Understanding DVT and Apixaban Treatment
I'm a 40-year-old male, weighing 120kg and standing at 127cm. I'm Caucasian, do not smoke, and consume alcohol infrequently. I don't have any known family history of health issues. Hello doctors, Yesterday afternoon, I started experiencing significant soreness in my calf. About three weeks ago, I sustained a sprain in my midfoot along with an avulsion fracture of the cuboid bone, for which I was advised to use a cam boot. Initially, I followed the RICER method for two weeks, elevating my foot most of the time and only wearing the boot while walking. However, over the past two to three days, I've had to keep the boot on for the majority of the day because I was unable to elevate it. Today, I visited a small, understaffed local hospital to have my calf examined. It was discovered that I have a 10cm blood clot in my calf region, but thankfully the area above my knee is unaffected. The first doctor I saw had to leave for an emergency before he could prescribe my medication. Another physician stepped in, but their English wasn’t very clear, and I felt quite hurried during the consultation. I've received proper dosage instructions from the pharmacy, but I would like to know if there are any important considerations I should keep in mind. Specifically, what are the risks of serious bleeding while taking apixaban? I've been prescribed apixaban for three months at a dosage of two 5mg tablets twice daily for the first week, followed by one tablet daily thereafter. Are there any additional steps I can take to assist in managing the clot?
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 6:50:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a challenging situation with a recently diagnosed blood clot and starting on apixaban as part of your treatment. Here’s what you need to know about managing your condition and the medication:
Key Points:
- Apixaban Management: It's crucial to understand the risks of bleeding while on this medication.
- Blood Clot Care: There are supportive measures you can take to help manage the clot and your recovery.
Explanation:
Apixaban is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that helps prevent blood clots from getting bigger and reduces the risk of new clots forming. While it is effective, it does come with the risk of increasing bleeding, which can be serious if not monitored.
Risks of Serious Bleeding:
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Types of Bleeding: With apixaban, be vigilant for signs of serious bleeding, which can include:
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Blood in your urine or stool (often appearing as dark or red)
- Coughing up blood or having blood in sputum
- Severe headache or dizziness indicating potential bleeding in the brain
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Monitoring: It's essential to inform your healthcare provider if you notice any of these signs. Regular follow-ups will help manage your dosage and monitor for side effects.
Next Steps:
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Adhere to Medication Schedule: Keep taking apixaban as prescribed, starting with the higher dosage for the first week followed by the lower maintenance dose.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any unusual symptoms, especially related to bleeding. Consider keeping a journal of any new symptoms to discuss with your provider at your next visit.
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Elevate Your Leg: Elevating your leg as much as possible can help reduce swelling and improve circulation. Use pillows to keep your leg elevated when resting.
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Gentle Movement: Engage in gentle movements as advised (like ankle pumps) to promote blood flow without straining your injury. Avoid putting weight on the injured foot until you receive further guidance.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin the blood naturally, which could be beneficial while on anticoagulants.
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Follow-Up Care: Plan for a follow-up with your healthcare provider to discuss your ongoing care plan, how you’re tolerating apixaban, and to assess the status of your clot.
Please take care of yourself, and if you have any further questions or feel uncertain about your treatment, don't hesitate to discuss this with your healthcare provider. You're not alone in this, and it’s good to seek clarity when you need it.
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