About Rivaroxaban

NHS medicines information on rivaroxaban - what it's used for and key facts.

Rivaroxaban is a type of medicine known as an anticoagulant.

It makes your blood flow through your veins more easily. This means your blood will be less likely to make a dangerous blood clot.

People who are more at risk of developing a blood clot include those who have:

• an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
• recently had surgery to replace a hip or knee joint
• unstable angina
• coronary heart disease
• peripheral arterial disease

It's also used to treat people who have had a health problem caused by a blood clot, such as:

• a stroke
• a heart attack
• a blood clot in the leg - deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• a blood clot in the lungs - a pulmonary embolism

Rivaroxaban is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets and granules.

Key facts

• You'll usually take rivaroxaban once or twice a day.
• Take rivaroxaban just after you have eaten a meal or snack. It's important to take it with food to help your body absorb the whole dose.
• The most common side effect of rivaroxaban is bleeding more easily than normal, such as having nosebleeds, heavier periods, bleeding gums and bruising.
• Your doctor or pharmacist will give you an anticoagulant alert card. Always carry this with you. Show it to your doctor or dentist before you have surgery or dental treatment. It's important they know you're taking rivaroxaban, as it may put you at risk of bleeding.
• You can drink alcohol while taking rivaroxaban. But heavy drinking, especially binge drinking, can make you more likely to bleed.

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.