What is the indication for the anticoagulant apixaban?

Apixaban is specifically indicated for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It works by inhibiting factor Xa, an important component in the coagulation cascade, ultimately preventing the formation of blood clots.

In the context of VTE, apixaban is used for the management of patients who are at risk of thromboembolic events due to factors such as orthopedic surgery (e.g., hip or knee replacement) or those with a history of thromboembolic disorders. Additionally, apixaban is also utilized in the reduction of stroke risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, linking it to broader anticoagulation therapy practices. However, its primary classification as an anticoagulant directly targets the prevention and treatment of VTE, aligning with the answer choice, which captures the essence of its main indication.