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Xarelto is a perscription blood thinner medication.  It has been perscribed to patients who have an irregular heartbeat to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.  It is also used to treat pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.  In addition it has also been prescribed to patients who have recently had knee or hip replacement surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Xarelto (R)

Medical Uses

Xarelto is a prescription drug manufacturered by Bayer.  It is also know by the name Rivaroxaban.  It was the first product that can be taken orally that is a direct factor Xa inhibitor, meaning it prevents blood from clotting.  It is often perscribed to adults who suffer from atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) to prevent a stroke or pulmonary embolism(blood clot in the lung).  People with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of forming a blood clot in the heart.  If a clot travels to the brain that person can have a stroke.  Xarelto is also prescribed to people who suffer from DVT and for patients following hip or knee replacement surgery.

The most serious side effect is bleeding, including internal bleeding.  Do NOT stop taking Xarelto without talking with your doctor.  There is no antidote for Xarelto, unlike Warfarin(coumadin), meaning there is no way to stop the anticoagulation in the event of severe bleeding.  Research is ongoing to identify an antidote.

 

Common Side Effects

  • Xarelto may cause a person to bruise more easily

  • It may take longer for bleeding to stop

  • Fainting

  • Itching

  • Pain in arms or legs

  • Muscle pain

  • Muscle spasms

 

More Serious Side Effects that may require medical attention

  • Frequent nose bleeds

  • Unusual bleeding from the gums

  • Excessive vaginal or menstrual bleeding

  • Vomitting blood or vomit looks like "coffee grounds"

  • Coughing up blood or blood clots

  • Urine may appear red, pink, or brown

  • Bright red or black stools that may look like tar

  • Hemorrhaging

  • Abnormal liver function tests

  • Collection of clotted blood in an organ or tissue

 

Spinal or epidural blood clots (hematoma) can occur in patients on blood thinner medication like Xarelto.  If these patients have spinal or epidural Injections, there is a risk of long term or permanent paralysis.

Side Effects of Xarelto

Questions/Comments?

Email us:  Xarelto@email.com

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