Edoxaban - Brand name: Lixiana

What edoxaban is for

Edoxaban is a medicine called an anticoagulant. It helps to prevent blood clots forming. Some people call these medicines blood thinners.

It's used for conditions such as:

• a blood clot in a vein (usually in the leg) called deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• a blood clot in your lungs called a pulmonary embolism

It's also used to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with a heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation.

How to take edoxaban

Edoxaban comes as a tablet that you swallow with water.

How much you need to take and for how long depends on several things including your weight, the health of your kidneys and if you're taking other medicines.

You'll usually need to take it once a day, at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food.

If you need to take edoxaban on a long-term basis, you'll be offered regular blood tests to check your health.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

You must use contraception while taking edoxaban if there's a chance you could get pregnant. This is because the medicine could be harmful to your baby.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice about what type of contraception may be the most effective for you.

If you miss a dose of edoxaban

If you forget to take a dose of edoxaban take it as soon as you remember.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

Speak to your doctor or a pharmacist if you've missed a dose and are not sure what to do.

If you take too much edoxaban

Taking an extra dose of edoxaban can be be dangerous.

Side effects of edoxaban

Like all medicines, edoxaban can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

One of the most common side effects of taking edoxaban is bleeding more than usual. This might include:

• bleeding for longer than usual if you cut yourself
• nosebleeds
• bleeding from your gums when you brush your teeth
• bruises that come up more easily and take longer to fade than usual
• periods that are heavier and last longer than usual

Other side effects may include:

• dizziness
• feeling sick (nausea)
• tummy pain
• headaches
• itchy skin

If you feel dizzy after taking edoxaban, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until the dizziness stops.

Serious side effects

Edoxaban can sometimes cause serious side effects.

A common serious side effect is heavy bleeding or internal bleeding. This might include:

• bleeding in your pee and poo
• blood in your vomit or coughing up blood
• bleeding in your eyes
• bleeding in the brain – you might have a sudden bad headache with confusion, sensitivity to light, slurred speech, difficulty moving your arms or legs, or feeling or being sick
• bleeding from the surgical wound after you've had surgery

Other serious side effects include:

• a problem with your blood cells (anaemia), which can make you feel tired and your skin paler than usual
• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing

Who can and cannot take edoxaban

Most adults can take edoxaban.

Edoxaban is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from edoxaban or another anticoagulant
• you have injuries that are bleeding a lot
• you have a condition that increases your risk of serious bleeding, such as a stomach ulcer or bowel ulcer
• you've recently had a bleed in your brain or brain surgery
• you have liver or kidney disease
• you have a prosthetic heart valve
• you have very high blood pressure that is not responding well to standard treatment

Breastfeeding and edoxaban

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Edoxaban should not be used while breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk, and it's uncertain whether this is safe for a baby.

Pregnancy and edoxaban

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Edoxaban is not used during pregnancy as it may not be safe for the baby. Your doctor may offer you different treatment while you're pregnant.

Taking edoxaban with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with edoxaban.

This includes:

• other medicines that prevent blood clots (anticoagulants), such as warfarin
• some medicines for fungal infections (antifungal medicines)
• some medicines for heart problems, such as verapamil
• some types of antidepressant medicines, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• some painkillers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
• medicines to treat epilepsy, such as carbamazepine and phenytoin
• some antibiotics, such as erythromycin
• ciclosporin, used after an organ transplant to stop the body rejecting the donated organ
• St John's wort, a herbal remedy for low mood

Before taking edoxaban, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with edoxaban

You can eat and drink normally while taking edoxaban, but try to avoid drinking a lot of alcohol because this can increase the risk of side effects.

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