Xarelto is an oral anticoagulant containing rivaroxaban, a factor Xa inhibitor. This page concerns the 20 mg film-coated tablet and summarises adult use in the current European Union product information. Relevant uses include stroke prevention in selected people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and treatment or prevention of recurrent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.<\/p>\n
The 20 mg tablet must be taken with food because food improves absorption at this strength. That instruction should not be replaced by advice for the 2.5 mg or 10 mg tablet. Different indications can require different strengths or treatment phases, so a medicine name and strength alone are not enough to choose a regimen.<\/p>\n
Bruising, nosebleeds, anaemia, nausea or other bleeding can occur. Heavy bleeding, blood in urine or vomit, black stools, fainting, or a sudden severe headache with neurological symptoms need urgent assessment. A head injury should be reported promptly because bleeding may be internal. A severe allergic reaction, with breathing difficulty or swelling of the tongue or throat, is an emergency.<\/p>\n
Keep the anticoagulant alert card available and tell healthcare professionals about rivaroxaban before dental work, surgery, spinal procedures or new prescriptions. Do not decide independently to interrupt, replace or combine anticoagulants; loss of protection and increased bleeding are different risks that require a coordinated plan.<\/p>\n
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, antiplatelet medicines and some antidepressants can add to bleeding risk. Other anticoagulants are generally not combined except in defined supervised circumstances. Systemic azole antifungals and certain HIV medicines can raise exposure, while rifampicin, some seizure medicines and St John\u2019s wort can reduce it. A pharmacist should check the exact products and the reason each is prescribed.<\/p>\n
Kidney function, liver disease and conditions that already increase bleeding risk matter when assessing suitability. EU labelling contraindicates rivaroxaban during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The English summary does not replace the leaflet for the product supplied in your country, and does not provide an individual dose or a conversion schedule.<\/p>\n