Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is an anticoagulant. Anticoagulants are commonly referred to as “blood thinners”. They are prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots that can lead to serious or fatal health events, including stroke. Newer anticoagulants, including Xarelto, are more convenient to use than older drugs such as warfarin. But, they also carry a greater risk of death or permanent injury if a bleeding event occurs.
Xarelto Uses
Xarelto has FDA approval for the following uses:
- To reduce the risk of DVT and PE after hip or knee replacement surgery
- To reduce the risk of stroke in people with a heart rhythm abnormality called non-valvular atrial fibrillation
- To treat DVT and PE, and to reduce the risk of recurrence
Xarelto Side Effects
Xarelto side effects can include:
- Excessive bleeding that cannot be controlled after an injury
- Bleeding in the brain
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Rectal bleeding
- Development of blood clots
- Pulmonary embolism
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Abnormal liver function
- Reduced platelet levels
- Numbness or tingling in the muscles
- Loss of ability to control movement
- Wound infections and complications after surgery
Xarelto Convenience
Xarelto is popular because it is convenient for both patients and doctors. It is a once daily medication. There is no requirement for routine blood monitoring, and there are no dietary restrictions. This is in contrast to older anticoagulants, such as warfarin, which do require patients to have routine blood tests and carry dietary restrictions because certain foods can reduce their efficacy.
Why Xarelto Bleeding is So Dangerous
Because Xarelto and warfarin work by interfering with blood clotting, they both carry a risk of bleeding events. When bleeding occurs with warfarin, doctors can stop the anti-clotting action of the drug by administering vitamin K.
For Xarelto, there is no antidote. When bleeding occurs, doctors cannot stop the anticlotting action. Clotting can only resume when the drug has left the body. In the meantime, the patient can bleed to death or suffer blood loss so severe that it causes permanent organ and/or brain damage.
An otherwise minor injury can become deadly when using Xarelto, due to uncontrollable bleeding.
If you have concerns about Xarelto and whether it might have caused a deadly bleeding situation with a loved one, contact us online today. We will help you find answers to your questions and we can help you find an attorney who represents Xarelto victims.
