Savaysa

Savaysa is a medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people who have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat). Savaysa is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (a blood clot in the legs) or pulmonary embolism (PE) (a blood clot in the lungs), after you have been treated with an injectable blood thinner medicine for 5 to 10 days.

How does this medication work?

Savaysa works by stopping the formation of blood clots.

What are the beneficial effects of this medication and when should I begin to have results?

What: Savaysa may reduce the risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation, as well as treat and help prevent DVT and PE with no regular blood monitoring.

When: Everyone responds differently to treatment, so try to be patient and follow your healthcare provider's directions. It is important that you take Savaysa exactly as your healthcare provider has prescribed.

How do I know it is working?

Your healthcare provider may order tests regularly to check how well this medication is working.

The following is not a full list of side effects. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Only your healthcare provider can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.

For people who take Savaysa for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation:

Your healthcare provider should check your kidney function before you start taking Savaysa. People whose kidneys work really well should not receive Savaysa because it may not work well to prevent stroke.

Do not stop taking Savaysa without first talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping Savaysa can increase your risk of having a stroke.

For all people who take Savaysa:

People who take a blood thinner medicine like Savaysa and have medicine injected into their spinal and epidural area, or have a spinal puncture have a risk of forming a blood clot that can cause long-term or permanent loss of ability to move. Your risk of developing a spinal or epidural blood clot is higher if a thin tube called an epidural catheter is placed in your back to give you certain medicine, you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) or a medicine to prevent blood from clotting, you have a history of difficult or repeated epidural or spinal punctures, or you have a history of problems with your spine or have had surgery on your spine. If you take Savaysa and receive spinal anesthesia or have a spinal puncture, your healthcare provider should watch you closely for symptoms of spinal or epidural blood clots. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have back pain, tingling, numbness (especially in your legs and feet), muscle weakness, loss of control of the bowels or bladder (incontinence).

Common side effects may include: bleeding, anemia (low red blood cell counts).

You may have a higher risk of bleeding if you take Savaysa and take other medicines that increase your risk of bleeding, including aspirin or aspirin containing products, long-term use of NSAIDs, blood thinner medicines (such as warfarin), any medicine that contains heparin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (such as fluoxetine and sertraline) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (such as duloxetine or venlafaxine), or other medicines to prevent or treat blood clots.

Do not take Savaysa if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

Do not take Savaysa if you currently have certain types of abnormal bleeding.

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Savaysa. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have liver or kidney problems, have ever had bleeding problems, have a mechanical heart valve, if you are scheduled for surgery (including dental procedures), or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your healthcare provider uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your healthcare provider may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your healthcare provider's approval.

Adults: The recommended dose is 60 milligrams once a day.

If you have kidney problems or are taking certain other medicines, your healthcare provider may adjust your dose appropriately.

Take Savaysa exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Take Savaysa with or without food.

Do not change your dose or stop taking Savaysa without first talking to your healthcare provider.

If Savaysa is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your healthcare provider before combining Savaysa with the following: other medicines that increase bleeding risk (such as aspirin or warfarin), or rifampin.

The effects of Savaysa during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Savaysa. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

If you miss a dose of Savaysa, take it as soon as you remember on the same day and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Store at room temperature.

In the event of a medical emergency call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. In the event of overdose, call your doctor or poison control for further instructions.
National Poison Control#: Call 1-800-222-1222

This PDR+ drug information has been developed by the Physicians’ Desk Reference Network (PDRN), a source of medication information trusted by doctors for over 65 years.

This monograph summarizes the most important information about your medication and does not cover all the information you may need. If you have any questions or concerns or want to learn more about your medication, ask your healthcare provider; he/she will be able to provide answers to your questions. This medication should only be used by the patient for whom it was prescribed and should not be shared with other people.

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