Definition
Xarelto® is a drug containing the active ingredient rivaroxaban and is one of the new oral anticoagulation drugs, commonly known as blood thinners. It is a direct inhibitor of a factor in blood clotting. Xarelto® is used particularly for the prophylaxis of strokes in atrial fibrillation, but also has several other indications. Compared with other drugs, Xarelto® has the advantage that administration does not have to be monitored by constant blood checks. Xarelto® is available only on prescription and the dose must be precisely determined by the family doctor.
Indications for Xarelto®
The diseases that require the use of Xarelto® are all related to blood coagulation. The most common reason for taking Xarelto® is atrial fibrillation. Due to the uncontrolled movements of the atria, blood clots can form and travel from the heart to other organs.
These can then trigger a stroke in the brain. Xarelto® reduces blood clotting and can thus serve as a preventive measure. Even after heart valve surgery and other heart operations, patients must still take Xarelto® or other anticoagulants for the rest of their lives.
After hip or knee replacement operations, some patients have to take Xarelto® for a few months to prevent thrombi in the veins and associated pulmonary embolisms. After surviving pulmonary embolisms, thromboses or strokes, Xarelto® can be used to prevent recurrence of the disease. Deep vein thrombosis is an indication that can lead to long-term use of Xarelto® in young people.
However, young women should ensure that they use good contraception, as Xarelto® should not be taken during pregnancy. One indication for the use of Xarelto® is the prevention of thromboses. This is done in groups of people who have an increased risk of thrombosis. These include people after major operations, bedridden persons, genetic predispositions, tumor diseases and people who have already suffered a thrombosis. Other drugs are also available for thrombosis prophylaxis, but some of them have to be injected, while Xarelto® can be taken in tablet form.
