Xarelto is an anticoagulant, a medication that prevents thrombosis.  Xarelto is prescribed by healthcare providers to treat and prevent thrombosis.  It does not dissolve a thrombosis, but may keep it from getting bigger or traveling to another area in your body

Dosing, Administration and Monitoring

Xarelto is taken by mouth.  Dosing is based on weight in babies and children up to 50 kg (110 pounds).  After 50 kg (110 pounds), adult dosing is used. For the first three weeks, Xarelto should be taken two times per day, twelve hours apart, with food.  On the fourth week, dosing will change to one time per day with food.  It is important to take the medication on time to prevent blood clots.  Abruptly stopping Xarelto increases the risk for a stroke.

Side Effects

  • Bleeding
  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle pain
  • Itching

 

Considerations

Xarelto increases the risk for bleeding. Due to this, it is important to discuss the following treatments with a hematology provider before they take place so excessive bleeding can be prevented:

  • Shots into the muscle
  • All surgeries
  • Dental work that is more than a cleaning

 

Due to the increased risk for bleeding, the following medications should be avoided because they also increase the risk of bleeding

  • Aspirin
  • Aspirin-containing products
  • Ibuprofen
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

 

Due to the increased risk of bleeding, injuries to the head, neck, chest, belly or spine can be very serious, possibly life-threatening. If injuries to these areas occur, contact your hematology provider or go to the nearest emergency room.  Someone taking Xarelto should call the doctor or go to the emergency room if any of the following happen:

  • Nosebleed lasting longer than 15 minutes
  • Bleeding gums
  • Heavy periods
  • Urine that is red, orange or looks like Coca-cola
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Leg swelling or pain
  • If you throw up and it looks like coffee grounds
  • Bad headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Blood in poop
  • Numbness or weakness in one side
  • Trouble speaking

 

Teens and adults who take Xarelto need to take steps to prevent pregnancy (i.e. birth control). If pregnancy occurs, your hematology provider must be told as soon as possible, as the safety of this medication while pregnant has not been determined.