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Disclaimer: This guide is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always confirm medicine, supplement and product decisions with your obstetrician, midwife, pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Medication

Is Eliquis (Apixaban) Safe During Pregnancy?

Published 2026-07-30 | By SafeMama Editorial Team | Editorial policy

Is Eliquis (Apixaban) Safe During Pregnancy? pregnancy safety guide image

Short answer

Eliquis contains apixaban. It is not used during pregnancy in NHS guidance, so contact the prescriber promptly if you take it and are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Not used in pregnancy; call prescriber

What is the safest way to think about this?

NHS apixaban guidance says apixaban is not used during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding. For someone who needs anticoagulation, the safer action is urgent prescriber contact for a pregnancy-compatible plan rather than abrupt self-stopping.

What is generally okay?

  • Tell the prescribing clinician as soon as pregnancy is possible or confirmed.
  • Ask what anticoagulant plan should replace apixaban and how quickly the switch should happen.
  • Share the dose, last tablet time, reason for treatment, clot history, kidney function concerns, and other medicines.

What should you avoid or double-check?

  • Avoid stopping all anticoagulation without a replacement plan.
  • Avoid continuing apixaban in pregnancy unless a specialist gives explicit individualized direction.
  • Avoid combining apixaban with NSAIDs, aspirin, herbal blood thinners, or other anticoagulants unless your clinician directs it.

How SafeMama helps

SafeMama can identify apixaban, Eliquis, direct oral anticoagulants, rivaroxaban, warfarin, heparin, Lovenox, aspirin, and NSAID overlaps for clinician review.

Open the SafeMama app, scan the barcode or search the ingredient, then use the result as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Can I just stop Eliquis if I am pregnant?

Do not stop all anticoagulation without medical direction. Call the prescriber urgently for a replacement plan.

Is apixaban the same as heparin?

No. Apixaban is an oral direct anticoagulant. Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin injections are different medicines.

What bleeding or clot symptoms need urgent care?

Seek urgent medical advice for heavy bleeding, black stools, chest pain, shortness of breath, one-sided leg swelling, severe headache, or neurologic symptoms.

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