Question 64

Therapeutic duplication would be a concern for a patient prescribed both Eliquis and rivaroxaban.

Therapeutic duplication occurs when a patient is prescribed multiple medications that serve the same therapeutic purpose, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Eliquis and rivaroxaban are both anticoagulants, and prescribing them together can significantly raise the risk of bleeding complications.

A) rivaroxaban

Rivaroxaban is another direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that functions similarly to Eliquis (apixaban) in preventing and treating thromboembolic events. Prescribing these two medications together constitutes therapeutic duplication, as they both inhibit factor Xa, leading to an increased risk of bleeding without additional therapeutic benefit.

B) eletriptan

Eletriptan is a medication used to treat migraines and does not have any anticoagulant properties. Thus, there is no concern for therapeutic duplication with Eliquis, as the pharmacological classes and therapeutic indications differ significantly.

C) eltrombopag

Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist used to treat thrombocytopenia. It does not overlap in function with Eliquis, which is an anticoagulant, and therefore does not pose a risk of therapeutic duplication.

D) risperidone

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic used for various psychiatric disorders. It does not have any anticoagulant effects and thus is not a medication that would lead to therapeutic duplication with Eliquis.

Conclusion

The correct answer, rivaroxaban, represents a significant concern for therapeutic duplication when prescribed alongside Eliquis due to their similar mechanisms as anticoagulants. In contrast, the other options—eletriptan, eltrombopag, and risperidone—do not share the same therapeutic effects, making them safe from duplication risks. Therefore, understanding the implications of combining these medications is crucial for patient safety.