Blood Thinners for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Which Is Best?
Blood thinners like Eliquis and Xarelto are the preferred drug of choice for treating atrial fibrillation (AFib). Learn about how they work, plus other alternatives, here.
Savaysa
Used for Atrial Fibrillation, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Stroke Risk Reduction
Used for Atrial Fibrillation, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Stroke Risk Reduction
Savaysa, the brand name for edoxaban, is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It’s used to help prevent blood clots and strokes in certain people with atrial fibrillation. This medication can also treat blood clots. The dose is typically one 60 mg tablet by mouth once daily, but it might be lower if you have kidney problems. Since it’s a blood thinner medication, Savaysa (edoxaban) can raise your chance of bleeding as a side effect. As of early 2025, there's no FDA-approved generic version available yet.
What is Savaysa (edoxaban)?
What is Savaysa (edoxaban) used for?
- Prevention of stroke and blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF)
- Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after 5 to 10 days of therapy with an injectable blood thinner
How Savaysa (edoxaban) works
Savaysa (edoxaban) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It works by stopping a protein called factor Xa. Factor Xa helps your body make clots.
By blocking factor Xa, Savaysa (edoxaban) helps prevent blood clots from forming. This lowers the risk of having blood clots that can lead to other problems like a stroke.
When it’s used for treating a blood clot, Savaysa (edoxaban) helps make sure the clot doesn’t get bigger.
When does Savaysa (edoxaban) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Savaysa |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Anticoagulant |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Savaysa (edoxaban)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Any type of bleeding
Less Common Side Effects
- Rash
- Change in liver tests
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
Savaysa (edoxaban) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious bleeding or large loss of blood: frequent nosebleeds, severe weakness, confusion, coughing up blood, severe vomiting, bloody urine, dark and tarry stool
- Problems from bleeding around the spinal cord after spinal procedures: numbness, weakness, tingling or burning feeling in your back or legs, can’t control your bladder or bowel movements
When do Savaysa (edoxaban) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Risk of easy bleeding or bruising
Risk of serious bleeding
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
The following Savaysa (edoxaban) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
- Bleeding in the brain—severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, dizziness, change in vision, numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, trouble walking, vomiting
- Heavy periods
Get your GoodRx coupon
$548.51
GoodRx discount
$446.63
Pros and cons of Savaysa (edoxaban)
Pros
- Oral medication that's only taken once a day
- Can take with or without food and doesn't interact with any specific foods
- Doesn't require frequent blood tests to check how well it’s working and how safe it is
Cons
- Not for people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) whose kidneys work too well
- Not recommended if you have artificial heart valves or certain problems with your heart valves
- Doesn't have an antidote (an option to reverse serious bleeding)
Pharmacist tips for Savaysa (edoxaban)
- Follow your prescriber or pharmacist’s directions when switching between blood thinners. For example, you might switch from warfarin (Coumadin) to Savaysa (edoxaban), or from Savaysa (edoxaban) to another blood thinner. They’ll tell you when to stop the old blood thinner and when to start the new one. This makes sure there aren’t any gaps in your treatment to lower your risk for blood clots or a stroke.
- Take Savaysa (edoxaban) with or without food at the same time every day. Taking the medication the same way and time every day can help you remember to take it since it becomes a part of your daily routine.
- To make sure you don’t get a clot, don’t stop taking Savaysa (edoxaban) without instructions from your prescriber. And always call the pharmacy for refills ahead of time so that you don’t run out of medication at home.
- Savaysa (edoxaban) can cause easy bleeding or bruising. Although not common, also be sure to watch out for signs of more serious bleeding. This can include frequent nosebleeds, confusion, coughing up blood, severe vomiting, or having dark, tarry stool. If you’re worried about any bleeding or think it’s serious, get immediate medical help.
- If you miss your dose of Savaysa (edoxaban), take it as soon as you remember as long as it's the same day. If it's the next day, skip the missed dose and wait to take the medication when you usually do. Never double up on doses because it raises your risk of bleeding.
- Make sure all your healthcare professionals (HCPs), dentists, and surgeons know you're taking Savaysa (edoxaban). This medication can make it more likely for you to bleed during a procedure. So your HCP might tell you to stop taking Savaysa (edoxaban) for a short time before the procedure. Then, they’ll give you instructions on how to start your blood thinner again. This can include a transition period with an injectable blood thinner like enoxaparin (Lovenox).
- Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before starting any medications. This includes common over-the-counter (OTC) medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin. These medications can make you bleed more easily. Taking them together with Savaysa (edoxaban) can raise the risk of serious bleeding.
