Eliquis is the brand name for Apixaban medication and is primarily used to prevent blood clots and to lower the risk of having a stroke due to an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or following knee or hip surgery when your movement may be limited. There are a number of reasons your doctor may prescribe Eliquis for you. Apixaban may be used to treat blood clots in your lungs resulting from pulmonary embolism (PE) or blood clots in your legs from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). As well as being prescribed to treat blood clots, Eliquis may also be used to lower the risk of re-occurrence.