This patient educational video was produced as a visual aid in a research project and is not intended or authorised for further distribution. Title of the research project: The introduction and evaluation of a pharmacist-developed multimedia educational tool as an adjunct to patient counselling on apixaban. Any questions? Please forward them to valerie.sim@health.sa.gov.au
This video will answer some common questions about apixaban such as and what to keep in mind while you are taking apixaban. apixaban is a blood thinner that stops blood clots from forming. atrial fibrillation increases your risk of having a stroke. therefore, blood is not being pumped away from the heart properly. blood clots formed inside your bloodstream are dangerous
And life threatening. blood thinners like apixaban prevent blood clots it’s important to follow your doctor’s directions when taking apixaban. don’t stop taking apixaban or lower your dosage it can increase your risk of developing a blood clot, which can lead to a serious and life-threatening problem such as a stroke. if you do not understand the instructions on
The box, we’ve discussed how important it is to take apixaban exactly as your doctor has told you. so, why is it dangerous to forget to take a tablet? so what should you do if you realise you have missed a dose? never take two tablets at the same time, nor take extra tablets to make up for the missed dose. remember, take apixaban regularly as instructed and don’t
Miss a dose. here are a few tips on how you can incorporate or use a dose administration aid such as a dosette box. speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more useful tips. apixaban needs to be taken as directed by your doctor, or call the poisons information centre on 13 11 26 for advice, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. like all medications,
Apixaban can cause side effects, these are some of the possible side effects unexplained tiredness, headaches, dizziness, or pale skin, but it is important to remember that you may not experience any of them. while taking a blood thinner such as apixaban, are there any activities that might put you at risk of falling, getting cuts, bruises or serious injuries? take care
When using sharp objects such as kitchen knives or scissors, wear shoes and non-slip footwear, especially outdoors, even if you feel fine and there are no visible signs of injury. inform your doctor, surgeon or dentist that you are taking apixaban you should consider wearing a medic alert bracelet, these help to inform others that you are taking you might be surprised
To learn that some medicines may be affected by apixaban or they may interfere with how well apixaban works. and those you can buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket, naturopath or health food store. avoid taking other medicines that are blood thinning, such as aspirin ibuprofen, nurofen®, advil®, voltaren®, or diclofenac. it is recommended that you
Discuss your alcohol intake with your doctor. if you plan to become pregnant or think you are pregnant, please tell your doctor as soon as possible. we hope this video has given you an insight together with, why you need to take it, how to take it, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Transcribed from video
A pharmacist-developed patient educational video on apixaban – atrial fibrillation By Valerie Sim
