Rivaroxaban
Information about Rivaroxaban
Rivaroxaban uses
Rivaroxaban is used to prevent stroke prevention, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It prevents the formation of blood clots in the legs, lungs, brain or heart.
How rivaroxaban works
Rivaroxaban is a novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC). It works by preventing the formation of blood clots in the body.
Common side effects of rivaroxaban
Bleeding, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Nausea
Content Details
Last updated on:
12 Feb 2020 | 03:53 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Rivaroxaban
- For best results, take Rivaroxaban at the same time every day. It is better to take at night with meals.
- It interacts less with food or other medicines. Hence, frequent dose changes are not required.
- It increases your risk of bleeding. Be careful while shaving, cutting fingernails or toenails, using sharp objects or engaging in contact sports (e.g. football, wrestling).
- It may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or activity requiring mental focus until you know how it affects you.
- If you are going to have a surgery or dental treatment, you may be asked to stop taking Rivaroxaban temporarily.
- Notify your doctor if you have any kidney problem.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Do not stop taking medication without talking to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions for Rivaroxaban
Rivaroxaban
Q. What are the side effects of Rivaroxaban?
The most common side effects of Rivaroxaban include long or excessive bleeding, breathlessness (which may be a sign of bleeding), exceptional weakness, tiredness, paleness, dizziness, headache, and unexplained swelling. Other side effects can be severe skin and allergic reactions, bruising, coughing up blood, bleeding from the skin or under the skin, and swelling and pain in the limbs. Using Rivaroxaban may increase the bilirubin and decrease the number of platelets. Some people may experience fainting episodes, faster heartbeat, and dry mouth. In case you notice any side effects, immediately contact your doctor.
Q. Is Rivaroxaban a blood thinner?
Yes, Rivaroxaban is a blood thinner. It is a medication that prevents the blood from clotting within the blood vessels. It also prevents the blood clots from recurring in the blood vessels. It may be prescribed to treat blood clots in the veins of the legs and in the blood vessels of the lungs.
Q. Is Rivaroxaban dangerous?
Rivaroxaban has numerous beneficial effects, but it has a tendency to make you bleed more than normal come even with minor injuries as it reduces your blood’s clotting ability. Sometimes Rivaroxaban may cause serious bleeding which may be dangerous and may need urgent medical attention. This risk may be higher in people taking Rivaroxaban along with other blood thinning medications. Contact your doctor if you notice even minor bleeding.
Q. Does Rivaroxaban cause weight gain?
No, Rivaroxaban is not supposed to cause weight gain. If you notice sudden weight gain and think it is because of this medicine, immediately contact your doctor and inform him about it.
Q. What foods should you avoid if you are on blood thinners?
Avoid taking grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Rivaroxaban. The reason being, grapefruit contains compounds that slow down the metabolism of Rivaroxaban and increase the activity leading to bleeding. On the other hand, if you are taking some other blood thinner like warfarin, you should avoid taking any food that increases the activity of vitamin K or increases the clotting of blood. Such food items may include spinach, brussels, sprouts, mustard greens, broccoli, asparagus and green tea. However, the use of these food items is not restricted with Rivaroxaban.