WARNING

Bevyxxa (betrixaban) is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots in certain patients. Like all medications, Bevyxxa carries some risks. Common side effects include bleeding, bruising, and anemia. However, the most significant risk associated with Bevyxxa is the potential for severe bleeding, which can be life-threatening. This risk is higher in individuals with certain conditions such as kidney problems or a history of bleeding disorders. It’s crucial for patients taking Bevyxxa to closely follow their doctor’s instructions and promptly report any unusual bleeding or symptoms.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Bevyxxa (betrixaban) is prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the veins of the legs or lungs in adult patients who are hospitalized for an acute medical illness and are at risk for thromboembolic complications (blood clots that can break loose and travel through the bloodstream).

How should this medicine be used?

Bevyxxa (betrixaban) should be used exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Here are general guidelines for using Bevyxxa:

• Dosage: Take Bevyxxa exactly as directed by your doctor. The typical dosage is one tablet (150 mg) taken orally once daily with food.
• Timing: Take Bevyxxa at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your bloodstream.
• With Food: Bevyxxa should be taken with food. This helps improve absorption and reduces the risk of stomach upset.
• Swallow Whole: Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet before swallowing.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
• Duration of Treatment: The duration of Bevyxxa treatment will be determined by your healthcare provider based on your medical condition and risk factors for blood clots. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the duration of treatment.
• Monitoring: While taking Bevyxxa, your doctor may need to monitor your blood clotting time and other blood tests to ensure the medication is working effectively and not causing any adverse effects.
• Precautions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with Bevyxxa. Also, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you have, especially bleeding disorders or kidney problems.
• Bleeding Precautions: Bevyxxa increases the risk of bleeding. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of injury or bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience unusual bleeding, bruising, or signs of bleeding such as black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, or severe headache.

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about how to use Bevyxxa properly.

Other uses for this medicine

Bevyxxa (betrixaban) is primarily prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs in adult patients who are hospitalized for an acute medical illness and are at risk for thromboembolic complications. However, it may also be used off-label for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What special precautions should I follow?

Regarding special precautions for Bevyxxa:

• Bleeding Risk: Bevyxxa increases the risk of bleeding, which can be serious or even life-threatening. Inform your doctor if you have any bleeding disorders or conditions that may increase your risk of bleeding. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of injury, and report any signs of bleeding to your doctor immediately.
• Drug Interactions: Bevyxxa may interact with other medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Liver or Kidney Problems: Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, as dosage adjustments may be necessary.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It is not known whether Bevyxxa can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking Bevyxxa if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to betrixaban or any other medications.
• Surgery or Medical Procedures: Inform your healthcare providers, including dentists, that you are taking Bevyxxa before undergoing any surgical procedures or dental work. Your doctor may advise temporarily stopping Bevyxxa before certain procedures to reduce the risk of bleeding.
• Regular Monitoring: Your doctor may need to monitor your kidney function, liver function, and blood clotting time while you are taking Bevyxxa to ensure it is working effectively and not causing any adverse effects.
• Storage: Store Bevyxxa at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and ask any questions you may have about the precautions and risks associated with taking Bevyxxa.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Bevyxxa. However, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to promote overall health.
• Be mindful of consuming foods high in vitamin K, as they can affect the effectiveness of some anticoagulants. However, Bevyxxa is not significantly affected by vitamin K intake.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of Bevyxxa, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you are unsure about what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Bevyxxa (betrixaban) can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common side effects of Bevyxxa include:

• Bleeding: This is the most significant side effect of Bevyxxa. It can manifest as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, easy bruising, blood in urine or stool, vomiting blood, or unusually heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Anemia: Bevyxxa may cause a decrease in red blood cell count, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
• Nausea: Some individuals may experience nausea or an upset stomach while taking Bevyxxa.
• Headache: Headaches are a possible side effect of Bevyxxa treatment.
• Dizziness: Bevyxxa may cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some individuals.
• Increased Liver Enzymes: In some cases, Bevyxxa may lead to elevated liver enzyme levels, which can indicate liver inflammation or damage.
• Rash or Itching: Skin rash or itching may occur as a side effect of Bevyxxa.
• Swelling: Some individuals may experience swelling, particularly in the legs or ankles, while taking Bevyxxa.
• Difficulty Breathing: In rare cases, Bevyxxa may cause difficulty breathing or chest tightness.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms while taking Bevyxxa, contact your doctor or seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, if you have any concerns about potential side effects, discuss them with your healthcare provider before starting Bevyxxa treatment.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Bevyxxa:

• Storage: Store Bevyxxa tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication in its original container or packaging, and ensure it is tightly closed when not in use. Avoid storing Bevyxxa in the bathroom or kitchen, where moisture levels may be higher.
• Disposal: Dispose of Bevyxxa tablets according to local regulations or guidelines. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have unused or expired Bevyxxa tablets, consult with your pharmacist or healthcare provider on the proper disposal method, such as through a drug take-back program.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek Medical Attention: If you suspect an overdose of Bevyxxa or experience severe symptoms such as excessive bleeding, seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center. Do not attempt to treat an overdose on your own.
• Symptom Management: While waiting for medical help to arrive, follow any first aid measures recommended by emergency responders or poison control personnel. Keep the individual calm and comfortable, and monitor their vital signs until help arrives.

What other information should I know?

• Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care, including dentists and specialists, that you are taking Bevyxxa.
• Attend all scheduled appointments with your doctor for monitoring and follow-up.
• Carry a medical alert card or bracelet indicating that you are taking Bevyxxa in case of emergencies.
• Inform your doctor if you experience any new or unusual symptoms while taking Bevyxxa.
• Avoid activities that may increase your risk of injury or bleeding while taking Bevyxxa.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding dosage, timing, and any precautions associated with Bevyxxa.

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about the storage, disposal, emergency procedures, or other aspects of taking Bevyxxa.