Xarelto 20 Mg Tablet

Dr. Emily Brown

Dr. Ryan Mitchell

## What is Xarelto 20 mg

Xarelto 20 mg is a prescription blood thinner used to help prevent and treat harmful blood clots. It contains the FDA-approved active salt, Rivaroxaban. Rivaroxaban is a factor Xa inhibitor in the class of oral anticoagulants. Bayer Pharmaceuticals manufactures Xarelto under regulated GMP standards.

Rivaroxaban works by blocking factor Xa, an important clotting protein in the blood-clotting process. By reducing factor Xa activity, it lowers the blood’s ability to form dangerous clots. Doctors prescribe this anticoagulant medicine to minimize the risk of stroke and blood clots in nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation, treat Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE), prevent recurrent clots, prevent clots after hip or knee replacement surgery, and reduce certain clot-related risks in coronary or peripheral artery disease.

The pill is usually taken once daily with food, or exactly as recommended by the doctor. Taking it with food helps the body absorb the 20 mg dose properly. Swallow the tablet whole with water. If swallowing is difficult, the tablet may be crushed and mixed with applesauce, then taken immediately with food. Do not stop taking Xarelto without medical advice, as this can increase the risk of blood clots.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered on the same day. Do not take 2 doses together the next day. In case of overdose, get urgent medical help, especially if unusual bleeding, blood in urine or stool, vomiting blood, severe headache, fainting, weakness, or injury occurs.

Common side effects include bleeding, easy bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, tiredness, and weakness. Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, black stools, red or pink urine, coughing blood, severe headache, chest pain, sudden weakness, or signs of stroke.

Inform your doctor about kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers, recent surgery, or spinal procedures. Xarelto can interact with other blood thinners, Aspirin, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), certain antifungals, antibiotics, HIV medicines, grapefruit juice, and alcohol.

Store it at room temperature in a dry place, away from heat, moisture, and children.

## What are the benefits of taking Xarelto 20 mg

Xarelto 20 mg tablet helps prevent and treat harmful blood clots that can block blood flow to important organs. It supports clot protection in conditions like Atrial Fibrillation, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and Pulmonary Embolism when taken as prescribed. Key benefits are:

Reduces stroke risk in Atrial Fibrillation: Xarelto helps lower the chance of stroke and systemic embolism in individuals having nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

Treats existing blood clots: It helps treat Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism by preventing clots from growing while the body breaks them down naturally.

Prevents clot recurrence: It helps reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism recurring after initial treatment.

Supports blood clot prevention after surgery: It helps prevent clots after a hip or knee replacement procedure, where clot risk can be higher during recovery.

## How to take Xarelto 20 mg

Xarelto is a prescription anticoagulant that must be taken under a doctor’s supervision for effective treatment of blood clots. General guidelines for proper usage are:

Take the dose and duration as directed by the doctor.

Take the tablet with food, as food helps improve absorption of the 20 mg dose.

Swallow the tablet whole with water. If needed, it may be crushed and mixed with applesauce, followed immediately by food.

Take it at the same time each day, and do not stop it suddenly without medical advice because this can increase the risk.

## Strengths and Substitutes

The strengths and substitutes of Xarelto 20 mg available at Cheap Medicine Shop are:

View all substitutes

## What are the side effects of Xarelto 20 mg

Xarelto 20 mg is a well-tolerated medicine with mild side effects that typically resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if they continue or worsen, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Common side effects are:

Bleeding complications

Bruising

Skin discoloration

Gastrointestinal disturbances

Headache

Dizziness

## Safety Advice

Liver Disease

Xarelto 20 mg tablet should generally be avoided in moderate or severe liver disease because liver impairment can increase Rivaroxaban levels and raise bleeding risk. It is especially not safe if liver disease affects normal blood clotting. Always inform your doctor about any liver problems before use.

Kidney Impairment

Xarelto should be used with caution in kidney impairment because reduced kidney function can increase the medicine’s effect and bleeding risk. It may not be suitable in severe kidney disease, especially when creatinine clearance is below 15 mL/min. Regular kidney monitoring may be needed.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding women

Xarelto should not be used during pregnancy because it can increase bleeding risk for both the mother and baby. Breastfeeding women should use it only if prescribed, as small amounts may pass into breast milk, and safer alternatives may be preferred.

Avoid

Avoid Xarelto if you are allergic to Rivaroxaban, have active bleeding, or have a very high bleeding risk. Avoid taking it with other blood thinners, Aspirin, NSAIDs, or antiplatelet medicines unless your doctor specifically advises it, because the risk of serious bleeding can increase. Avoid alcohol while taking the medicine because it can increase bleeding risk. Avoid driving if you feel dizzy, weak, unusually tired, or faint after taking Xarelto.

## FAQs

## Can Xarelto 20 mg dissolve existing clots?

No, Xarelto 20 mg does not directly dissolve existing clots. It helps stop clots from growing larger and reduces the risk of new clots forming. The body slowly breaks down the clot naturally while treatment continues.

## What happens if I stop Xarelto 20 mg suddenly?

Stopping Xarelto 20 mg suddenly can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, Deep Vein Thrombosis, or Pulmonary Embolism. Do not stop it without medical advice, even if you feel well or if your bleeding symptoms seem mild.

## Can I take Xarelto 20 mg before surgery or dental work?

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Xarelto 20 mg before any surgery, dental extraction, or invasive procedure. The medicine may need to be paused for a short time to reduce the risk of bleeding, but only under medical guidance.

## Does Xarelto 20 mg need regular INR testing?

No, Xarelto 20 mg usually does not need regular International Normalized Ratio (INR) testing like Warfarin. However, your doctor may still check kidney function, liver function, hemoglobin, or bleeding risk during treatment, especially with long-term use.

## Can I eat green leafy vegetables while taking Xarelto 20 mg?

Yes, you can eat green leafy vegetables while taking Xarelto 20 mg. Unlike Warfarin, Xarelto is not affected by vitamin K intake. Keep your diet balanced and follow any dietary guidance your doctor provides.

## Can Xarelto cause Anemia?

Yes, Xarelto can cause Anemia if it leads to bleeding. Since Xarelto is an anticoagulant, it reduces blood clotting and can increase bleeding risk. Ongoing or hidden bleeding may lower red blood cell levels and cause tiredness, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

## Can Xarelto 20 mg cause heavy periods?

Yes, Xarelto 20 mg can cause heavier or longer menstrual bleeding in some women. Contact your doctor if bleeding becomes unusually heavy, lasts longer than normal, causes weakness, dizziness, or requires frequent pad or tampon changes.