A Guide to Safely Splitting Eliquis (Apixaban): What U.S. Patients Should Know



Managing medications like Eliquis (apixaban) is an essential part of preventing conditions such as blood clots, strokes, and complications following certain surgeries. However, dosing isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, patients are prescribed lower amounts than what’s available in standard tablet forms.


This leads to a common question:
“Can I cut a 5 mg Eliquis tablet in half if my doctor prescribes a lower dose?”

The answer requires thoughtful consideration. While splitting a tablet is physically possible, doing it improperly can lead to serious health risks, including improper dosing.

At BYR, we provide a prescription referral service that works with a licensed contracted pharmacy department to help U.S. patients access their medications in a safe and affordable way. In this guide, we’ll outline the facts you need to know about splitting Eliquis for personal use only.

What Is Eliquis Used For?

Eliquis (apixaban) is a commonly prescribed blood thinner used to help reduce the risk of:

  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism)

  • Stroke in individuals with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

  • Blood clot complications following hip or knee replacement surgery

Eliquis is typically prescribed in 5 mg or 2.5 mg tablets. However, not every patient requires the same dose. Healthcare providers may recommend a lower dosage based on factors such as age, kidney function, body weight, or overall health.

Can You Split Eliquis Tablets?

Yes, but with care and guidance. Eliquis tablets are not scored, meaning they don’t have a pre-marked line to guide splitting. If you attempt to split the tablet without the proper method, you risk getting uneven pieces, which can result in:

  • Underdosing, increasing the risk of blood clots

  • Overdosing, increasing the risk of bleeding

Why Might Patients Split Eliquis Tablets?

Patients may consider splitting Eliquis for several reasons, including:

  • Doctor-Recommended Dose Adjustments: A licensed U.S. healthcare provider may prescribe a lower dose that’s not commercially available in tablet form.

  • Swallowing Difficulties: Some individuals find it easier to take smaller pieces if they have trouble swallowing whole tablets.

  • Cost Savings: Some patients consider splitting higher-dose tablets for cost efficiency, but this should never be done without medical approval.

Safe Tablet Splitting: How to Do It Correctly

If your licensed U.S. physician recommends splitting Eliquis, follow these important steps:

  1. Use a Pill Cutter: Always use a professional pill splitter to achieve a cleaner, more even cut. Avoid using knives or attempting to break tablets by hand.

  2. Cut One at a Time: Only split tablets when you are ready to take them. This helps preserve medication quality.

  3. Maintain Cleanliness: Wash your hands and use a clean, sanitized pill cutter to prevent contamination.

  4. Take Immediately After Splitting: Avoid storing split tablets to reduce exposure to moisture and environmental factors.

  5. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Do not change how you take your medication without speaking to your doctor first.

Can Eliquis Be Crushed?

In certain cases, Eliquis may be crushed and mixed with liquids such as water or apple juice. This option is sometimes recommended for individuals who cannot swallow tablets. However, the mixture should be consumed within four hours of preparation. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance for this method.

Common Side Effects of Eliquis

Whether taking Eliquis whole, split, or crushed, side effects may occur. These can include:

  • Minor bleeding (such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or bruising)

  • More serious bleeding in rare cases (including gastrointestinal or internal bleeding)

  • Other complications based on your individual health condition

If you notice unusual bleeding or any concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Special Considerations for Older Adults

Healthcare providers often prescribe lower doses of Eliquis for older adults, particularly for individuals over 80, those with reduced kidney function, or those with lower body weight. The 2.5 mg dose is frequently recommended in these situations.

All prescriptions must be issued by a licensed medical doctor or primary care physician practicing within the United States and must be written in English.

BYR Prescription Use Guidelines

At BYR, we are a prescription referral service, not a pharmacy. We work with a licensed contracted pharmacy department to help U.S. residents access medications safely. Please note:

  • Prescriptions must be for personal use only.

  • We only accept prescriptions written by U.S. licensed medical doctors or primary care physicians.

  • We do not accept prescriptions issued by doctors practicing outside of the United States.

  • Prescriptions must be written in English.

  • We do not accept U.S. insurance plans, as we are located outside of the United States.

  • We do not offer telehealth services. How you choose to contact your doctor is your decision.

  • We ship directly to U.S. residences only. We do not ship to Canada, and medications cannot be picked up in Canada.

  • We do not ship medications to doctors' offices, clinics, or hospitals.

  • We can supply up to a 90-day quantity, depending on the prescription provided.

  • Orders typically arrive within 7–10 business days from the date of shipment. For shipping inquiries, please contact us directly.

Final Thoughts: Safety First in Medication Management

Splitting Eliquis tablets might seem simple, but it’s not something to do on your own. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to how you take your medication. Consistency in dosing is critical when managing anticoagulants, and even minor mistakes can lead to serious health consequences.

At BYR, we are committed to helping U.S. patients access their prescriptions safely and affordably through our prescription referral service. We prioritize safety, privacy, and service—connecting patients with licensed pharmacy services that fulfill prescriptions accurately and responsibly.

For more information, contact BYR today.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your physician or licensed healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs.

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