Understanding Xarelto

Xarelto is a blood thinner that treats and helps prevent blood clots that are related to
certain conditions involving the heart and blood vessels.

What is Xarelto?

Xarelto belongs to a class of medications called factor Xa inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a certain natural substance that helps blood clots to form.

Xarelto is used to treat or prevent blood clots (venous thromboembolism, or VTE). Blood clots can occur in the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE).

This medicine is also used to help prevent strokes or serious blood clots in adults who have atrial fibrillation, (a condition in which the heart beats irregularly, increasing the chance of clots forming in the body, and possibly causing strokes) that is not caused by heart valve disease.

Xarelto is also used to prevent DVT and PE in adults who are having hip replacement or knee replacement surgery or in people who are hospitalized for serious illnesses and are at risk of developing a clot due to decreased ability to move around or other risk factors.

It is also used along with aspirin to lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart) or peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation in the blood vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs).

Warnings

Do not stop taking Xarelto without your doctor's advice. Stopping it suddenly can increase your risk of blood clots or stroke.

What is Xarelto?

Xarelto is a prescription medication that acts as an anticoagulant, which means it helps prevent blood clots. It is commonly prescribed for individuals with conditions such as atrial fibrillation or for those who have undergone certain types of surgery. So, because Xarelto works by inhibiting specific proteins in the blood, it can effectively reduce the risk of strokes and other serious complications caused by clots.

How Does Xarelto Work?

The primary ingredient in Xarelto is rivaroxaban, which directly inhibits factor Xa, an essential component in the blood clotting process. Because it targets this factor, Xarelto reduces the ability of the blood to clot, which is crucial for patients at risk of developing harmful clots. Therefore, using Xarelto can lead to a significant decrease in the occurrence of serious conditions, provided the medication is taken as directed.

Benefits and Risks of Using Xarelto

Patients benefit from Xarelto mainly due to its effectiveness and convenient dosing schedule, as it typically only requires once-daily administration. However, like any medication, Xarelto comes with potential risks, including bleeding complications. It is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider's instructions and report any unusual bleeding or side effects immediately. This proactive approach is crucial for ensuring safety while using Xarelto.