My Drug Center

What is the best way to take Xarelto?

Thursday 28 April 2022
Xarelto
4 minute(s) read

Table of Contents


I. Xarelto for DVTs

II. Xarelto for Pulmonary Embolism

III. After Surgery

IV. Xarelto Activation Time

V. Stopping Xarelto


A blood clot forms to seal the wound when the body experiences an external or internal injury. An anticoagulant works by interrupting this natural process and preventing the formation of clots in the bloodstream. Xarelto is one popular anticoagulant that blocks the activity of certain clotting factors in the blood.

Anticoagulants are helpful medications for those at risk of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke. [1] Medications work best when they are taken properly, but what is the best way to ensure the effectiveness of Xarelto? If you want to save on your Xarelto cost, you can save money through an online pharmacy like MyDrugCenter. Read on to learn more.

How to take Xarelto for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the body's deep veins. DVTs most commonly develop in the thigh, lower leg, pelvis, and sometimes the arms. Risk factors of deep vein thrombosis include:

  • Injury to a vein caused by surgery, fractures, or severe muscle injury
  • Slow blood flow caused by bed rest, paralysis, and limited movement
  • Increased estrogen levels caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone therapy

man wearing compression sock

Deep vein thrombosis can be a deadly medical condition, but they are completely preventable and treatable with the proper care. You can wear compression stockings if you sit for long periods and exercise your legs while sitting. [2]

There are several Xarelto dosages available through My Drug Center, and your doctor may prescribe 15 mg of rivaroxaban twice daily to treat deep vein thrombosis. After three weeks of Xarelto, your doctor may change your dosage to 20 mg once daily.

If you have a history of DVT and are trying to reduce DVT occurrence, you may be prescribed 10 mg once daily for at least six months after a DVT occurs.

Xarelto for Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis are often connected because they are both potential outcomes of venous thromboembolism. When a DVT occurs in a deep vein and breaks off into the bloodstream, it may settle in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). A PE can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.

It is essential to take Xarelto as prescribed to ensure the full benefit. If your doctor wants to treat an existing PE, you may take 15 mg twice daily and then reduce your dosage to Xarelto 20 mg once daily after three weeks. If you have recently experienced a pulmonary embolism, you may be prescribed 10 mg once a day for six months after your clotting event. [3]

a paper model of the lungs

Xarelto after Surgery

Your risk of deep vein thrombosis increases after major surgery. Surgeries that involve cutting into bone can increase the risk of blood clots. These surgeries can disrupt the immune system and trigger the release of antigens, which may lead to clots. Along with that risk factor, surgery can also bring tissue, debris, fat, or collagen into the bloodstream, making blood thicker and increasing the risk of clots.

The most common surgeries that cause blood clots include hip and knee replacements. Your risk of blood clots also increases if you are confined to bed rest after surgery. If your doctor finds you at risk for clots after hip surgery, you may be prescribed 10 mg of Xarelto once daily for 35 days. If you have recently had a knee replacement surgery, you may be prescribed 10 mg of Xarelto once daily for 12 days. [4]

How long does it take for Xarelto to work?

Xarelto begins to work quickly once it is ingested. Rivaroxaban can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time each day for maximum effect. Once you ingest Xarelto, the medication can begin to work in your system after one to three hours. The peak blood-clotting effects of Xarelto can be seen two to four hours after ingestion.

a pill organizer

How long does it take for Xarelto to get out of your system?

Once you stop taking Xarelto, the effects of the drug will begin to wear off after one day (24 hours). However, interactions with Xarelto may cause this drug to take longer to exit your system. It is important not to stop taking Xarelto suddenly, and your doctor will let you know how to discontinue Xarelto successfully.

If you stop Xarelto suddenly, you can increase your risk of a stroke. Xarelto may also cause some withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking this anticoagulant. Twelve to 24 hours after stopping Xarelto, you may notice headaches, back pain, nausea, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. Unpleasant symptoms may continue for up to a week after stopping Xarelto, but they should dissipate over time. [5] Check out MyDrugCenter's Xarelto blog for more information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in the article is not meant to be used for treatment or diagnosis. It is designed for general awareness and for information purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for your specific healthcare needs.