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Savaysa vs Eliquis
Introduction
For patients at risk of stroke or blood clots due to atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) or after hip or knee replacement surgery, certain drugs that inhibit coagulation factors in the blood can help in preventing clot formation. Savaysa and Eliquis are two such anticoagulant medications often prescribed for these conditions. They each impact different aspects of the coagulation cascade, but both have a shared effect in reducing clot formation. Savaysa is an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor, affecting levels of Factor Xa which plays a key role in blood clotting. On the other hand, Eliquis also classified as an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor has similar effects on Factor Xa but differs slightly in terms of dosage regimen and renal function considerations.
What is Savaysa?
Edoxaban (the generic name for Savaysa) is a newer medication in the class of drugs known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). It works by inhibiting factor Xa, an enzyme crucial to blood clotting, which makes it particularly effective at preventing strokes and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Edoxaban was first approved by the FDA in 2015. The drug's mechanism allows it to reduce coagulation without significantly affecting other bodily systems or processes, leading to fewer side effects.
On the other hand, Apixaban (Eliquis) is another Factor Xa inhibitor popularly prescribed for similar indications as Savaysa but has a unique advantage due to its twice-daily dosing regimen that ensures consistent therapeutic levels throughout the day. Both medications have comparable safety and efficacy profiles; however, individual health factors should be considered when choosing between them.
What conditions is Savaysa approved to treat?
Savaysa is approved for the prevention and treatment of several blood clot related disorders:
- Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
- Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), following 5 to 10 days of initial therapy with a parenteral anticoagulant.
How does Savaysa help with these illnesses?
Savaysa functions to prevent blood clots by selectively inhibiting Factor X, an enzyme that plays a pivotal role in the coagulation cascade of the body. By blocking this pathway, Savaysa can effectively reduce the ability of blood to clot and thus help prevent conditions like stroke or pulmonary embolism commonly associated with atrial fibrillation or deep vein thrombosis. It's thought that individuals prone to these conditions have relatively higher levels of activated Factor X. Therefore, by decreasing its activity, Savaysa can limit the negative effects related to excessive clotting and assist patients manage their condition while reducing risk factors.
Similarly, Eliquis also works as an anticoagulant by inhibiting factor X but is often chosen due to its predictable pharmacokinetics which allows for fixed dosing without routine monitoring. Both medications should be used under professional medical guidance as they carry a risk of severe bleeding if misused.
What is Eliquis?
Eliquis is a brand name for apixaban, an anticoagulant that functions as a Factor Xa inhibitor. This means it prevents clot formation by inhibiting the action of Factor Xa, an enzyme necessary in the coagulation cascade. Apixaban was first approved by the FDA in 2012. As apixaban is not a Vitamin K antagonist like warfarin, it does not interfere with dietary intake of vitamin K-containing foods and thus has fewer drug-food interactions. Its distinct mechanism of action also contributes to its side effect profile; most notably, Eliquis causes less bleeding compared to other anticoagulants such as warfarin and requires no routine blood monitoring. These features make Eliquis particularly beneficial for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and treatment or prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), especially those who have difficulty maintaining stable international normalized ratio (INR) levels on warfarin.
What conditions is Eliquis approved to treat?
Eliquis is an anticoagulant medication approved for the prevention and treatment of:
- Blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Recurrence of DVT or PE after initial treatment.
How does Eliquis help with these illnesses?
Eliquis, like Savaysa, is an anticoagulant medication that works by blocking the activity of certain clotting factors in your blood. These medications are crucial for preventing harmful clots from forming in the body which can lead to strokes or other serious conditions. Eliquis specifically inhibits factor Xa, a key protein involved in your body's clotting process. It doesn't require regular blood testing and dietary restrictions as with warfarin (another commonly used anticoagulant), making it a more convenient choice for many patients. In comparison to Savaysa, studies have shown that Eliquis may provide superior stroke prevention and lower bleeding rates, which could make it a preferable option under certain circumstances. Therefore, depending on individual health profiles and doctor recommendations, Eliquis might be considered over alternatives such as Savaysa.
