Rivaroxaban
Blood thinnersAlso known as Xarelto
Rivaroxaban is a blood thinner that blocks one of your blood's clotting proteins. It prevents strokes in atrial fibrillation and treats or prevents clots in the legs and lungs. Like apixaban, it skips warfarin's routine blood tests and diet rules — that's its honest upside. Tell every doctor and dentist you take it, because it affects everything from dental work to surgery.
How to take it
When
For the most common uses, once a day at the same time. Some prescriptions differ — follow yours exactly.
Food
Take it with food — for the common once-daily use, that means with your evening meal. Food helps your body absorb it properly.
Avoid
No regular ibuprofen or naproxen without asking — they stack the bleeding risk.
Stopping
Never stop early or before a procedure without the prescribing doctor's OK. Stopping suddenly sharply raises your risk of stroke or clots.
Missed a dose?
What to do depends on why you take it and how often, so ask your pharmacist about your specific prescription. One rule always holds: never take extra to catch up.
Common side effects
- Bruising more easily
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Small cuts bleeding longer
- Feeling tired or run-down
Call a doctor if
- Blood in your urine or stool, or black tarry stools — get help now
- Coughing or vomiting blood — call emergency services
- A fall or bump to the head, even if you feel fine — get checked right away
- Sudden severe headache, dizziness, or weakness — call emergency services
- Back pain, numbness, or weakness after a spinal injection or epidural — get help now