Table of Contents
I. Common Side Effects of Xarelto
III. Xarelto and Kidney Function
Xarelto, also known as rivaroxaban, is a blood thinner that can prevent dangerous blood clots. Many Americans take blood thinners to prevent several medical conditions like stroke, heart attacks, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE).
So, how does Xarelto work? Xarelto blocks the activity of clotting substances in the body to treat and prevent blood clots. Rivaroxaban continues to be one of the most expensive drug thinners on the market because the United States does not restrict drug prices. Also, there is no generic alternative to Xarelto available in the United States, but you can save money through My Drug Center. Luckily, Xarelto generic is available through our online Canadian pharmacy.
It is important to know as much as you can about Xarelto before purchasing this drug online. Many patients prefer Xarelto because it requires less testing than traditional blood thinners like warfarin. Read on to learn more about Xarelto and its potential side effects.
Common Side Effects of Xarelto
Because Xarelto is a newer anticoagulant, it has fewer severe side effects than older blood thinners. Most side effects should go away within the first few weeks of treatment. Common side effects of Xarelto can include:
- Muscle pain
- Itching
- Pain in the arms or legs
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Back pain
Before starting Xarelto, tell your doctor about any allergies you may have. You may experience an allergic reaction if you are allergic to any ingredients in rivaroxaban. Allergic reaction symptoms often include swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat. [1]
Long Term Side Effects of Xarelto
Many people take Xarelto for long periods to prevent blood clots, especially if they are genetically predisposed to blood clot formation. Some long-term side effects do not require medical attention, but you may want to discuss it with your doctor if you experience something unusual. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, skin rashes, and hair loss may occur in some people with prolonged blood thinner use.
a. Xarelto and Bleeding
Bleeding is the number one side effect of most blood thinners, including Xarelto. Blood thinners make it more difficult for the blood to clot, so a wound may bleed more profusely during an injury. This can become a seriously dangerous medical condition and lead to death if left unchecked. If you notice that a cut or scrape is taking a while to form a scab, you may want to talk to your doctor.
Internal bleeding may be harder to recognize, so seek help right away if you feel unwell and recently experienced an injury that may have caused internal bleeding. Watch out for the following bleeding symptoms:
- Frequent bleeding of the gums or nosebleeds
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Urine that looks red, brown, or pink
- Bloody or tarry stools
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Bleeding that will not stop
Once you begin Xarelto, you may have to alter your hobbies or activities to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding. You may have to discontinue any contact sports that can increase your risk of internal bleeding. These activities include soccer, mountain biking, football, basketball, and rugby. [2]
Xarelto and Kidney Function
It is important to be transparent with your doctor about your medical history when starting new medication. Some research suggests that oral anticoagulants like Xarelto may cause kidney issues. In one study published in the Hindawi Scientific Journal, researchers observed the effect of Xarelto on an 82-year-old patient with atrial fibrillation.
After two weeks of taking Xarelto, the patient experienced drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, low-grade fever, and acute renal failure. Kidney or renal failure means that one or both of the kidneys can no longer function well independently. [3]
Doctors stopped administering a Xarelto dosage after the patient’s hospitalization and their kidney function normalized soon after. This is a rare side effect, but if you have a history of kidney issues, you will want to tell your doctor before starting Xarelto to prevent renal problems.
Side Effects after Stopping Xarelto
If you take Xarelto for a long period, you may experience difficulty after ceasing the medication. You wouldn’t think a blood thinner would be tough to stop, but you may experience some side effects once you stop taking daily rivaroxaban.
Your doctor may advise you to wean off of Xarelto slowly. Once you stop taking Xarelto, you may notice the following side effects after 12-24 hours:
- Heart palpitations
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
You may experience emotional disturbances like depression or restlessness in the first few days after stopping Xarelto because withdrawal symptoms may worsen. Most side effects should dissipate after one week of being off of Xarelto. If they persist, tell your doctor. [4]
DISCLAIMER: The information in the article is not meant to be used for treatment or diagnosis. It is designed for general awareness and for information purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for your specific healthcare needs.
The Complete Guide to Xarelto Medication