Xarelto® is a blood thinner that treats or prevents blood clots. You may need it if you had a blood clot in your leg or lung. Or you may need it because you have atrial fibrillation but no heart valve issues. Xarelto also prevents clots after surgery to replace your knee or hip. Xarelto keeps factor Xa from helping make clots.
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RIVAROXABAN (ri va ROX a ban) prevents or treats blood clots. It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in people with AFib (atrial fibrillation). It can be used to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with heart or peripheral artery disease. It belongs to a group of medications called blood thinners.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xarelto, Xarelto Starter Pack
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses or stopping this medication can increase your risk of a blood clot or stroke. Keep taking this medication unless your care team tells you to stop.
If you are taking this medication after hip or knee replacement surgery, take it with or without food. If you are taking this medication for atrial fibrillation, take it with your evening meal. If you are taking this medication to treat blood clots, take it with food at the same time each day. If you are taking this medication for coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease, take it with or without food at the same time every day. If you are unable to swallow your tablet, you may crush the tablet and mix it in applesauce. Then, immediately eat the applesauce. You should eat more food right after you eat the applesauce containing the crushed tablet.
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A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you take your medication once a day and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
If you are taking this medication twice a day to treat blood clots and miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. In this instance, 2 tablets may be taken at the same time. The next day you should take 1 tablet twice a day.
If you are taking this medication twice a day for coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease and miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
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You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
Avoid sports and activities that may cause injury while you are taking this medication. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your care team.
Before having surgery, dental work, or another procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.
People who take this medication and have a spinal procedure are at risk of forming a blood clot in the space around the brain or spinal cord. This could cause paralysis (not being able to move). The risk is higher in people who have spinal problems or injuries, have had spinal surgery in the past, and for those with a tube (catheter) in their back. Taking other medications that also affect bleeding, such as NSAIDs or other blood thinners, can also increase the risk. Your care team will watch you closely. Let them know right away if you feel pain, tingling, or numbness in your legs or feet.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
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Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious fetal side effects, such as bleeding, may occur if you take this medication during pregnancy. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
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To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.