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factor Xa inhibitors

What is Factor Xa inhibitors?

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition wherein a blood clot develops in one or more veins located deep in the body. It commonly happens in the leg and thigh, but it can develop anywhere in the body. DVT can lead to leg swelling and pain, but in some cases, it happens without any symptoms.

Treatment for deep vein thrombosis is focused on preventing the clot from becoming more prominent and from avoiding it from breaking apart, which may lead to pulmonary embolism. Another treatment is also available to lessen the chances of developing the same health issue in the future.

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Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment Options

Blood Thinners or Anticoagulants

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is commonly treated with Factor Xa inhibitors or anticoagulants. These are also referred to as blood thinners. These drugs are taken as pills or injected to lessen the blood’s ability to clot. Factor Xa inhibitors will not break up the existing clots, but they can prevent clots from growing further and reduce the risk of developing other clots.   There are several types of medication. 

  • Rivaroxaban – this Factor Xa inhibitor is prescribed for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In certain situations, it is also used as a prophylaxis for thrombosis. 
  • Apixaban – this anticoagulant is used as a prophylaxis for systemic embolism and stroke, DVT, and patients with knee or hip replacement procedures. 
  • Edoxaban – this oral factor Xa inhibitor is used to lessen the risk of stroke as well as systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. 
  • Fondaparinux – this anticoagulant is given to prevent venous thromboembolism, treat DVT, and increase chances of survival after a myocardial infarction procedure.
  • Betrixaban – this factor Xa inhibitor is used as prophylaxis to prevent venous thromboembolism while a patient is hospitalized.
  • Antithrombin Alfa – this medication is used for the treatment of perioperative as well as peripartum thromboembolic issues in patients with hereditary antithrombin deficiency. 

For some patients, oral anticoagulants are given for three months or longer. It must be taken according to prescription or as directed by your health care professional. Patients taking this medication need regular blood checks to monitor how long your blood takes to clot. Likewise, pregnant women are not allowed this type of medication. 

Other medications for deep vein thrombosis include clot-buster medicine, insertion of filters in the large vein, and the use of compression stockings. 

How Factor Xa Inhibitors

Factor Xa inhibitors work by focusing on and reversing the activity of the clotting factor Xa, thus preventing the formation of blood clots. This group of medications affects the factor Xa within the blood as well as blood in the pre-existing clot. However, it does not affect the platelet aggregation. Generally, these medications are used to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Likewise, it helps reduce the risk of embolism and stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. 

These medications have a predictable anticoagulant effect, and they do not require regular monitoring, unlike other types of anticoagulants.