On June 10, 2017, pharmaceutical giant Bristol Myers-Squibb initiated an Eliquis recall of one lot of 5 mg tablets.

Eliquis is an anticoagulant medication that was approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late December 2012. Eliquis, also known generically as apixaban, is prescribed for the prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients that have undergone total hip or knee replacements. It is also prescribed to patients with a diagnosis of non-valvular atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke.

Eliquis Recall Effects

Bristol Myers-Squibb released two dosage tablets in Eliquis. The first Eliquis tablet strength is 2.5 mg and the tablet itself is saturated yellow and stamped with 2 ½ on one side and 893 on the other side. The second Eliquis tablet strength is 5 mg and the tablet is pink, oval in shape, and stamped on one side with 5 and 894 on the other side.

According to www.rxlist.com, the recommended dose of Eliquis for the majority of patients for whom it is prescribed is 5 mg taken twice daily, for a total of 10 mg. A lower dose is opted for if two of the following criteria are met by the patient: they are greater than 80 years old; their body weight is less than 132 lbs.; or their blood level of serum creatinine is greater than 1.5 mg/dL.

Bristol Myers-Squibb initiated the Eliquis recall of one lot of Eliquis 5 mg. tablets, specifically lot #HN0063. A package from this lot was discovered by a patient to have the yellow 2.5 mg tablets inside. The Eliquis recall of the entire lot is a precautionary measure to ensure that other patients to whom the drug is prescribed get their full dosage.

According to www.fda.gov, patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation taking Eliquis to reduce their chances of having a stroke would increase their risk if they were taking a smaller than prescribed dose at 2.5 mg twice daily rather than 5 mg twice daily if this dosage mishap were to go on for any extended period.

The FDA also says that patients prescribed Eliquis as a prophylactic treatment for DVT and PE might have increased risk of developing a sizable blood clot that could grow and/or move within the circulatory-respiratory system in they were under-dosed at length, however inadvertently.

Eliquis Recall Supports

Patients which are prescribed Eliquis and have been notified of the Eliquis recall are encouraged to contact their personal prescribing physician immediately. Bristol Myers-Squibb warns patients not to stop medication without medical consultation.

If an individual is found to be in possession of a bottle of Eliquis from this lot #HN0063, they can download a form from www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a form. Forms have the address printed on them to which the packages of Eliquis should be sent.

Eliquis Side Effects

The Eliquis recall is a separate issue from reporting any adverse medical event associated with its use. Eliquis is a newer anticoagulant that has been associated with several instances of internal bleeding. If a patient wishes to report a serious medical event (SME) they can also contact the FDA through their Medwatch Adverse Event reporting program online. All patients having these experiences are also encouraged to report to their physicians first.