- Talk to your prescriber if you’re taking Savaysa (edoxaban) and become pregnant or plan to become pregnant. There’s not enough information to know if this medication is safe during pregnancy. Your prescriber will probably suggest an injectable anticoagulant, like enoxaparin (Lovenox), that’s safer to use while pregnant.
- It’s not recommended to breastfeed while taking Savaysa (edoxaban). There haven’t been any studies about the medication in people who are breastfeeding or the effects it could have on an infant. But there’s a potential for serious harm to the infant, like serious bleeding. Talk to your prescriber about the best options for you.
More on Savaysa (edoxaban) tips
Risks and warnings for Savaysa (edoxaban)
Savaysa (edoxaban) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Less effective for people with atrial fibrillation whose kidneys work too well
- Risk factors: Excellent kidney function (filtration rate that’s greater than 95 mL/min) | Younger age
People with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and a creatinine clearance greater than 95 mL/min shouldn’t take Savaysa (edoxaban). In studies, these people had a higher risk of having a stroke while taking Savaysa (edoxaban) than those who took warfarin (Coumadin).
Creatinine clearance is a measure of kidney function. It describes how quickly your kidneys filter things out of your blood. This includes medications like Savaysa (edoxaban). The higher the creatinine clearance, the faster your kidneys filter things out. When the body gets rid of Savaysa (edoxaban) too quickly, the medication might not work as well. This can raise the risk of blood clots.
Your prescriber will check your kidney function before you start Savaysa (edoxaban). They might also check whenever they think it’s necessary during treatment. Be sure to get any blood work done as instructed to make sure Savaysa (edoxaban) is safe for you.
Higher risk of blood clots or stroke when you stop the medication too soon
Don't stop taking Savaysa (edoxaban) before your prescriber tells you to. If you do, you could be at a higher risk for a stroke or heart attack, especially if you have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Talk to your prescriber first if you want to stop taking this medication or switch to a different blood thinner.
Bleeding risk
- Risk factors: Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other medications that increase risk of bleeding | People at higher risk of bleeding | People with kidney or liver problems
Savaysa (edoxaban) can raise the risk of bleeding. Sometimes, bleeding can be serious or life-threatening. The risk is higher if you take Savaysa (edoxaban) with other medications that also make bleeding more likely. Signs of serious bleeding can include intense pain, feeling very weak, fast breathing, bloody vomit, or bloody stool. If you have any of these signs, get medical help right away.
It's very important that all your healthcare professionals and the emergency medical team know you're taking Savaysa (edoxaban). You might also want to wear a medical alert bracelet that says you take this medication. This helps medical staff know how to respond in an emergency even if you can’t communicate with them. There are ways to treat bleeding caused by Savaysa (edoxaban) in an emergency. But it doesn’t have an antidote like some other blood thinners do.
Risk of bleeding around the spinal cord after spinal procedures
- Risk factors: Spinal puncture (spinal tap) | Getting anesthesia in or around the spine (spinal or epidural anesthesia) | Using a spinal catheter after surgery | History of spinal surgery | Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other blood thinners
Tell your care team that you’re taking a blood thinner like Savaysa (edoxaban) before you have back surgery or any kind of spinal procedure. They’ll consider the risks and benefits for you. Blood thinners can make it more likely for you to bleed around your spinal cord during a spinal tap or epidural. This bleeding could cause paralysis. Call your prescriber right away if you feel pain, tingling, burning, numbness, weakness, or have trouble urinating. These could be signs of a spinal cord problem.
Higher risk of clotting in people with triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome
Savaysa (edoxaban) isn’t recommended for people with triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune condition that can make it more likely to form clots. People with APS might be more likely to have another clot when taking blood thinners like Savaysa (edoxaban) compared to those taking warfarin (Coumadin).
Savaysa (edoxaban) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 60mg of Savaysa (edoxaban) is $446.63 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 18.57% off the average retail price of $548.51. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15mg | 30 tablets | $447.05 | $14.90 |
| 30mg | 30 tablets | $447.05 | $14.90 |
| 60mg | 30 tablets | $446.63 | $14.89 |
Typical dosage for Savaysa (edoxaban)
The typical dose is one 60 mg tablet by mouth once a day.
Some people might need to take a lower dose (one 30 mg tablet once a day). This includes people who have kidney problems. For treating blood clots, it also includes people who weigh 132 lbs or less and people who take certain medications.
How much does Savaysa (edoxaban) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Savaysa (brand)
$446.63
Savaysa (edoxaban) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Savaysa (edoxaban) will not be safe for you to take.
- Active bleeding
What are alternatives to Savaysa (edoxaban)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Savaysa (edoxaban). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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Savaysa (edoxaban) images
