Rivaroxaban

Common Brand Names

Rivaxo, Xaroban, Xarelto, Rivoxan, Rivaxab

Overview

Rivaroxaban is a type of medicine known as an anticoagulant.

It makes your blood flow through your veins more easily. This means your blood will be less likely to make a dangerous blood clot.

People who are more at risk of developing a blood clot include those who have:

• an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
• recently had surgery to replace a hip or knee joint
• unstable angina
• coronary heart disease
• peripheral arterial disease

It's also used to treat people who have had a health problem caused by a blood clot, such as:

• a stroke
• a heart attack
• a blood clot in the leg – deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• a blood clot in the lungs – a pulmonary embolism

Rivaroxaban is only available on prescription in some countries.

Important Facts

• You'll usually take rivaroxaban once or twice a day.
• Take rivaroxaban just after you have eaten a meal or snack. It's important to take it with food to help your body absorb the whole dose.
• The most common side effect of rivaroxaban is bleeding more easily than normal, such as having nosebleeds, heavier periods, bleeding gums and bruising.

• You can drink alcohol while taking rivaroxaban. But heavy drinking, especially binge drinking, can make you more likely to bleed.