Savaysa (Edoxaban) for Heart Disease

Overview
Savaysa, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm unrelated to valve issues). Savaysa should only be used in individuals with a creatinine clearance (CrCL, a measure of kidney function) within a certain range. Savaysa is also approved to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT, blood clots in veins, typically in the legs) and pulmonary embolism (PE, blood clots in the lungs) following five to 10 days of initial treatment with an injectable anticoagulant. Savaysa is also known by its drug name, edoxaban.

Savaysa is a factor Xa inhibitor, a type of anticoagulant that works by blocking an enzyme (protein) in the blood-clotting process. This helps prevent blood clots from forming, thereby reducing the risk of stroke, pulmonary embolism, and other severe complications in people with certain heart or clotting conditions.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Savaysa is taken orally as a tablet once daily. Dosing size generally depends on a person’s CrCL. For treating DVT or PE, the recommended dosing schedule is once daily after completing five to 10 days of initial therapy with an injectable anticoagulant. This medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by a health care provider. 

Side effects
Common side effects of Savaysa vary depending on the condition being treated.

For nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, common side effects include bleeding and anemia (low red blood cell count). For DVT and pulmonary embolism PE, common side effects include bleeding, rash, abnormal liver function tests, and anemia.

Rare but serious side effects are similar across all conditions for which Savaysa is prescribed. These may include severe bleeding, spinal or epidural hematomas (accumulation of blood near the spinal cord) which may lead to paralysis, and ischemic events (such as blood clots) if the medication is prematurely discontinued without alternative anticoagulation. Additionally, in individuals with triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome (an autoimmune clotting disorder), Savaysa may increase the risk of blood clots.

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Label: Savaysa — Edoxaban Tosylate Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed