Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is one of the newest anticoagulants – more commonly known as blood thinners. The drug is an oral medication developed by Bayer and Johnson & Johnson’s New Jersey-based unit, Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Blood thinners prevent dangerous blood clots that can obstruct the blood flow to the vital organs. Unlike older anticoagulants that require doctors to prescribe specific doses for each individual, Xarelto belongs to a new type of oral anticoagulant that is prescribed in one uniform dose.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Xarelto for use in patients who have had knee or hip replacement surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots, reducing the risk of stroke in people with AF. Following a fast-track regulatory review, the FDA approved the drug for general treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
One of the most severe side effects of Xarelto is uncontrolled bleeding. When bleeding occurs near a major organ, such as the brain, lungs or kidneys, blood flow to that organ is interrupted, causing it to lose some or all of its functionality. Also, pools of blood may form within the body and can cause other severe health risks. Because Xarelto prevents clotting, the hemorrhaging will continue until the drug is flushed out of the system.
