What is Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)?

Xarelto, whose generic name is Rivaroxaban, is a medication used to prevent and treat blood clots. It belongs to a class of drugs called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Rivaroxaban works by inhibiting the activity of a specific clotting factor in the blood called Factor Xa. By doing so, it helps prevent the formation of blood clots.

Xarelto is prescribed for several medical conditions, including:

1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): It is used to prevent and treat DVT, which is the formation of blood clots in deep veins, often in the legs.
2. Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Xarelto is used to prevent and treat PE, which occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks a pulmonary artery.
3. Atrial Fibrillation: In patients with atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heart rhythm), Xarelto is used as a blood thinner to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism.
4. Post-Surgical Use: After certain types of orthopedic surgeries, such as hip or knee replacement, Xarelto is prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots.
5. Reduction of Recurrent DVT and PE: Xarelto may also be used to prevent recurrent DVT and PE in certain cases.

One of the advantages of Xarelto is that it can be taken orally, unlike older anticoagulants that often require regular blood testing and dose adjustments. However, like all anticoagulants, it can increase the risk of bleeding, so it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can monitor its effects and adjust the dosage as needed.

It’s important to take Xarelto exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider and to follow their instructions closely. Any unusual bleeding or signs of bleeding disorders should be reported to a healthcare professional promptly when taking Xarelto. Always consult with a healthcare provider for specific information about your condition and the use of Xarelto.

MEDICAL USE:

• Rivaroxaban is used to prevent blood clots from forming due to a certain irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or after hip or knee replacement surgery. It is also used to treat blood clots (such as in deep vein thrombosis-DVT or pulmonary embolus-PE) and to prevent the blood clots from forming again.