Xarelto is a prescription anticoagulant containing rivaroxaban, a direct Factor Xa inhibitor. It works by reducing the activity of Factor Xa, an important protein involved in the blood-clotting process. By reducing thrombin generation and clot formation, rivaroxaban helps prevent harmful blood clots from developing or growing.
How Xarelto works
Rivaroxaban selectively inhibits Factor Xa, an enzyme involved in the coagulation cascade. Factor Xa contributes to the conversion of prothrombin into thrombin, which is necessary for the formation of fibrin clots.
By inhibiting Factor Xa, rivaroxaban reduces thrombin generation and helps prevent the formation and development of blood clots.
Uses and indications
- Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE)
Precautions and warnings
The most important risk associated with Xarelto is bleeding. Because rivaroxaban reduces blood clotting, serious and potentially life-threatening bleeding can occur.
Tell your doctor if you:
- Have active bleeding
- Have previously had stomach or intestinal ulcers
- Have kidney or liver disease
- Have a history of bleeding problems
- Are taking other anticoagulants or medicines that affect blood clotting
- Are scheduled for surgery or an invasive procedure
- Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Are receiving spinal or epidural anaesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture.
Xarelto is contraindicated in patients with active pathological bleeding or a severe hypersensitivity to rivaroxaban.
Kidney and liver function are important when determining whether Xarelto is appropriate and which dose should be used. Some patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment may require dose adjustment or should avoid the medicine.
Possible side effects
The most important adverse effect is bleeding. Possible symptoms include:
- Easy bruising
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Prolonged bleeding from minor cuts
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the stool or black stools
- Vomiting blood
- Unexplained weakness or dizziness.
