The Kingsley Clinic

Xarelto (Rivaroxaban): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, and Safety

Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) Overview

US Brand Name (Generic Name): {Xarelto} ({Rivaroxaban})
Pharmacologic Category: Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC) Other medications in the same category: {Apixaban} ({Eliquis}), {Dabigatran} ({Pradaxa}), {Edoxaban} ({Savaysa})

Diseases Treated, Dosing, and Treatment Duration

{Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)}: 15 mg twice daily for 21 days, followed by 20 mg once daily.
{Pulmonary Embolism (PE)}: 15 mg twice daily for 21 days, followed by 20 mg once daily.
{Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)}: 20 mg once daily with the evening meal.
{Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)} Prophylaxis following {Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery}: 10 mg once daily, starting 6-10 hours after surgery (duration depends on the type of surgery).
{Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism Prevention}: 20 mg once daily.
{Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)}: 2.5 mg twice daily in combination with {aspirin}.
{Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)}: 2.5 mg twice daily in combination with {aspirin}.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Tablets: 2.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg.

Administration Instructions

Take Rivaroxaban with or without food. For 15 mg and 20 mg tablets, take with food to enhance absorption. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible on the same day and continue with the regular schedule.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

{Bleeding} (including serious bleeding) (up to 16%): This may include minor bleeding (e.g., {nosebleeds}, {gum bleeding}) or serious bleeding (e.g., {gastrointestinal bleeding}, {intracranial hemorrhage}).
{Anemia} (2-9%): A decrease in red blood cells, which can cause {fatigue}, {shortness of breath}, and {pale skin}.
{Dizziness} (5-12%): A sensation of lightheadedness or feeling faint, which may increase the risk of falls.
{Headache} (3-10%): Pain or discomfort in the head or neck region.
{Cough} (1-10%): A dry, persistent cough resulting from the medication’s effect on the lungs.
{Hypotension} (1-5%): Low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
{Hyperkalemia} (1-5%): Elevated potassium levels in the blood, which can cause irregular heartbeats or other heart-related issues.
{Angioedema} (less than 1%): Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing and requires immediate medical attention.

Contraindications

Active pathological {bleeding} Severe hypersensitivity to Rivaroxaban Patients on dual antiplatelet therapy

Drug to Drug Interactions

{Ketoconazole} ({Nizoral}), {Itraconazole} ({Sporanox}): Increased risk of bleeding {Rifampin} ({Rifadin}, {Rimactane}): Decreased effectiveness of Rivaroxaban {St. John’s Wort}: Decreased effectiveness of Rivaroxaban {Aspirin} and other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., {Ibuprofen} [{Advil}, {Motrin}], {Naproxen} [{Aleve}, {Naprosyn}]): Increased risk of bleeding {Clopidogrel} ({Plavix}), {Prasugrel} ({Effient}), {Ticagrelor} ({Brilinta}): Increased risk of bleeding {Dronedarone} ({Multaq}): Increased risk of bleeding and reduced effectiveness of Rivaroxaban {Antidepressants} (e.g., {Sertraline} [{Zoloft}], {Fluoxetine} [{Prozac}], {Duloxetine} [{Cymbalta}]): Increased risk of bleeding

Pregnancy Safety

Limited data available; consult your healthcare provider before using during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but no adequate human studies are available.

Breastfeeding Safety

It is not known whether Rivaroxaban is excreted in human milk. Consult your healthcare provider before using while breastfeeding, as the potential risks to the infant are unknown.

Estimated Price for a 30-Day Supply

The estimated price for a 30-day supply of Rivaroxaban without insurance and using a GoodRx coupon ranges from $450 to $550, depending on the dosage and pharmacy.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.

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