New Rx Approved to Prevent Blood Clots

(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new medication to prevent blood clots.

This new medication is called Bevyxxa (betrixaban). The FDA approved it to help prevent blood clots in adults who are in the hospital for an acute illness and at risk of getting blood clots.

Being unable to move around for an extended period can raise the risk of blood clot formation. That’s why patients who are hospitalized may be at risk of blood clots.

Betrixaban is available in capsule form and is to be taken once a day with food. The dose will be lowered for those whose kidneys do not work as well as they should.

Patients taking this medication may face a raised risk of bleeding if they take it with other medications that can increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. Always tell your health care provider about all of the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and natural supplements.

Notify your health care provider immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms of bleeding while taking betrixaban. Signs and symptoms may include any kind of unexpected bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or frequent nosebleeds.

Betrixaban includes a boxed warning that notes the risk of developing spinal or epidural blood clots. Having a medicine injected into the spinal or epidural area or having a spinal puncture raises the risk of developing a blood clot.

Speak to your health care provider about your risk of developing blood clots while in the hospital.

Bevyxxa is manufactured for Portola Pharmaceuticals.