What is Xarelto?
Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is an anticoagulant medication that is used to treat and prevent blood clots in conditions such as pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is also used to prevent blood clot formation after a knee or total hip replacement. Xarelto is prescribed to reduce stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem.
How is Xarelto Used?
This medication is available in tablet form and is taken orally for the treatment of a variety of conditions associated with blood clots and to prevent clotting-related issues in those with certain cardiovascular conditions or that have recently had knee or hip replacements.
Typically, this medication is taken once or twice per day as instructed by the patient’s physician. Low doses of the medication may be used alongside an aspirin regimen in the prevention of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, and death in those with CAD.
Storage
This medication should be stored at room temperature, ranging between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C). If needed, due to travel or other such conditions, this medication may be temporarily exposed to temperatures as low as 59°F (15°C) or as high as 86°F (30°C).
Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets at all times.
Uses
Xarelto may be prescribed for the following uses in adults:
- to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
- treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE)
- to reduce the risk of recurring DVT or PE after initial treatment
- prevention of DVT or PE in patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery
- prevention of venous thromboembolism and related complications in certain hospitalized patients with acute medical illness
- to reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease
- to reduce the risk of blood clots and clot-related complications in patients with peripheral artery disease
It may also be prescribed for the following uses in pediatric patients:
- prevention of blood clots in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease who have undergone the Fontan procedure
- treatment and prevention of recurring venous thromboembolism after at least five days of another anticoagulant medication
Dosage
Xarelto is available in four different strengths, including 2.5 mg, 10mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg tablets.
The dosing schedule of Xarelto depends on the condition being treated:
- DVT/PE: Take a twice-daily dose of 15 mg for a 21-day period and then change to a once-daily dose of 20 mg for at least six months. It is recommended that patients on this particular dosing schedule take their daily doses with food and keep the twice-daily doses scheduled 12 hours apart.
- For nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Take a once-daily dose of 20 mg in the evenings with a meal.
- Post-surgery Prevention: Take 10 mg once daily for 12 days after a knee replacement and for 35 days after a hip replacement.
Overdose
If an overdose has occurred or is suspected, the patient should be sure to contact their local Poison Control Center or prescribing physician for guidance. Although an overdose of this medication may not be immediately life-threatening, too much of this medication may result in excessive bleeding and become fatal if an injury were to occur.
If someone has overdosed on this medication and stops breathing or loses consciousness, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are as follows and should be discussed with your doctor if they remain persistent or increase in severity:
- bleeding
- bruising
- constipation
- decreased levels of energy
- diarrhea
- headaches
- heartburn
- menstrual bleeding that becomes heavier
- nausea
- stomach cramps
- vomiting
- weakness
Some of the following side effects may also occur while using this medication and require immediate medical attention due to the potential health risks such symptoms may indicate:
- anemia symptoms
- breathing difficulties
- dizziness
- fatigue
- pale skin
- unusual weakness
- bleeding symptoms
- bleeding gums after brushing your teeth
- blood in the urine
- coughing up blood
- excessive menstrual bleeding
- nose bleeds that last longer than usual
- rectal bleeding or hemorrhoids that bleed
- bleeding from a surgical wound
- bruising or bleeding after a surgery that is not typical or expected
- decreased urine production
- fever
- infection symptoms
- chills
- diarrhea (severe)
- dizziness
- fever
- listlessness
- neck stiffness
- shortness of breath
- weight loss
- joints that are painful, sore, hot, or stiff
- loss of consciousness
- low blood pressure
- numbness, swelling, or pain in the arms or legs
- itchy skin
- rapid heart rate
- reddish tint in one’s urine
- skin rash
- symptoms of liver problems
- appetite loss
- dark-colored urine
- diarrhea
- jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
- nausea
- pale-colored stools
- vomiting
- weight loss
- symptoms that would indicate unidentified or internal bleeding
- dizziness
- headache
- paleness
- unexplained swelling
- weakness
- vaginal bleeding in those who are post-menopausal
Please seek out immediate medical assistance if you experience any of the following symptoms, and stop using Xarelto immediately:
- severe allergic reaction symptoms
- breathing difficulties
- hives
- swelling of the throat and face
- severe skin reactions
- blistering
- peeling
- rash accompanied by pain or fever
- rash that covers a significant amount of the body
- rash that rapidly spreads
- seizures
- stomach bleeding symptoms
- stools that are tarry, black, or bloody
- spitting up blood
- vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds
- stroke symptoms
- changes in vision
- severe or sudden headache
- sudden loss of coordination
- sudden slurring of speech
- unexplained pain, numbness, or weakness in one’s leg or arm
Warnings & Precautions
Bleeding Risk
This medication is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Patients with a history of other health conditions that increase their bleeding risk should exercise caution when using this medication and be sure to inform their prescribing physician of all relevant health history related to these conditions as this may affect their treatment plan, any special monitoring requirements, and the safety and efficacy of using this medication. The following conditions are examples of those that include a high risk of bleeding: uncontrolled hypertension, retinopathy, recent stroke, bleeding conditions, currently having or having a history of intestinal or stomach ulcers, or recent surgery involving the eye, brain, or spinal column.
