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC)
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
AF: 5 mg twice daily (2.5 mg twice daily if meeting dose reduction criteria); DVT/PE: 10 mg twice daily for 7 days, then 5 mg twice daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral tablet

Can be taken with or without food; tablets may be crushed and mixed with water or applesauce for patients with difficulty swallowing9

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Bleeding (major and clinically relevant non-major)
  • Bruising
  • Nausea
  • Anemia
  • Epistaxis
  • Gingival bleeding

Contraindications

  • Active pathological bleeding6
  • Severe hypersensitivity to apixaban1,2
  • Prosthetic heart valves (not recommended)
  • Triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome
  • Concurrent strong dual CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors or inducers
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

5

Randomized controlled trials

1

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Apixaban, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Apixaban?

Apixaban is a direct oral factor Xa inhibitor with strong evidence from the ARISTOTLE trial showing superiority to warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation with less bleeding. It is also approved for DVT/PE treatment and thromboprophylaxis after hip or knee replacement surgery.

What is Apixaban used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Apixaban include: Superior to warfarin for stroke prevention with less bleeding (ARISTOTLE); No routine INR monitoring required; Fixed-dose regimen; Fewer drug and food interactions than warfarin; Lower intracranial hemorrhage risk than warfarin. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Apixaban?

A typical adult dose of Apixaban is AF: 5 mg twice daily (2.5 mg twice daily if meeting dose reduction criteria); DVT/PE: 10 mg twice daily for 7 days, then 5 mg twice daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Apixaban?

Reported side effects include bleeding (major and clinically relevant non-major), bruising, nausea, anemia, epistaxis, gingival bleeding. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Apixaban?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Apixaban in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.