Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)

Do's

• Take Xarelto by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.
• If you are taking Xarelto to prevent strokes and blood clots due to an irregular heartbeat, the typical dose is once a day with the evening meal. For other conditions, such as after knee or hip replacement surgery, during a hospital stay and after discharge, or after a Fontan procedure, the typical dose is once a day.
• For adults taking Xarelto to treat blood clots, the dose is usually taken twice a day for the first 3 weeks, and then once a day. For children taking Xarelto to treat blood clots, the dose is usually taken once a day.
• If you are taking Xarelto to lower the risk of blood clots from forming again, the dose is usually taken once a day.
• The 10mg tablet may be taken with or without food, while the 15 and 20mg tablets should be taken with food. If you have any questions about how to take Xarelto, ask your healthcare provider.
• If you are unable to swallow whole tablets, you may crush the tablet and mix it with applesauce. Eat the entire mixture right away. Do not prepare a supply for future use. If you are giving this medication through a tube into the stomach, ask your healthcare provider for detailed instructions on how to properly mix and give it.
• If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
• Store Xarelto at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
• Carefully follow your healthcare provider’s directions and consult them if you have any questions about the dosage and administration of Xarelto.

Common Side Effects:

• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Back pain
• Dizziness
• Itching
• Bleeding

Other mild side effects:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Muscle spasms
• Stomach or back pain

Mild side effects can occur with Xarelto use, and this list doesn't include all possible mild side effects reported with the drug.

Do not stop taking Xarelto without your healthcare provider's advice. Stopping it suddenly can increase your risk of blood clots or stroke.

Some drugs can increase your risk of bleeding when used with Xarelto. Inform your healthcare provider about all other medicines you use.

Call your healthcare provider at once if you have signs of bleeding such as headaches, feeling very weak or dizzy, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual periods or abnormal vaginal bleeding, blood in your urine, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or any bleeding that will not stop.

Xarelto can cause a very serious blood clot around your spinal cord if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural). Inform any healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking Xarelto.

Xarelto may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or other factors that affect health. Factors to consider include prosthetic (artificial) heart valves and kidney problems.

Early/premature discontinuation of Xarelto increases the risk of thrombotic events. If the use of Xarelto is discontinued for any reason besides problematic bleeding or the completion of treatment, patients are advised to strongly consider using a different anticoagulant medication.

Discuss these warnings and precautions with your healthcare provider before starting Xarelto to ensure its safety and suitability for you.