Uses
Rivaroxaban is used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT; a blood clot, usually in the leg) and pulmonary embolism (PE; a blood clot in the lung). Rivaroxaban may be continued to prevent DVT and/or PE from happening again after initial treatment is completed. It is also used to help prevent strokes or serious blood clots in people who have atrial fibrillation (a condition in which the heart beats irregularly, increasing the chance of clots forming in the body, and possibly causing strokes) without heart valve disease. Rivaroxaban may reduce the risk of DVT, which can lead to PE in people who are having hip replacement or knee replacement surgery. It is also used along with aspirin to lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death in people with coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart) or peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation in the blood vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs). Rivaroxaban is in a class of medications called factor Xa inhibitors. It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood.
Side Effects Of Rivaroxaban
Rivaroxaban may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- muscle spasm
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:
- bloody, black, or tarry stools
- pink, or brown urine
- coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- frequent nosebleeds
- bleeding from your gums
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- weakness
- tiredness
- headache
- dizziness or fainting
- blurred vision
- pain in arm or leg
- rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- hives
- pain or swelling at wound sites
- Rivaroxaban prevents blood from clotting normally so it may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding if you are cut or injured. This medication may also cause you to bruise or bleed more easily. Call your doctor right away if bleeding or bruising is unusual.
Rivaroxaban may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking rivaroxaban:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rivaroxaban, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in rivaroxaban tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section and any of the following: amiodarone (Pacerone), azithromycin (Zithromax), carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol-XR, Teril), clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac), conivaptan (Vaprisol), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac), dronedarone (Multaq), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin), felodipine (Plendil), fluconazole (Diflucan), indinavir (Crixivan), itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), lopinavir (in Kaletra), phenobarbital , phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), quinidine, ranolazine (Ranexa), rifampin (Rifadin, in Rifamate, in Rifater, Rimactane), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), and verapamil (Calan, Verelan, in Tarka). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your doctor if you have heavy bleeding anywhere in your body that cannot be stopped. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take rivaroxaban.
- tell your doctor if you have had a valve in your heart replaced or have or have ever had problems with unusual bleeding, a bleeding disorder, or kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking rivaroxaban, call your doctor.
- talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking rivaroxaban if you are 75 years of age or older.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking rivaroxaban.
Dosage Of Rivaroxaban
Rivaroxaban comes as a tablet to take by mouth. When rivaroxaban is used to treat a DVT or PE, it is usually taken with food twice daily for 21 days, then once daily with food. When rivaroxaban is used to prevent DVT or PE, it is usually taken once daily with or without food after at least 6 months of anticoagulation (blood thinner) treatment. When rivaroxaban is used to prevent a stroke in those with an irregular heartbeat, it is usually taken once daily with the evening meal. When rivaroxaban is taken to prevent DVT and PE after hip or knee replacement surgery, it is usually taken with or without food once daily. The first dose should be taken at least 6 to 10 hours after surgery. Rivaroxaban is usually taken for 35 days after a hip replacement surgery and for 12 days after knee replacement surgery. When rivaroxaban is taken along with aspirin in people with coronary artery disease or peripheral arterial disease, it is usually taken twice daily with or without food. Take rivaroxaban at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take rivaroxaban exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you are unable to swallow the tablets, you can crush them and mix them with applesauce. Swallow the mixture right after you prepare it. Rivaroxaban can also be given in certain types of feeding tubes. Ask your doctor if you should take this medication in your feeding tube. Follow your doctor’s directions carefully.
Continue to take rivaroxaban even if you feel well. Do not stop taking rivaroxaban without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking rivaroxaban, your risk of a blood clot may increase.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to rivaroxaban.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
