Do Not Crush Eliquis Tablets
No, you should not crush Eliquis tablets. Crushing, splitting, or chewing Eliquis (apixaban) changes how the medication works in your body and may make it less effective at preventing blood clots. The tablet is designed to release the medication at a specific rate as it travels through your digestive system, and breaking it apart disrupts that process.
If you are having trouble swallowing the whole tablet, or if you think crushing it would make taking your dose easier, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you do anything. They can suggest safe alternatives that will not reduce how well the medication protects you.
Key Takeaways
- Crushing, splitting, or chewing Eliquis tablets reduces how well the medication works and should never be done without your doctor's approval.
- If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, your pharmacist can mix it with applesauce or other soft foods, or your doctor may prescribe a different form.
- Some people mix crushed Eliquis with liquid through a feeding tube, but only when a doctor has specifically ordered this method.
- Missing doses because you cannot take the tablet as prescribed is more dangerous than the blood clot risk itself — contact your doctor when ready if swallowing is a problem.
Why the Tablet Form Matters
Eliquis is an anticoagulant, a medication that thins your blood to prevent dangerous clots. The tablet coating and structure control when and how fast the active ingredient enters your bloodstream. When you crush the tablet, you expose all the medication at once instead of releasing it gradually, which changes the concentration in your blood and may reduce its protective effect.
The manufacturer has not tested crushed Eliquis in clinical trials, so there is no data showing it works the same way. Your doctor prescribed the whole tablet form because that is the only form proven safe and effective for your condition.
Safe Alternatives If You Cannot Swallow the Tablet
If swallowing the whole tablet is difficult, tell your pharmacist before you try anything on your own. One option is to crush the tablet and mix it when ready with a small amount of applesauce or pudding, then swallow the mixture right away without chewing. This method is sometimes used when swallowing is a real problem, but only do this if your doctor or pharmacist has told you it is safe for your specific situation.
Another option is to ask your doctor whether a liquid form of apixaban is available through a specialty pharmacy. Some patients also use a feeding tube, but again, this requires your doctor's direct instruction and monitoring. Do not assume any method is safe without checking first — the stakes are too high with a blood thinner.
What Happens If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose of Eliquis because you cannot swallow it, do not try to make up for it by taking a double dose later. Instead, take your next dose at the regular time. Missing doses leaves you unprotected against blood clots, which is a serious medical emergency.
If swallowing the tablet is a recurring problem, contact your doctor or pharmacist the same day. They may adjust your prescription, change the timing of your doses, or suggest a different medication altogether. Do not skip doses on your own or try workarounds without medical guidance.
Feeding Tube Administration
If you receive nutrition through a feeding tube (nasogastric, gastric, or other type), Eliquis can sometimes be given through the tube, but only under specific conditions. The tablet must be crushed and mixed with liquid, and it must go directly into the stomach, not into the small intestine. Your doctor and pharmacist must coordinate this, and they will give you exact instructions on how to prepare and administer it.
Even with a feeding tube, some doctors may prefer to switch you to a different anticoagulant that works better in liquid form. Never crush Eliquis for tube feeding without explicit written instructions from your healthcare team.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not crush the tablet and mix it with water or juice, thinking it will dissolve like a powder. Eliquis does not dissolve completely, and you may not get the full dose. Do not crush it ahead of time and store it — the medication can degrade, and you will not know how much is actually in each dose.
Do not assume that because other blood thinners can be crushed, Eliquis can too. Different anticoagulants have different formulations and safety profiles. Do not let someone else give you information about crushing your medication — only your doctor and pharmacist know your medical history and can make that decision.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Call your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing tablets, if you have a feeding tube and need to take Eliquis, if you accidentally crushed or chewed a dose, or if you are considering stopping the medication because it is hard to take. These are all situations where your doctor needs to know and can help you find a safe solution.
If you think you took a crushed dose by accident, do not panic, but do call your pharmacist or poison control to report it. They can assess whether the dose you took is likely to be effective and advise you on next steps. Do not skip your next scheduled dose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I accidentally crushed one Eliquis tablet?
Call your pharmacist or poison control right away. One crushed dose is unlikely to cause when ready harm, but they need to know so they can advise you on whether the dose is still protective. Do not skip your next scheduled dose — take it on time as prescribed.
Can I mix crushed Eliquis with food other than applesauce?
Applesauce is the most commonly recommended option because it is mild and does not interact with the medication. If you want to use something else, ask your pharmacist first. Avoid mixing with acidic foods, alcohol, or anything that might affect how the medication is absorbed.
Is there a liquid version of Eliquis I can take instead?
Eliquis is available as a tablet only in the United States. However, your doctor may prescribe a different anticoagulant that comes in liquid form if swallowing tablets is a persistent problem. Talk to your doctor about whether switching medications is an option for you.
What if my child cannot swallow the Eliquis tablet?
Children's dosing of Eliquis is based on weight and is different from adult dosing. If your child has trouble swallowing, contact your pediatrician or the pharmacy that fills the prescription. They may have a pediatric formulation or alternative that works better for children.
Does crushing Eliquis make it work faster?
No. Crushing the tablet does not make it work faster — it actually makes it work unpredictably. The medication may enter your bloodstream too quickly or in uneven amounts, which reduces its protective effect rather than improving it. Always take it as prescribed.