Edoxaban is a type of medicine known as an anticoagulant.
It makes your blood flow through your veins more easily. This means your blood will be less likely to make a dangerous blood clot.
It's used to treat people who have had a health problem caused by a blood clot such as:
- a stroke
- a heart attack
- a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT)
- a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
It's also used to prevent blood clots if you're at high risk of having them in the future. People who are at high risk include those who have an irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation.
Edoxaban is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets.
Key facts
- You'll usually take edoxaban once a day.
- You can take edoxaban with or without food.
- The most common side effect is bleeding more easily than normal, such as having nosebleeds, heavier periods, bleeding gums and bruising.
- Your doctor or pharmacist will give you an anticoagulant alert card. Always carry this card with you. Show it to your doctor or dentist before you have surgery or dental treatment. It's important they know you're taking edoxaban, as it may put you at risk of bleeding.
- You can drink alcohol while taking edoxaban. But heavy drinking, especially binge drinking, can make you more likely to bleed.