Edoxaban at a glance
Medicine class
Direct oral anticoagulant and direct factor Xa inhibitor.
Food
The tablet can be taken with or without food.
Swallowing difficulties
Lixiana tablets may be crushed and mixed with water or apple puree. Administration through a gastric tube is also licensed.
Safety card
Carry the anticoagulant alert card and show it before medical, dental or surgical procedures.
What is Edoxaban used for?
Lixiana is licensed in adults for:
Preventing stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation when at least one additional risk factor is present.
Treating deep vein thrombosis.
Treating pulmonary embolism.
Preventing recurrent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
How does Edoxaban work?
Edoxaban directly and reversibly blocks factor Xa, a key enzyme in blood coagulation. This reduces thrombin generation, making clots less likely to form or enlarge.
How to take Edoxaban
Follow the prescription label. Do not stop edoxaban without discussing it with the prescriber because protection from blood clots can be lost quickly. Tell healthcare professionals that you take an anticoagulant before procedures.
Swallow the tablet with water, with or without food.
If needed, Lixiana may be crushed and mixed with water or apple puree and administered promptly.
Crushed tablets may be given through a nasogastric or gastric feeding tube as described in the product information; flush the tube with water afterwards.
Carry the anticoagulant alert card.
Edoxaban side effects
Common or expected effects
- Bleeding more easily, including nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavier vaginal bleeding, blood in urine or easy bruising.
- Anaemia, which may cause tiredness, pallor, breathlessness or palpitations.
- Dizziness or headache.
- Nausea or abdominal pain.
- Rash or itching.
Get urgent medical advice
- Heavy, persistent or internal bleeding, including blood in vomit, coughed-up blood, black stools or bleeding that will not stop.
- Possible bleeding in the brain, with sudden severe headache, confusion, seizures, visual change, slurred speech or limb weakness.
- Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty, collapse or marked confusion.
Edoxaban in pregnancy
Lixiana is contraindicated during pregnancy because edoxaban crosses the placenta and there are concerns about reproductive toxicity and bleeding. Contact the prescriber promptly if pregnancy occurs or is planned so anticoagulation can be reviewed.
Edoxaban while breastfeeding
Lixiana is contraindicated during breastfeeding. UK specialist guidance advises using a better-supported anticoagulant because published evidence in breastfed infants is lacking.
Edoxaban interactions
Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before starting, stopping or changing any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.
Other anticoagulants
The combination substantially increases bleeding risk and is contraindicated except in defined switching or specialist-managed circumstances.
Aspirin and antiplatelets such as clopidogrel
These can increase clinically important bleeding and require a clear clinical indication and review.
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen
These increase bleeding risk. Chronic use is not recommended; check before non-prescription use.
Common questions about Edoxaban
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can edoxaban be taken with food?
Yes. Lixiana tablets can be taken with or without food.
Can Lixiana tablets be crushed?
Yes. They may be crushed and mixed with water or apple puree. Specified gastric-tube administration is also supported.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.