How effective are both Savaysa and Eliquis?
Both edoxaban (Savaysa) and apixaban (Eliquis) are direct oral anticoagulants, approved by the FDA within a few years of each other. They both act on clotting factors in the blood, but their targets differ slightly: Savaysa inhibits Factor Xa while Eliquis inhibits both thrombin and Factor Xa. The effectiveness of these two drugs was compared in several large international trials; they showed similar efficacy in preventing stroke or systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. In terms of safety profiles, both drugs have been associated with lower rates of major bleeding than warfarin.
In 2013, a comprehensive review demonstrated that Eliquis significantly reduced stroke or systemic embolism when compared to warfarin, without an increase in major bleeding events. It is also effective from the first day of treatment and is well-tolerated across all patient demographics including those who are elderly or at high risk for stroke.
A meta-analysis published in 2016 suggested that Savaysa has equal efficacy to warfarin for prevention against strokes and systemic emboli but carries less risk for intracranial hemorrhage—a severe side effect often associated with warfarin therapy. While it's typically considered as one among many options for anticoagulation treatment due to its newer entry into this therapeutic class, data supporting its use grows stronger over time as more clinical experience accumulates. Nonetheless, due to its unique pharmacology—particularly its once-daily dosing regimen—Savaysa may be an optimal choice for certain patients such as those struggling with adherence issues related to multiple daily doses required by some other anticoagulants.
At what dose is Savaysa typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Savaysa range from 15-60 mg/day, though studies have shown that most patients with atrial fibrillation and a moderate to high risk of stroke typically require a dose of 60 mg/day. Patients over the age of 80 or those with impaired kidney function may be started on a lower dosage such as 30 mg/day. The dosage can be adjusted based on clinical response and tolerability after several weeks if there is no improvement in the patient's condition. However, it is important not to exceed the recommended maximum daily dose of 60 mg.
Similarly, Eliquis (apixaban) is typically administered at an oral dose of 5mg twice daily for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. In certain populations, such as those who are older than 80 years old, weigh less than or equal to 60 kg, or have serum creatinine levels greater than or equal to1.5 mg/dL, the suggested dosage might be reduced down to 2.5mg taken orally twice daily.
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At what dose is Eliquis typically prescribed?
Eliquis (apixaban) therapy is generally initiated with a dosage of 2.5–5 mg twice daily for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The dose can then be adjusted based on patient's age, body weight, and kidney function. For treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), Eliquis is typically started at 10 mg taken orally twice daily for the first seven days, followed by 5 mg twice daily. If there's no adequate response to this regimen after several weeks, your doctor may need to reassess your condition and adjust the medication accordingly.
What are the most common side effects for Savaysa?
Generally speaking, both Savaysa and Eliquis are anticoagulants used to prevent blood clots. However, they do come with potential side effects. For Savaysa, the most common adverse reactions include:
- Bleeding (internal and external)
- Anemia
- Rash or itchy skin
- Dizziness
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
On the other hand, Eliquis might cause:
- Unexpected bleeding such as frequent nosebleeds and unusual bruising
- Blood in urine or stools
- Easily getting tired or weak
- Tingling numbness
Are there any potential serious side effects for Savaysa?
While Savaysa and Eliquis are both anticoagulants used to prevent blood clots, they may have different side effects. For Savaysa, these can include:
- Severe bleeding from wounds or cuts that won't stop
- Unusual bruising or discoloration on the skin
- Blood in urine or stools
- Nosebleeds, gum bleeding, heavy menstrual cycles
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat (indicates a possible allergic reaction)
Eliquis can cause similar side effects like unexpected bleeding but might also trigger symptoms like:
- Dizziness and severe headache - which could indicate internal bleeding in the brain.
- Chest pain or discomfort - a potential signs of blood clot dislodging into your lungs (pulmonary embolism)
It's important to remember that seeking immediate medical attention is necessary if any severe reactions occur while taking either of these medications.
