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Rivaroxaban
If you have a blood clot or are at risk for developing one, your healthcare provider may prescribe a medication called rivaroxaban. Unlike other blood-thinning drugs that are usually injected, this medication comes as a tablet and is taken by mouth once daily. Possible side effects include bleeding and itching.
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®) is a prescription is a prescription anticoagulant ("blood thinner") medication. It is approved for the following purposes:
- To prevent blood clots known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in people undergoing hip replacement or knee replacement surgery. Unlike most other medications used for this purpose, which come as injections, rivaroxaban comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth.
- To treat DVT blood clots or blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary emboli) and to prevent repeat blood clots.
- To prevent blood clots and strokes in people with an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation.
(Click What Is Rivaroxaban Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, rivaroxaban may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well. However, as with similar medications, rivaroxaban can cause serious bleeding, including potentially fatal internal bleeding.
Common side effects of rivaroxaban include but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Fluid leakage in or around your surgical incision
- Itching.
(Click Rivaroxaban Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD