Uses
Betrixaban is used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT; a blood clot, usually in the leg) and pulmonary embolism (PE; a blood clot in the lung) in people who are hospitalized for serious illnesses and are at risk of developing a clot due to decreased ability to move around or other risk factors. Betrixaban is in a class of medications called factor Xa inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a certain natural substance that helps blood clots to form.
Side Effects Of Betrixaban
Betrixaban may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- nausea
- frequent or painful urination
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, stop taking betrixaban and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- bleeding gums
- frequent nosebleeds
- menstrual bleeding that is heavier than normal
- red, pink, or brown urine
- red or black, tarry stools
- coughing up blood or blood clots
- vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- unexpected pain, swelling, or joint pain
- headache
- dizziness or weakness
- Betrixaban prevents blood from clotting normally so it may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding if you are cut or injured. This medication may also cause you to bruise or bleed more easily. Call your doctor right away if bleeding or bruising is unusual, severe, or cannot be controlled.
Betrixaban may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking betrixaban:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to betrixaban, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in betrixaban capsules. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, and vitamins you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, Rifater). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with betrixaban, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor what nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking, especially products that contain St. John’s wort. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take St. John’s wort while taking bextrixaban.
- tell your doctor if you have bleeding anywhere in your body that cannot be stopped. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take betrixaban.
- tell your doctor if you have an artificial heart valve and if you have or have ever had any type of bleeding problem or liver or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking betrixaban, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking betrixaban.
- call your doctor right away if you fall or injure yourself, especially if you hit your head. Your doctor may need to check you.
Betrixaban Dosage
Betrixaban comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food once a day for 35 to 42 days. Take betrixaban at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take betrixaban exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take betrixaban even if you feel well. Do not stop taking betrixaban without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking betrixaban, your risk of a blood clot may increase.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
