What is the most effective way to take medication?

As directed by your doctor. Please do not cut a tablet as they are not scored; i.e., often the dose after 6 months is reduced 50% so if you are taking 5 mg of Eliquis twice a day and you are asked to reduce to 2.5 mg twice a day you will need a new prescription for 2.5 mg twice a day; same thing with 20 mg Xarelto daily being reduced to 10 mg a day.