This active ingredient is in Xarelto
The drug Xarelto contains the active ingredient rivaroxaban. This inhibits an enzyme that plays an important role in the blood clotting cascade. In this way, the active ingredient intervenes in the entire process of blood clotting and thus reduces the risk of blood clots (thrombi) forming. Such a blood clot can block a blood vessel completely or partially – either at the site of its formation (thrombosis) or at another site in the vascular system where it has been carried along by the blood flow (embolism).
When is Xarelto used?
Xarelto is used in the following cases:
- to prevent venous thrombosis and embolism (venous thromboembolism) after insertion of an artificial hip or knee joint
- for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (e.g. leg vein thrombosis) and pulmonary embolism
- after deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism to prevent further such thrombosis/embolism
- to prevent blood clots in brain vessels (ischemic stroke) and in vessels elsewhere in the body if the patient has non-valvular atrial fibrillation (= atrial fibrillation that is not caused by a problem with the heart valves)
What are the side effects of Xarelto?
The most common side effects of the anticoagulant drug are bleeding, such as stomach and intestinal bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding into tissues or body cavities (hematomas), genital bleeding, and bleeding surgical wounds. Severe bleeding can cause a significant blood deficiency, which may be manifested by breathlessness, weakness, fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness/fainting, and pallor.
Laboratory values for liver and pancreatic enzymes and blood tests may differ from normal after taking Xarelto.
Occasional Xarelto side effects include fever, indigestion, unexplained swelling, kidney dysfunction, and skin rash/itching.
If you suffer from severe side effects or symptoms not mentioned above, you should tell your doctor immediately.
You should be aware of the following when using Xarelto.
Special precautions should be taken when taking the blood thinner if you have an increased risk of bleeding, kidney disease, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal ulcers, and retinal or lung disease. Other anticoagulants should be taken only under strict medical supervision.
Symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the legs, digestive problems and difficulty emptying the bladder as a result of anesthesia should also be reported to your doctor.
Some drugs active against viruses and fungi may increase the effect of Xarelto (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole). On the other hand, the herbal antidepressant St. John’s wort, the antibiotic rifampicin, and some drugs for epilepsy (e.g., phenytoin) may weaken the effect of Xarelto.
Xarelto: Dosage
Usually, 15 milligrams are taken twice daily for the first 21 days in the acute phase, then 20 milligrams once daily starting on day 22. After six months, the dose may be reduced to 15 or 10 milligrams daily if necessary.
The Xarelto dosage is determined by your doctor on an individual basis and should be strictly adhered to.
For the treatment of cardiovascular disease in combination with ASA, Xarelto is taken at a dose of 2.5 milligrams twice daily.
The intake of 2.5 or 10 milligrams is taken independently of meals with a glass of water. In the doses of 15 and 20 milligrams, the intake should be taken together with a meal, since the absorption of this amount of active substance depends significantly on food.
When should Xarelto not be taken?
The safety and efficacy of Xarelto in pregnant and breastfeeding women have not been established. The drug should therefore not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Safe and effective use has not been established in children under 18 years of age. Exceptions to this are the therapy and prophylaxis of venous thrombosis (VTE) in children weighing 30 kilograms or more after initial parenteral anticoagulation therapy – that is, after initial treatment with anticoagulant drugs administered bypassing the digestive tract (as an infusion or injection).
How to get Xarelto
Xarelto requires a prescription in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland because of the drug it contains. It can therefore only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. The drug is available as a tablet in different active ingredient concentrations (from 2.5 mg to 20 mg active ingredient per Xarelto tablet).
Complete information about this drug
Here you can find the complete information about the drug in the 20mg dosage as a download (PDF)
