Interactions
Xarelto is broken down to about two thirds in the liver. Enzymes are involved in this process, which is influenced by many factors. Alcohol also has an effect on these enzymes, so the breakdown of Xarelto can be influenced.
In acute alcohol consumption these enzymes are less active, so that the drug is broken down more slowly. This can lead to higher concentrations of the drug in the blood and thus to an increased effect. The risk of dangerous bleeding increases.
Chronic, i.e. permanent alcohol abuse, however, increases the effect of these enzymes, the concentration of the drug in the blood is lower and the effect weaker. This means that a thrombosis and its serious consequences are more likely to occur. This topic might also be of interest to you:
- Alcohol addiction
Distance of intake
Xarelto is a drug that is taken regularly on a daily basis to achieve a constant level of the drug in the blood. This is important to ensure the constant protective effect of the drug. Alcohol should not be consumed during the entire period of Xarelto.
How long this is depends on the underlying disease. In the case of a thrombosis, for example, the medication must be taken for three months at a time to prevent a recurrence of the thrombosis, whereas if you had a pulmonary embolism before, it can be as long as 6 months. Many diseases, however, also require a permanent, i.e. lifelong, intake of Xarelto, for example in the case of cardiac arrhythmia.After the last intake of Xarelto the drug is still effective for about 12 hours. After this time alcohol can be consumed in moderation.
