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If you or a loved one has been prescribed Xarelto (rivaroxaban), you may have questions about its dosages, usage, and how it can help manage your condition.
This comprehensive guide provides a one-stop resource about Xarelto usage for various conditions. We’ll discuss proper dosages, treatments, and managing the risk of reoccurrence.
How Does Xarelto Work?
Xarelto belongs to a class of medications known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). It works by inhibiting Factor Xa—a key component in the body’s clotting process.
By blocking Factor Xa, Xarelto minimizes the risk of new clots forming in your body and prevents existing clots from growing. [1] This helps reduce the risk of serious complications from clot migration.
The FDA-approved Xarelto in 2011 for the following conditions:
- Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
- Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
- Reduce the reoccurrence of DVT and PE
- Prevent the occurrence of DVT or PE after hip or knee replacement surgery
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in adults and children [2]
We’ll discuss the role of Xarelto and the appropriate dosage for all these conditions in the following sections.
Xarelto Uses in Adults
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins deep in your lower leg, thigh, or pelvis. If these blood clots become mobile, they may travel to your lungs and cause a potentially fatal condition called pulmonary embolism. [3]
Fortunately, if caught early on, these conditions are treatable. Your doctor will create a treatment plan which may include Xarelto.
The role of Xarelto in DVT or PE treatment is to prevent the formation of new clots and minimize the risk of existing clots growing larger. We’ve included FDA-approved dosages for DVT and PE below:
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If you're at risk of reoccurrence of DVT or PE, your doctor will prescribe Xarelto to reduce the chances of these conditions returning. This is typically prescribed after six months of standard anticoagulant treatment. The FDA-approved Xarelto dosage to reduce the risk of recurrence of DVT and PE is 10 mg once daily, with or without food. [2]
If you’ve recently undergone hip or knee replacement surgery, your doctor may prescribe Xarelto to reduce the risk of DVT. [2] This is because, during recovery, you’re likely lying in bed for long periods as your body heals. This position, coupled with a lack of movement, increases the chances of DVT occurring. We’ve included FDA-approved dosages for this situation below:
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Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cardiac condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm. While atrial fibrillation itself is not a concern, an irregular heartbeat can increase the risk of blood clots forming in your heart. These blood clots can become fatal if they travel to either the rest of your body and cause systemic embolism or travel to your lungs and cause pulmonary embolism. [4]
Xarelto is prescribed for individuals with AF to prevent the formation of blood clots in the heart. The FDA-approved Xarelto dosage for atrial fibrillation is 15 or 20 mg once daily, with food. [2]
Venous Thromboembolism
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to the formation of blood clots in the veins, commonly occurring in the legs (DVT) or traveling to the lungs (PE). [3] If you suddenly feel unwell and are at high risk of developing VTE, your doctor may prescribe Xarelto to prevent this condition from occurring during your recovery.
In this case, Xarelto is used as a preventative measure. The FDA-approved Xarelto dosage for VTE is 10 mg, once daily, for 31-39 days. [2]
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle become narrow or blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart. This condition is called atherosclerosis and impacts the amount of oxygen, nutrients, and blood your heart receives. [5]
By combining aspirin with Xarelto, you can effectively reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by targeting two processes involved in atherosclerosis: platelets and thrombosis.
Aspirin is classified as an anti-platelet. It inhibits platelets from aggregating and contributing to clot formation.
As discussed before, Xarelto is a DOAC. It inhibits factor Xa, which, in turn, blocks the thrombosis process in clot formation. [6]
Together, these medications prevent atherosclerosis, effectively reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events associated with CAD. [6] For CAD, the FDA-approved Xarelto dosage is 2.5 mg twice daily, with or without food, taken with 75-100 mg of aspirin once daily. [2]
Xarelto Uses in Children
Children can also be affected by DVT and PE, and Xarelto is currently the only DOAC approved by the FDA to treat these conditions or prevent the risk of reoccurrence in patients younger than 18 years.
Your doctor may have prescribed your child Xarelto if they have received injectable or intravenous anticoagulation treatment for five days.
The recommended dose of Xarelto for children is carefully prescribed by a pediatric doctor and is determined by the child’s weight. [7] We’ve included FDA-approved dosages below:
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Conclusion
Xarelto's effectiveness in treating deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and venous thromboembolism has made it a worldwide go-to choice for healthcare professionals. In children, Xarelto plays a critical role in treating and preventing the recurrence of DVT and PE, ensuring a healthier future for young patients.
At RxConnected, we aim to provide safe and effective medication at an affordable price. If you have any questions about the role of Xarelto in your treatment, please contact us, and we’ll connect you with one of our experienced pharmacists. If you’re ready to buy Xarelto or its generic version (rivaroxaban), visit our medication page for prices and more information.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.