Uses
Edoxaban is used help prevent strokes or blood clots in people who have atrial fibrillation (a condition in which the heart beats irregularly, increasing the chance of clots forming in the body and possibly causing strokes) that is not caused by heart valve disease. Edoxaban is also 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 have been treated with an injectable blood thinner medicine for 5 to 10 days. Edoxaban 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 Edoxaban
Edoxaban may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- rash
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- dizziness
- pale skin
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNINGS section, stop taking edoxaban and call your doctor immediately:
- bleeding gums
- nosebleeds
- heavy vaginal bleeding
- red, pink, or brown urine
- red or black, tarry stools
- coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Edoxaban may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking edoxaban:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to edoxaban, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in edoxaban tablets. 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, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), atorvastatin (Lipitor, in Caduet, in Liptruzet), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral), digoxin (Lanoxin), dronedarone (Multaq), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin), esomeprazole (Nexium, in Vimovo), ketoconazole (Nizoral), quinidine, rifampin (Rifadin, in Rifamate, in Rifater, Rimactane), selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Selfemra), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil, Pexeva), and sertraline (Zoloft); serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) such as desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq), duloxetine (Cymbalta), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), milnacipran (Savella), and venlafaxine (Effexor); and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan, in Tarka). 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 edoxaban, 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 if you have heavy bleeding anywhere in your body that cannot be stopped. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take edoxaban.
- tell your doctor if you weigh 132 pounds (60 kilograms) or less and if you have or have ever had any type of bleeding problem, a mechanical heart valve, antiphospholipid syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that causes blood clots), cancer of the stomach or intestine, or heart, kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking edoxaban, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking edoxaban.
Edoxaban Dosage
Edoxaban comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day. Take edoxaban at around the same times 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 edoxaban exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you are unable to swallow the tablets, crush and mix them with 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 mL) of water or applesauce. Take the mixture immediately.
If you have a gastric tube, the tablets can be crushed and mixed in water and given through the tube. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how you should take the medication. Follow those directions carefully.
Other
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking edoxaban.
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.
