Factor Xa inhibitor (blood thinner)
SAVAYSA (edoxaban) is a prescription medicine used to lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with certain heart conditions. It is also used to treat blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism). Because it thins the blood, it can increase your risk of serious bleeding.
How it worksSAVAYSA works by blocking a specific protein in your body called Factor Xa. This protein is necessary for blood clotting, so by blocking it, the medicine helps prevent dangerous blood clots from forming.
Brand names:SAVAYSA
How to take
The standard dose is 60 mg once daily, but doses may be reduced to 30 mg based on kidney function, body weight, or other medications.
You can take SAVAYSA with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible on the same day, but do not double the dose the next day. If you have trouble swallowing, the tablet can be crushed and mixed with water or applesauce.
Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as possible on the same day. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Key warnings
SAVAYSA has several important warnings: it may be less effective for stroke prevention in people with high kidney function (CrCL > 95 mL/min); stopping the medicine too early increases the risk of blood clots; and there is a risk of spinal or epidural bleeding which can lead to permanent paralysis during certain medical procedures.
- ·SAVAYSA has several important warnings: it may be less effective for stroke prevention in people with high kidney function (CrCL > 95 mL/min); stopping the medicine too early increases the risk of blood clots; and there is a risk of spinal or epidural bleeding which can lead to permanent paralysis during certain medical procedures.
- ·Serious and potentially fatal bleeding can occur.
- ·Do not use if you have active, uncontrolled bleeding.
- ·Do not use if you have mechanical heart valves or certain types of heart valve disease (mitral stenosis).
- ·Stopping this medication early without a replacement can cause a high risk of blood clots or stroke.
- ·There is a risk of spinal or epidural hematoma if you have a spinal tap or epidural anesthesia while taking this drug.
Do not use if
- ·Active, uncontrolled bleeding
Side effects
Common
Serious
- ·Serious or fatal bleeding
- ·Spinal or epidural hematoma (blood clot near the spine) which can cause paralysis
- ·Increased risk of stroke if stopped too early
Seek help if
- ·Serious or fatal bleeding
- ·Back pain, tingling, or numbness in legs after a spinal procedure
- ·Stool or urine incontinence after a spinal procedure
Interactions
- ·Other blood thinners (anticoagulants)
- ·Antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin)
- ·NSAIDs (like naproxen or ibuprofen)
- ·Certain antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs)
- ·Rifampin
Special populations
PregnancyThere is not enough data to know if SAVAYSA is safe during pregnancy. Using blood thinners during pregnancy or labor can increase the risk of bleeding for both the mother and the baby. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.
BreastfeedingDo not breastfeed while taking SAVAYSA because it may cause serious bleeding in nursing infants.
PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of SAVAYSA have not been established for children.
GeriatricStudies show that the safety and effectiveness of SAVAYSA in elderly patients (65 and older) are similar to those seen in younger patients.
Talk to your doctor
Monitor
- ·Signs of unusual bleeding or bruising
- ·Neurological changes like numbness or weakness (especially after spinal procedures)
- ·Signs of anemia
Questions to ask
- ·Should I change my dose based on my kidney function?
- ·What should I do before having dental work or surgery?
- ·Are my other medications safe to take with SAVAYSA?
- ·How will we monitor if my blood is too thin?
Pharmacokinetics
Practical
OverdoseThere is no specific medicine to reverse the effects of SAVAYSA. An overdose increases your risk of dangerous bleeding.
Ingredients
Inactive
Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.
