Common questions about Prosan (FAQ)
Q: What is Prosan used for?
Prosan is an oral medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as direct factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors, which are types of anticoagulants (blood thinners).
It is primarily used to:
- Prevent strokes and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat).
- Treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (a blood clot, usually in the leg) and pulmonary embolism (PE) (a blood clot in the lungs).
- Prevent DVT and PE from recurring after initial treatment.
- Prevent DVT and PE following certain orthopedic surgeries, such as knee or hip replacement.
Q: How does Prosan work?
Prosan works by blocking the activity of a clotting protein in the blood called Factor Xa (FXa). By inhibiting FXa, Prosan reduces the production of thrombin, a substance essential for forming blood clots.
This action slows down the blood clotting process, which helps prevent new clots from forming and prevents existing clots from growing larger.
Q: When should I take Prosan?
Prosan is typically taken once or twice daily, depending on the condition being treated and the dose prescribed by your healthcare provider.
It is important to:
- Take the medication exactly as prescribed.
- Take it at about the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in your body.
- Swallow the tablets whole with or without food. However, the 15 mg and 20 mg tablets must be taken with food.
If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, talk to your doctor, as there may be options to crush the tablet and mix it with a small amount of water or applesauce.
Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Prosan?
What to do after a missed dose depends on the strength of the tablet you are taking:
- For once-daily dosing (e.g., 10 mg, 15 mg, or 20 mg): Take the missed dose as soon as you remember that same day. Return to your regular schedule the next day. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
- For twice-daily dosing (e.g., 2.5 mg or 15 mg twice daily): Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. You may take two doses at the same time to ensure you get your full daily amount, then return to your normal schedule the next day.
If you are ever unsure, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.
Q: What are the possible side effects of Prosan?
As Prosan is an anticoagulant, its main side effect is an increased risk of bleeding.
Common side effects include:
- Easy bruising
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Heavier than normal menstrual bleeding
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include signs of major bleeding, such as:
- Unexpected or prolonged bleeding
- Red, pink, or brown urine
- Bright red or black, tarry stools
- Coughing up blood or blood clots
- Severe, unexplained headaches or feeling dizzy
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in bleeding or have concerns about side effects.
Q: Can I stop taking Prosan if I feel better?
No. Do not stop taking Prosan without first talking to the healthcare professional who prescribed it.
Stopping this medication suddenly can significantly increase your risk of forming a blood clot, which could lead to a stroke or another serious medical event. Prosan is used to prevent serious conditions, and you may not feel a difference while taking it.
If you are experiencing problematic side effects, your doctor can advise you on the safest way to manage your treatment plan.