Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) is a prescription medication used to:
• Reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in adults who have atrial fibrillation that is not caused by a heart valve problem;
• Treat and prevent blood clots in the veins of your legs (DVT) or lungs (PE);
• Help prevent blood clots in certain people hospitalized for an acute illness who are at risk of getting blood clots and who do not have a high risk of bleeding
Xarelto is also used together with aspirin to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious heart problems in people with coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease. Rivaroxaban belongs to the class of medication called factor Xa inhibitors, cardiovascular, anticoagulants. It works by slowing your body's ability to clot by selectively blocking one of the clotting factors found in your blood (an enzyme called Factor Xa).
The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product. There is no generic available in Canada. We only dispense generic Rivaroxaban manufactured by Natco Pharma from India, it’s also known as Rpigat.
The most common side effect of Xarelto is bleeding. Other common side effects include itching, muscle pain and pain your arms or legs.
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Any bleeding that won't stop;
• Bloody or tarry stools;
• Coughing up blood;
• Dizziness, headaches;
• Easy bruising or bleeding;
• Feeling like you might faint, weakness;
• Pain, swelling
Seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of a spinal blood clot such as back pain, numbness, or muscle weakness in your lower body, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
You should not use Xarelto if you are allergic to Rivaroxaban or if you have active or uncontrolled bleeding. This medication can cause a very serious blood clot around the spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive a spinal epidural. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had an artificial heart valve, antiphospholipid syndrome, or liver or kidney disease. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Inform your doctor that you are taking Xarelto before you have a surgery. Avoid any activity that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, and herbal medications. There may be a drug interaction between Rivaroxaban and other medications such as blood thinners, NSAID's, antifungals, seizure medications, and HIV medications, etc.