Drug Interactions between Eliquis and famotidine / ibuprofen

MONITOR CLOSELY: Concomitant use of apixaban with other agents that alter hemostasis such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet aggregation inhibitors, other anticoagulants, thrombolytic agents, or drugs that cause thrombocytopenia may increase the risk of bleeding. In patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia or spinal puncture, the risk of developing an epidural or spinal hematoma during apixaban therapy may also be increased by the concomitant use of other drugs that affect coagulation. The development of epidural and spinal hematoma can lead to long-term neurological injury or permanent paralysis.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended if apixaban must be used with other agents that alter hemostasis. Patients should be monitored for increased anticoagulant effects and bleeding complications. In patients undergoing neuraxial intervention, coadministration of these agents should be approached with caution and only after thorough assessment of risks and benefits. Besides bleeding complications, patients should also be monitored frequently for signs and symptoms of neurologic impairment such as midline back pain, sensory and motor deficits (numbness or weakness in lower limbs), and bowel or bladder dysfunction.

H2 antagonists may alter the pharmacokinetic disposition of some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), resulting in increased or decreased plasma concentrations. Data have been varied, even for the same NSAID. The mechanism may involve inhibition of metabolism, changes in gastric pH resulting in altered absorption, and/or reduced urinary elimination of the affected NSAIDs. Statistically significant changes have been small and of limited clinical significance when interactions have been observed.