What adjustment is made to the dose of Eliquis for elderly patients or those with specific criteria?

The adjustment to decrease the dose of Eliquis to 2.5 mg twice daily for elderly patients or those with specific criteria is based on the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug and the increased risk of bleeding in these populations.

Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, and it requires careful dose management among certain groups, particularly older adults, individuals with renal impairment, or those with a body weight below a certain threshold. Evidence indicates that these patients may experience enhanced drug effects and an increased risk of adverse outcomes, particularly bleeding, with the standard dose.

By reducing the dose to 2.5 mg twice daily, the risk of complications is lowered while still maintaining effective anticoagulation. This adjustment highlights the importance of individualized care and the need to consider patient-specific factors, such as age and renal function, in managing anticoagulation therapy. Adjusting the dose appropriately helps maintain the balance between efficacy and safety in vulnerable patient populations.