Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is an oral anticoagulant medication used to treat and prevent blood clots. It works by blocking certain proteins in the blood that cause clotting, preventing dangerous clots from forming.

Xarelto is commonly prescribed for people at risk of blood clots in their legs or lungs. These clots can break free and travel to other parts of the body, leading to serious complications like pulmonary embolism or stroke. By thinning the blood, Xarelto lowers the chances of clot formation.

This medication may also be used in people with atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that causes irregular heartbeats. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke-causing clots, and Xarelto helps prevent strokes by reducing clotting.

In addition, Xarelto is approved to prevent blood clots after major orthopedic surgeries like hip or knee replacement. Patients are unable to move normally after surgery, putting them at higher risk for clots. Xarelto protects against clot formation during the recovery period.

Xarelto was first approved by the FDA in 2011. It is now widely used for:

• Preventing strokes in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
• Treating and preventing recurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Preventing DVT/PE after hip or knee replacement surgery
• Treating coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adults and children

Talk to your doctor to see if Xarelto may be appropriate for your condition. When it's time to fill your prescription, using a reputable online Canadian pharmacy like My Drug Center can help you save up to 90% on your Xarelto costs.

Xarelto is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) medication. It blocks Factor Xa, a key enzyme in the body's blood clotting process.

By inhibiting Factor Xa, Xarelto helps prevent clots from forming and existing clots from getting bigger. This minimizes the risk of clots migrating and causing serious harm.

Xarelto is an oral tablet with four strengths to treat different conditions: 2.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg tablets. Your doctor will prescribe the right dosage based on your specific medical needs.

The following are the FDA-recommended dosages for various conditions, though your exact dosage may differ based on your medical history:

• Atrial fibrillation: 20 mg taken once every evening

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE): You'll start with 15 mg twice per day for three weeks. After that, you'll take a 20 mg maintenance dose once daily.

• After hip replacement: 10 mg taken once daily for 35 days

• After knee replacement: 10 mg taken once daily for 12 days

• Venous thromboembolism: 10 mg once daily for a total of 31 to 39 days

• Coronary artery disease (CAD):5 mg twice daily

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD):5 mg twice daily

For children, the dosage is based on body weight in kilograms. Their doctor will monitor their weight during treatment to ensure proper dosing.

Common side effects of rivaroxaban may include the following:

• Belly pain
• Back pain
• Muscle spasm
• Fatigue (lack of energy)
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trouble sleeping
• Itching [2]

These side effects may not be cause for concern, but more serious side effects may require medical attention.

Serious side effects include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Severe allergic reaction
• Spinal blood clot
• Increased risk of blood clots upon stopping Xarelto

Cautions

Before starting treatment with rivaroxaban, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any conditions that make this blood thinner dangerous. Do not use Xarelto if you have an artificial heart valve.

Do not begin treatment if you are allergic to rivaroxaban. Additionally, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease or a condition called antiphospholipid syndrome that increases the risk of blood clots.

Take Xarelto with food to reduce the risk of side effects. You can crush the tablet and mix it in a soft food item like applesauce if you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole. It is very important to talk to your doctor before stopping Xarelto. Doing so without your physician’s supervision may result in life-threatening blood clots and other adverse complications.

Store Xarelto at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

What is Xarelto used for?

The anticoagulant medication Xarelto treats or prevents blood clots in certain situations.

If you've experienced a dangerous blood clot in your leg (known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or lung (known as pulmonary embolism or PE), Xarelto may be prescribed to reduce your risk of another clot.

Xarelto can also prevent blood clots from forming in people with irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation. It decreases the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot.

If you've had joint replacement surgery, such as a knee or hip replacement, Xarelto may be given to prevent blood clots from developing after the procedure. Blood clots are a potential complication following joint replacement, so blood thinners like Xarelto help ensure blood flows smoothly and safely.

Can I drink alcohol when taking Xarelto?

Both Xarelto and alcohol can prevent blood from clotting, which can increase your risk of bleeding. This means that drinking alcohol during Xarelto treatment could further increase your risk of bleeding.

If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor to determine if there is a safe amount of alcohol you can consume while taking Xarelto.

Does Xarelto have side effects?

Some mild side effects may occur when taking Xarelto as your body adjusts to the medication. These usually resolve within a few days or weeks. However, if they persist or worsen, contact your doctor right away.

Common mild side effects can include:

• Minor bleeding
• Fatigue
• Abdominal or back pain
• Muscle spasms
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trouble sleeping
• Itching

Though rare, serious side effects are possible with Xarelto. Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Excessive bleeding
• A severe allergic reaction
• Increased blood clots after stopping the medication too early
• Spinal blood clot after a spinal injection