How To Check If Apixaban Has Been Ingested?

Posted on Sun, 9 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 9 Nov 2014 Answered on

Wed, 3 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I was to take the apixaban in the morning and night. This morning I went into the bathroom but did not turn on a light. I thought I took all my prescribed medications. About an two and a half hours later, I woke up and just went into the bathroom and found an apixaban pill on the vanity. I don't know if it was an extra pill, or if I didn't take it. What do I do???

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get PT/INR.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.
I understand your concern
The best way out is immediately get a PT/INR done and decide accordingly.
But this is not feasible
So, I would advise in such situations to give a sample an take the medicine.
Wait for the results, if your results are normal (your desired INR), you can skip the next dose and carry on with routine doses.
Decision gets difficult in this case. Usually, the doctor who is managing your INR and dosage knows, how fluctuating your INR is so he decides you should take or not.
Another important concern is that for what primary reason you are taking anti coagulant?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar