Xarelto

Uses
Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) is an orally administered anticoagulant used to protect patients affected by AF (atrial fibrillation) from a stroke. Its mode of action is disrupting the coagulation cascade (the biochemical process in which clotting factors help to stop bleeding by causing the blood to clot). Atrial fibrillation is a medical condition affecting the heart rhythm, in which the upper heart's chambers beat at a quicker rate than the lower heart chambers.

As a result of this, the blood may not be fully pumped out of the upper chambers, and the formation of a clot is possible. Patients may be at risk of a stroke if the clot becomes dislodged from the heart and gets lodged inside the brain. However, by preventing a compound which is vital for the blood to clot (fibrin), this medicine is able to help defend the patient against blood clots. In some cases, it may also be used to treat DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and PE (pulmonary embolism).

Dosage and Administration
Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) is provided as tablets, each of which contain 20mg of the active ingredient. Your doctor will individualize the dosage so as to meet your requirements. Doctors may direct adults who are taking this medicine to lower the risk of stroke due to atrial fibrillation and whose creatinine clearance is more than 50ml per min to take a single 20mg tablet per day, taken with the evening meal. The required dosage for other conditions may differ, and you must therefore listen carefully with all instructions provided by the doctor in charge of treatment. Never exceed the recommended dosage.

Side effects
Treatment with Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) could result in side effects. These may include:

• Vomiting
• Dyspepsia
• Headaches
• Dizzy feeling
• Itchy sensation

Get medical treatment straight away if you are affected by frequent bleeding, discolouration of your urine, blurry eyesight, weakness, fatigue or any other severe side effects which have not been mentioned in this paragraph.

Precautions
This medicine may cause a severe blood clot which may result in paralysis if the patient is given an epidural (spinal anaesthesia) or other similar spinal puncture. Some patients may be more at risk of this due to their medical history.

Patients who are affected by atrial fibrillation may be at an increased risk of suffering from a stroke after ceasing treatment with this medicine. Talk to your doctor about this before you start treatment.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.