riv-a-ROX-a-ban
Discontinuing rivaroxaban places patients at an increased risk of thrombotic events such as stroke. If anticoagulation with rivaroxaban must be discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding, consider administering another anticoagulant. Epidural or spinal hematomas, which may result in long-term or permanent paralysis, have occurred in patients treated with rivaroxaban who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. Factors that can increase the risk of developing these hematomas include: use of indwelling epidural catheters, concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis such as NSAIDs, platelet inhibitors, or other anticoagulants, or history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture, spinal deformity, or spinal surgery. Monitor patients frequently for neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary. Consider risks/benefits before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Xarelto
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Anticoagulant
Pharmacologic Class: Factor Xa Inhibitor
Uses For rivaroxaban
Rivaroxaban is used to prevent deep venous thrombosis, a condition in which harmful blood clots form in the blood vessels of the legs. These blood clots can travel to the lungs and can become lodged in the blood vessels of the lungs, causing a condition called pulmonary embolism. rivaroxaban is used for several days after hip or knee replacement surgery while you are unable to walk. It is during this time that blood clots are most likely to form.
Rivaroxaban is also used to prevent stroke and blood clots in patients with certain heart rhythm problem (e.g., nonvalvular atrial fibrillation).
Rivaroxaban is a factor Xa inhibitor, an anticoagulant. It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood and helps preventing harmful clots from forming in the blood vessels.
rivaroxaban is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before Using rivaroxaban
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For rivaroxaban, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to rivaroxaban or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of rivaroxaban in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of rivaroxaban in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have bleeding and blood clotting problems and age-related kidney disease, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving rivaroxaban.
Pregnancy
| Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| All Trimesters | C | Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. |
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking rivaroxaban, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using rivaroxaban with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abciximab
- Acenocoumarol
- Alteplase, Recombinant
- Anistreplase
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Carbamazepine
- Celecoxib
- Cilostazol
- Clopidogrel
- Conivaptan
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Desirudin
- Dexamethasone
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyridamole
- Drotrecogin Alfa
- Enoxaparin
- Eptifibatide
- Etodolac
- Flurbiprofen
- Fondaparinux
- Heparin
- Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen Lysine
- Indomethacin
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lepirudin
- Magnesium Salicylate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nelfinavir
- Nepafenac
- Oxaprozin
- Phenindione
- Phenobarbital
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenytoin
- Piroxicam
- Posaconazole
- Prasugrel
- Protein C, Human
- Reteplase, Recombinant
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- Ritonavir
- Salsalate
- Saquinavir
- St John's Wort
- Streptokinase
- Sulfinpyrazone
- Sulindac
- Tenecteplase
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolmetin
- Urokinase
- Voriconazole
- Warfarin
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of rivaroxaban. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Bleeding problems or
- Blood vessel problems or
- Catheter insertion in the spine or
- Stomach or intestinal ulcer or bleeding or
- Stroke, recent or history of or
- Surgery (e.g., eye, brain, or spine), recent or history of—Use with caution. The risk of bleeding may be increased.
- Kidney disease or
- Liver disease—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.
- Major bleeding, active—Should not be used in patients with this condition.
Proper Use of rivaroxaban
Take rivaroxaban only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
You may take rivaroxaban with or without food.
rivaroxaban should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Dosing
The dose of rivaroxaban will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of rivaroxaban. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For prevention of deep venous thrombosis (hip replacement surgery):
- Adults—10 milligrams (mg) once a day for 35 days. The starting dose should be taken at least 6 to 10 hours after surgery.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For prevention of deep venous thrombosis (knee replacement surgery):
- Adults—10 milligrams (mg) once a day for 12 days. The starting dose should be taken at least 6 to 10 hours after surgery.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For prevention of stroke and blood clots in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation:
- Adults—15 or 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken with the evening meal.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For prevention of deep venous thrombosis (hip replacement surgery):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of rivaroxaban, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Precautions While Using rivaroxaban
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure rivaroxaban is working properly. Blood tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects. Be sure to keep all appointments.
You may bleed or bruise more easily while you are using rivaroxaban. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers. Avoid nose picking and forceful nose blowing.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using rivaroxaban. You may need to stop using rivaroxaban several days before having surgery or medical tests.
rivaroxaban may cause bleeding problems. This risk is higher if you have a catheter in your back for pain medicine or anesthesia (sometimes called an "epidural"), or if you have kidney problems. The risk of bleeding increases if your kidney problems get worse. Check with your doctor right away if you have any unusual bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools; bleeding gums; blood in the urine or stools; tingling, numbness, or weakness of the lower legs; or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work done.
Do not suddenly stop taking rivaroxaban without first checking with your doctor. Doing so, may increase risk of having a stroke.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment with rivaroxaban.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (e.g., St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.
rivaroxaban Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Back pain
- bleeding gums
- bloody stools
- bowel or bladder dysfunction
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- coughing up blood
- difficulty with breathing or swallowing
- dizziness
- headache
- increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
- leg weakness
- nosebleeds
- numbness
- paralysis
- prolonged bleeding from cuts
- red or black, tarry stools
- red or dark brown urine
- shortness of breath
- vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Fainting
- pain in the arms or legs
- wound secretion
- Burning while urinating
- difficult or painful urination
- Abdominal or stomach pain or swelling
- blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- blurred vision
- chills
- clay-colored stools
- cough or hoarseness
- dark urine
- diarrhea
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- fever with or without chills
- general feeling of tiredness or weakness
- hives
- itching
- joint or muscle pain
- loss of appetite
- lower back or side pain
- nausea or vomiting
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- severe headache
- skin rash
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- tightness in the chest
- unpleasant breath odor
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- wheezing
- yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Blisters
- muscle spasm
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: rivaroxaban side effects (in more detail)
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More rivaroxaban resources
- Rivaroxaban Side Effects (in more detail)
- Rivaroxaban Dosage
- Rivaroxaban Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Rivaroxaban Drug Interactions
- Rivaroxaban Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Rivaroxaban - Add your own review/rating
- Rivaroxaban Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Rivaroxaban MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Xarelto Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Xarelto Consumer Overview
Compare rivaroxaban with other medications
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis after Hip Replacement Surgery
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis after Knee Replacement Surgery
- Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation
