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Rivaroxaban

Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant that works as a factor Xa inhibitor. It is taken to stop harmful clots forming and to treat clots that have already developed in the veins or the lungs. Tablets are supplied in three strengths, including generic versions.

Medicine containing Rivaroxaban

Rivaroxaban

Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism

10 · 15 · 20mg

Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant in tablet form for deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and stroke prevention. You can choose from several strengths and pack sizes. Each option lists its price per tablet.

FromUS$0.85/ tabletView

Key points

  • The anticoagulant effect starts within 2 to 4 hours of a dose and lasts about 24 hours.
  • Tablets are available as standard tablets and film-coated tablets, in 10mg, 15mg and 20mg strengths.
  • It must not be used by anyone with active pathological bleeding, liver disease associated with coagulopathy, or severe renal impairment.

What rivaroxaban is used for

It treats deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and it lowers the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation. Many people take it for months or longer, as part of a wider plan for heart and blood pressure health.

How it works

Factor Xa is a clotting factor at the centre of the coagulation cascade; it drives the conversion of prothrombin into thrombin. Rivaroxaban inhibits this factor directly and with high selectivity. Blocking it interferes with both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, so less thrombin is formed and a thrombus cannot develop as readily.

Tablets and strengths

The rivaroxaban tablet is supplied in 10mg, 15mg and 20mg strengths, as a standard or film-coated tablet. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety

Rivaroxaban is not recommended for anyone under 18. It is contraindicated in pregnancy because of bleeding risk, and anyone who could become pregnant must use contraception while taking it. It should not be used during breastfeeding, as it passes into breastmilk.

Bleeding is the main concern. Signs of bleeding should be monitored, the medicine is stopped before surgical procedures, and elderly patients need closer attention. Tell your doctor about an artificial heart valve, stomach or bowel ulcers, recent bleeding in the brain or recent surgery, liver disease, antiphospholipid syndrome or uncontrolled high blood pressure, and about any unusual bruising or bleeding, as rivaroxaban is likely to be avoided in these situations.

Side effects include anaemia, dizziness and nausea, and more troublesome effects such as haemorrhage, gastrointestinal pain and raised liver enzymes. Intracranial haemorrhage and anaphylaxis need immediate medical attention.

Warfarin, NSAIDs and clopidogrel interact with rivaroxaban and can increase the risk of bleeding.

What the sources say

  • Rivaroxaban is a factor Xa inhibitor that blocks a natural substance the body uses to make clots. (MedlinePlus)
  • In atrial fibrillation, stopping the medicine abruptly raises the risk of stroke, so it should not be stopped without medical advice. (MedlinePlus)
  • Cuts and injuries may take longer to stop bleeding, and bruising or bleeding may happen more easily. (MedlinePlus)
  • Epidural or spinal anaesthesia, or an injection into the spine, can cause a clot near the spine and paralysis in people taking rivaroxaban. (MedlinePlus)

Further reading

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