If you have epidural or spinal anesthesia or a spinal puncture while taking a 'blood thinner' such as rivaroxaban, you are at risk for having a blood clot form in or around your spine that could cause you to become paralyzed. Tell your doctor if you have an epidural catheter that is left in your body or have or have ever had repeated epidural or spinal punctures, spinal deformity, or spinal surgery. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking anagrelide (Agrylin); other anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan), or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); cilostazol (Pletal); clopidogrel (Plavix); dipyridamole (Persantine); eptifibatide (Integrilin); prasugrel (Effient); sulfinpyrazone (Anturane); ticlopidine (Ticlid); and tirofiban (Aggrastat). If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: muscle weakness, numbness or tingling (especially in your legs), or inability to move your legs.
Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking rivaroxaban.
Rivaroxaban is used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT; a blood clot, usually in the leg), which can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE; a blood clot in the lung), in people who are having hip replacement or knee replacement surgery. Rivaroxaban is in a class of medications called factor Xa inhibitors. It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood.
Rivaroxaban comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. The first dose should be taken at least 6 to 10 hours after surgery. Rivaroxaban can be taken with or without food, unless you are told specifically to take it with food by your doctor or pharmacist. When rivaroxaban is taken after hip replacement surgery, it is usually taken for 35 days. When rivaroxaban is taken after knee replacement surgery, it is usually taken for 12 days. Take rivaroxaban at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take rivaroxaban exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Rivaroxaban tablets can be crushed and given in certain types of feeding tubes. Ask your doctor if you should take this medication in your feeding tube. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.
Continue to take rivaroxaban even if you feel well. Do not stop taking rivaroxaban without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking rivaroxaban, your risk of a blood clot may increase.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it that day. However, if you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
itching
muscle spasm
bloody, black, or tarry stools
blood in urine
coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
nosebleeds
bleeding from your gums
weakness
tiredness
dizziness or fainting
blurred vision
pain in arm or leg
Rivaroxaban prevents blood from clotting normally so it may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding if you are cut or injured. This medication may also cause you to bruise or bleed more easily. Call your doctor right away if bleeding or bruising is unusual.
Rivaroxaban may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
unusual bleeding or bruising
bloody, black, or tarry stools
blood in urine
coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to rivaroxaban.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 08/15/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.