Drug interactions
Apixaban + Argatroban
Severity: Major
Apixaban and Argatroban: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor and apixaban a factor Xa inhibitor, so together they give additive anticoagulation and a higher bleeding risk. Concurrent use offers no benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Apixaban and Argatroban can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Apixaban belongs to Cardiovascular; Argatroban belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive anticoagulation from direct thrombin inhibition and factor Xa inhibition.
What to do
Avoid overlap and use a single anticoagulant. When transitioning, time the switch to the next dose and monitor for bleeding.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Apixaban
- Apixaban + Dabigatran Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Defibrotide Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Edoxaban Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Apixaban Major
Other interactions of Argatroban
- Argatroban + Defibrotide Contraindicated
- Argatroban + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Argatroban + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Argatroban Major
- Acalabrutinib + Argatroban Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Argatroban Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Apixaban with Argatroban?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Apixaban and Argatroban can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor and apixaban a factor Xa inhibitor, so together they give additive anticoagulation and a higher bleeding risk. Concurrent use offers no benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Apixaban and Argatroban?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid overlap and use a single anticoagulant. When transitioning, time the switch to the next dose and monitor for bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Apixaban?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Apixaban with, for example, Dabigatran, Defibrotide, Edoxaban. The full list is on the Apixaban page.
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