Edoxaban (Lixiana): once-daily anticoagulant explained

Edoxaban is an anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clots forming. The NHS lists preventing and treating clots including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and preventing stroke in people with atrial fibrillation.

Treatment is guided by your weight, kidneys and other medicines, and by what the prescriber is treating.

You will usually take one tablet a day at the same time every day. How much you take and for how long depends on several things, including your weight, the health of your kidneys and any other medicines you take, so your dose is not the same for everyone.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless the next dose is approaching, then skip the missed one. Do not take two doses to catch up. An extra dose can be dangerous, so contact NHS 111. The NHS says regular blood tests are offered to long-term users.

Most adults can take edoxaban. The NHS lists these exceptions: an earlier allergic reaction or serious side effect with edoxaban or another anticoagulant, active bleeding injuries, conditions that increase bleeding risk such as stomach or bowel ulcers, a recent brain bleed or brain surgery, liver or kidney disease, a prosthetic heart valve, and uncontrolled high blood pressure.

It is not suitable in pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may not be safe for the baby and passes into breast milk, and contraception is required if you could become pregnant.

Common ones are bleeding for longer than usual, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, easy bruising, heavier periods, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, headaches and itchy skin. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if these bother you.

Call 999 for anaphylaxis or signs of bleeding in the brain such as a sudden severe headache, confusion, slurred speech or difficulty moving an arm or leg. Call NHS 111 after a head injury or for other serious effects such as blood in urine or stool, vomiting blood, coughing blood, eye bleeding, bleeding from a surgical wound or anaemia with tiredness and pale skin.

Medicines the NHS names as interacting with edoxaban include other anticoagulants such as warfarin, antifungals, verapamil, SSRIs, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatories, carbamazepine and phenytoin, erythromycin, ciclosporin and St John's wort. Show your list to a pharmacist before any new purchase.

The NHS advises avoiding drinking a lot of alcohol, because it can increase the risk of side effects such as bleeding.

Do not stop unless a doctor tells you to, because stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Carry the anticoagulant alert card at all times and show it to your doctor or dentist before any medical or dental procedure.

Contraception is needed while taking it if there is a chance of pregnancy, and the NHS says you should not breastfeed while on it. Report any suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme.

Because dose and duration are individual, keep a note of your current tablet strength and the date of your last medication review. Bring it, together with your alert card, to every appointment so that any new prescriber can see at a glance that you are anticoagulated.