Epidural or Spinal Catheters and Injections
Any patients requiring epidural or spinal catheters or injections should inform their physician of any use of Xarelto, as this medication may impact the conditions and medications associated with such procedures.
Geriatric Patients
Senior patients have an increased likelihood of experiencing side effects when using this medication. Patients that are above the age of 65 years should be sure to discuss the potential risks of using this medication with their physician, as well as determine if any special monitoring may be required.
Heart Valve Disease
Individuals that have had artificial aortic valve replacement or that have artificial heart valves should not use Xarelto. If you have either of these factors, please discuss these aspects of your health history with your physician before beginning treatment with this medication.
Kidney Disease
Renal impairment or any type of kidney disease can contribute to a buildup of Xarelto within a patient’s body, leading to an increase in the frequency and severity of side effects associated with using the medication. Patients with current kidney-related health conditions or a history of renal impairment should be sure to discuss this with their doctor before beginning treatment with this medication, as special monitoring or changes in the patient’s dosage may be required.
Lactose-Related Conditions
Patients with conditions such as glucose-galactose malabsorption, Lapp lactase deficiency, or any other conditions related to galactose or lactose intolerance should avoid using Xarelto, as this medication contains lactose.
Liver Disease
Individuals with hepatic impairment or liver disease should be sure to inform their prescribing physician of these conditions before beginning treatment with Xarelto. This medication may impact liver function or have impaired hepatic function impact the safety and efficacy of the medication, and special monitoring may be required in some cases. Any symptoms of liver-related issues that occur or worsen while using this medication should be reported to the patient’s prescribing physician immediately.
Pediatric Patients
In patients below the age of 18 years, this medication has been shown to be both safe and effective for the treatment of blood clots that have developed in the legs or lungs, as well as the prevention of blood clots re-occurring in those areas within the body. However, Xarelto has not been approved for any other uses in this particular age group.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Xarelto may increase the risk of bleeding during pregnancy. Patients who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss treatment risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.
There is also a risk of this medication passing into a patient’s breast milk, which may pose health risks to a breastfed child. Patients that choose to breastfeed a child should not use this medication or should stop using this medication under the guidance of their physician if they would like to breastfeed their baby.
Surgeries
Due to the increased bleeding risk associated with this medication, any patient requiring surgery should inform all relevant members of their healthcare team about using Xarelto, as they will likely be required to temporarily stop using the medication before undergoing any necessary surgical or dental procedures to prevent serious bleeding events from occurring.
Drug Interactions
Speak to your doctor about any medications or herbal supplements you are currently taking before beginning treatment with this medication. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor or a trusted pharmacist.
The following medication, foods, and substances are known to cause interactions with Xarelto:
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Alternative Medications
Patients who are unable to take Xarelto or who experience adverse effects may discuss other anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment options with their healthcare provider, depending on their medical condition and treatment needs.
Alternative medications may include:
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Prescription & Pharmacy Information
A valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required before Xarelto can be dispensed through participating pharmacy partners.
Prescription requests are reviewed by licensed pharmacists prior to dispensing.
Prescription orders may be dispensed by licensed pharmacy partners located in Canada or other international fulfillment locations depending on product availability.
Patients should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing Xarelto or any anticoagulant medication. Pharmacist consultation may be available through participating pharmacy partners when appropriate.
Shipping availability, processing timelines, and carrier services may vary depending on prescription review, pharmacy source, inventory availability, and destination location.
Customer Support Information
For questions about prescription processing, shipping, or medication information, contact Buy Canadian Insulin customer support:
Phone: 1-888-525-1815
Fax: 1-888-234-1275
Email: info@buycanadianinsulin.com
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Disclaimer
Buy Canadian Insulin provides educational information about medications and health conditions for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prescription medications require valid prescription review and processing through participating pharmacy partners. Product availability, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
