Apixaban is a new oral anticoagulant (NOACs: Novel Oral Anticoagulant), like 
dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban. All of them are prescribed to patients 
with non valvular atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism, to replace 
warfarin, because of the lower probability of bleeding, however they can cause 
bleeding by themselves. Bleeding is an adverse event in patients taking 
anticoagulants. It is associated with a significant increase of morbidity and 
risk of death. However, these drugs should be used only for the time when 
anticoagulation is strictly required, especially when used for preventing deep 
vein thrombosis. Prolonged use increases the risk of bleeding. In the ARISTOTLE 
Trial Apixaban, compared with warfarin, was associated with a lower rate of 
intracranial hemorrhages and less adverse consequences following extracranial 
hemorrhage. Many physicians still have limited experience with new oral 
anticoagulants and about bleeding risk managment. We reviewed the available 
literature on extracranial and intracranial bleeding concerning apixaban.