Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Lixiana (Edoxaban).
Bleeding: Lixiana (Edoxaban) is intended to decrease dangerous clotting, but it can contribute to serious and possibly deadly bleeding. If you experience an increase in bruising, difficulty stopping bleeding from cuts, or increased nosebleeds, contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you experience symptoms of bleeding from the stomach, such as vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds, passing blood in the stool, or coughing up blood, seek immediate medical attention.
Kidney function: Decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease can cause Lixiana (Edoxaban) to build up in the body, increasing the risk of side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Lixiana (Edoxaban) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lixiana (Edoxaban), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: The safety and effectiveness of using Lixiana (Edoxaban) if you have severely reduced liver function has not been determined. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Lixiana (Edoxaban) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lixiana (Edoxaban), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Lixiana (Edoxaban) is not recommended for people with severe liver dysfunction.
Spinal or epidural catheters: Lixiana (Edoxaban) should not be taken by people who have spinal or epidural catheters in place (or for 5 hours after their removal) or by people receiving pain medications through an epidural catheter.
Stopping the medication: If you need to discontinue Lixiana (Edoxaban), talk to your doctor. If the Lixiana (Edoxaban) is stopped too early, there is an increased risk of experiencing a dangerous blood clot.
Surgery: If you are going to have surgery or a dental procedure, let your doctors know that you are taking Lixiana (Edoxaban). Depending on the type of surgery, your doctor may stop Lixiana (Edoxaban) to reduce the risk of increased bleeding during surgery and delayed healing afterward.
Pregnancy: Lixiana (Edoxaban) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Lixiana (Edoxaban), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Lixiana (Edoxaban) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Lixiana (Edoxaban), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Lixiana (Edoxaban) have not been established for children.