What is Xarelto?
Xarelto is a brand name for a prescription blood thinner called rivaroxaban that is used to treat or prevent blood clots. Xarelto works by slowing down the body’s ability to clot by selectively blocking one of the clotting factors found in your blood, called Factor Xa. This medication is often prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke in people with certain medical conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Brand name vs generics:
Xarelto currently exists only as a brand name medication and there is no generic available at this time. However, it seems like a generic version of this drug should be on the way soon, as the drug patents for Xarelto are set to expire sometime in late 2024.
Dosage:
Xarelto comes in a liquid suspension that can be swallowed as well as an oral tablet form in the following dosages: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg. Your doctor will prescribe the best dosage to fit your specific needs.
How long does Xarelto stay in your system?
Xarelto takes about 2-4 hours to reach its maximum blood thinning effect in the body, and is typically out of the system after 24 hours.
Side Effects:
Xarelto has some common side effects, such as:
- Bleeding complications, including major bleeding events
- Fainting
- Itching
- Pain in arms or legs
- Muscle pain/spasms
Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:
- Back pain
- Numbness or muscle weakness in your lower body
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual bleeding),
- Pain, swelling, new drainage or excessive bleeding from a wound or where a needle was injected
- Any bleeding that will not stop
- Headaches
- Dizziness/Lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Urine that looks red, pink or brown
- Bloody or tarry stools
- Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Xarelto cost:
Like most medications, the cost of Xarelto will vary based on insurance coverage, pharmacy, and location. You can use eNavvi to determine the cost based on your specific situation. Because there is no generic version of Xarelto yet, this brand name medication can be prohibitively expensive. You and your doctor can use eNavvi to help search for the best price of this medication for you.
Disclaimer
The information included in this page is not a substitute for medical advice. The list of side effects may not include all side effects as drugs can affect all people differently. Any dosage information may not include all dosage information. It is important to discuss with a medical professional that knows your medical history well which dosage is right for you and if there are any potential risks or possible side effects. Our goal is to provide relevant information but this page may not include all up-to-date information.