Products
Edoxaban was approved in many countries and in the United States in 2015 in film-coated tablet form (Lixiana, some countries: Savaysa). In Japan, edoxaban was approved as early as 2011.
Structure and properties
Edoxaban (C24H30ClN7O4S, Mr = 548.1 g/mol) is present in the drug as edoxabantosilate monohydrate, a white to pale yellow powder that is sparingly soluble in water.
Effects
Edoxaban (ATC B01AF03) has antithrombotic properties. It is an inhibitor of factor Xa, which plays a central role in the blood clotting cascade. Factor Xa is a serine protease formed from factor X in both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and catalyzes the formation of thrombin from prothrombin. Thrombin converts fibrinogen to fibrin, promoting the formation of the fibrin plug. By inhibiting Xa, edoxaban prevents the formation of thrombi. The half-life ranges from 10 to 14 hours.
Indications
- For prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
- For treatment of venous thromboembolism including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after previous treatment with fractionated or unfractionated heparin for 5 days and prophylaxis of recurrent venous thromboembolism.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The tablets are taken once a day, regardless of meals.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include bleeding, anemia, and skin rash.