What is Edoxaban?
Edoxaban is a drug that blocks the action of certain clotting agents within the blood. Edoxaban is used to reduce the chance of stroke caused by a blood clot in patients who suffer from a heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation. Edoxaban is prescribed when atrial fibrillation isn't caused by a heart valve problem. Edoxaban can also be used to treat a specific type of blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that could result in blood clots within the lung (pulmonary embolism). The development of a DVT may occur after an individual has received treatment by injecting a blood thinner for 5–10 days. Edoxaban is also used to treat other conditions not mentioned in this drug guide.
Side effects of Edoxaban
Take immediate medical care when you notice symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue throat.Also seek immediate medical attention in the event that you exhibit symptoms of a spine blood clot, such as back pain and numbness, weaknesses in your lower body, or loss of bowel or bladder control. Edoxaban can make you more likely to bleed. Consult your physician immediately if you experience indications of bleeding, like:
- Bleeding or bruising (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, large menstrual blood);
- Swelling or a drainage issue from a wound, or the site where the needle was inserted into the skin
- Bleeding from wounds, needle injections, or any bleeding that isn't stopping;
- Headaches, dizziness, weakness and the feeling as though one might faint; all symptoms associated with an illness.
- Urine that appears either pink, red, or brown;
- The stool is bloody or tarry and coughs up blood or vomit that appears like coffee grounds.
Common negative side effects of edoxaban include:
- Bleeding
- Low red blood cells (anemia)—pale skin, uncharacteristically tired, being lightheaded or exhausted, cold hands and feet
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects.Report any side effects directly to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Edoxaban may cause bleeding to occur more frequently. Consult your physician immediately if you experience indications of bleeding, for example, bleeding gums, menstrual bleeding, heavy menstrual cycles, or abnormal vaginal bleeding, and you have bloody urine, bloody or tarry stools, bleeding, coughing up blood, or vomiting that resembles coffee grounds.A variety of other medications may increase the risk of bleeding when used in conjunction with edoxaban. Discuss with your doctor any medications you've recently taken.Edoxaban may cause a serious blood clot in your spinal cord when you have a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia (epidural). Tell your doctor that you're taking Edoxaban.Don't stop taking Edoxaban before first speaking with your doctor. A sudden stop can increase the chances of developing a blood clot or stroke.
Prior to use this drug
Do not take edoxaban if you have an allergy to it or if you suffer from uncontrolled or active bleeding.Edoxaban could cause a dangerous blood clot in the spinal cord if you are subjected to the procedure of a spinal tap or some form of spinal anesthesia (epidural). This kind of blood clot can cause long-term paralysis. It could be more likely to be a problem if:
- If you suffer from an inherited spinal defect
- You have a spinal catheter in its place.
- You have a previous history of back operations or spinal taps that have been repeated.
- You have had recent epidural or spinal tap anesthesia;
- You're using an NSAID, such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and more.
- You are taking other medications to treat or prevent blood clots.
Edoxaban could cause you to be more bleeding frequently, particularly if you are:
- A blood disorder that is passed down through the family or caused by a disease
- Hemorrhagic stroke;
- Uncontrolled excessive blood pressure;
- The stomach, intestinal or skin bleeding, or an ulcer
- If you take certain medications like heparin, aspirin, enoxaparin, warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), Clopidogrel (Plavix), or other antidepressants,
Speak to your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- An artificial heart valve
- Bleeding issues as well as
- Kidney or liver disease
Edoxaban used during pregnancy could cause bleeding in the mother as well as the unborn child. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant.Breastfeeding is not advised when taking edoxaban.
How to take Edoxaban?
The kidney function of your patient might require a check prior to beginning Edoxaban.Follow the directions on the prescription label and study all medication guides or instructions sheets. Your doctor may change the dosage. Make sure you take the medication exactly as prescribed.Edoxaban is a medicine that can be taken either with or without meals.If you can't take a tablet whole, crush it to mix with two to three cups of applesauce or water. Drink the mixture immediately, without chewing. Do not store it for a later time.Edoxaban could help you to lose blood even after an injury that is minor. Seek medical attention in the event that you are bleeding and it isn't stopping.If you require surgical or dental work or any medical procedure, inform your dentist or doctor beforehand that you're taking this medicine. If you require anesthesia, you might need to stop taking edoxaban for a period of time.Do not alter your dosage or stop using this medication without speaking with your doctor. Stopping suddenly can increase the risk of a blood stroke or clot.Keep it at room temperature, far from heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Atrial Fibrillation:60 mg taken orally every day
Use: Preventing stroke and systemic embolisms in atrial fibrillation that is not valvular.
Usual Adult Dose for Deep Vein Thrombosis:
60 mg orally, once a day, following 5–10 days of the initial treatment with an anticoagulant in parenteral form.
Use: Treatment for deep vein thrombosis and lung embolism within 5–10 days of anticoagulant therapy treatment.
Usual Adult Dose for Pulmonary Embolism:
60 mg taken orally every day after 5 to 10 days of the initial treatment with an anticoagulant in parenteral form.
Treatment of deep vein thrombosis and lung embolism within 5 to 10 days of anticoagulant therapy treatment.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but avoid your missed dosage if it's close to the time for the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time. Get your prescription filled prior to running out of medication completely.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose may cause excessive bleeding.
What should be avoided?
Avoid activities that increase the chance of injury or bleeding. Take extra care to avoid bleeding when shaving or brushing your teeth.
Interaction with other drugs
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, including:
- Or other medicines to stop or treat blood clots.
- A blood thinner—heparin warfarin (coumadin, jantoven);
- These are nsaids (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): aspirin, ibuprofen, aspirin (advil, motrin), naproxen (aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac (also known as indomethacin), diclofe, and many more.
- An antidepressant—citalopram, duloxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, venlafaxine, cymbalta, Prozac, Pristiq, Paxil, Zoloft, and others.
This list isn't complete, and other medications may influence edoxaban. This includes prescription as well as over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and products made from herbs. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are included here.
