Apixaban is an anticoagulant for the treatment of venous thromboembolic events. it is taken by mouth. it is a direct factor xa inhibitor.apixaban was approved in the u.s. in 2014 for treatment and secondary prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (dvt) and pulmonary embolism (pe).apixaban is indicated for the following:*to lower the risk of stroke and embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.*deep vein thrombosis (dvt) prophylaxis. dvt s may lead to pulmonary embolism (pe) in knee or hip replacement surgery patients.*treatment of both dvt and pe.*to reduce the risk of recurring dvt and pe after initial therapy.