What are the most common side effects for Eliquis?
Eliquis can potentially cause the following side effects:
- Nausea, less appetite
- Easy bruising or increased bleeding tendency
- Headache and feeling dizzy
- Skin rash or minor itching
- Elevation in liver enzymes (hepatic transaminase)
- Allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling on face/lips/tongue/throat.
However, it's essential to remember that not everyone will experience these side effects and some people might not have any at all. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice about potential side effects based on your health history and current condition.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Eliquis?
Eliquis, like Savaysa, is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots. In relatively rare cases, Eliquis can produce significant side effects that you should be aware of:
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling in the face or throat
- Unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), prolonged menstrual flow
- Easy bruising; small purple or red spots under your skin
- Dark urine and yellowing eyes or skin suggesting liver problems
- Severe headache; dizziness; weakness on one side of the body indicating possible stroke
- Trouble speaking and balance issues may also occur due to potential blood clot in brain
If any of these symptoms appear after taking Eliquis, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
Contraindications for Savaysa and Eliquis?
Both Savaysa and Eliquis are anticoagulant medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. If you notice any unusual or prolonged bleeding, blood in your urine or stool, or if you cough up blood, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Savaysa nor Eliquis should be taken if you're already on certain other anticoagulant drugs like heparin or warfarin unless directed by a physician. It is crucial to communicate with your doctor about all medications and herbal supplements you're currently taking; switching from another anticoagulant to either Savaysa or Eliquis requires careful monitoring and dosage adjustments.
Always inform your healthcare provider prior to surgeries or dental procedures as these drugs might need to be stopped temporarily due to the increased risk of bleeding complications. Keep in mind that people with kidney disease may require dose adjustment while using either medication.
How much do Savaysa and Eliquis cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 60 tablets of Eliquis (5 mg) averages around $470, which works out to about $16/day.
- The price of Savaysa (30 capsules, 60 mg each), on the other hand, is approximately $345, working out at roughly $11.50 per day.
As such, if you're taking a standard dose for both medications – typically one tablet daily – then brand-name Savaysa tends to be less expensive on a per-day basis than Eliquis. However, it's important to note that cost shouldn't be your primary consideration in determining which medication is right for you.
It should also be highlighted that there are no generic versions available yet for either Eliquis or Savaysa as they are relatively new medications and still under patent protection. Therefore their costs remain significantly higher compared to older anticoagulants with generic forms available.
Popularity of Savaysa and Eliquis
Edoxaban, known by the brand name Savaysa, and Apixaban, under the brand name Eliquis, are both anticoagulant medications commonly used to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
In 2020, Edoxaban was prescribed to around 200 thousand patients in the US. Although it has been on the market since 2015, its use is still less common compared to other direct oral anticoagulants due partly perhaps because of its once-daily dosing as opposed to twice-daily for some others.
On the other hand, Apixaban was estimated to have been prescribed to about 9 million people in the US during that same year. It accounts for approximately half of all prescriptions among direct oral anticoagulants. The prevalence of Apixaban has notably increased over recent years due largely because it shows a lower risk of major bleeding than warfarin – a traditionally used blood thinner – while demonstrating similar efficacy.
Conclusion
Both Savaysa (edoxaban) and Eliquis (apixaban) are anticoagulant medications used to minimize the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation or those who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. They have been shown to be effective in multiple clinical trials, often outperforming older anticoagulants like warfarin.
Each drug has a different mechanism of action: Savaysa inhibits factor Xa selectively, while Eliquis blocks both free and clot-bound factor Xa. The choice between these two drugs is usually based on individual patient factors such as renal function, body weight, and potential for drug-drug interactions.
Savaysa is typically less expensive than Eliquis which may make it a more attractive option for some patients. Both drugs begin working quickly but can take several hours to reach their peak effect.
The side effect profiles for both drugs are similar with bleeding being the most common adverse event. Patients need to monitor themselves closely for signs of excessive bleeding when starting therapy with either medication and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur.