Short Description
Rivaroxaban 15mg is a factor Xa inhibitor used to prevent and treat blood clots. It works by reducing the blood's ability to clot, helping to prevent stroke in certain heart conditions and treat conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
What Is Rivaroxaban 15mg?
Rivaroxaban 15mg contains rivaroxaban as its active ingredient, a medicine belonging to the direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) class, specifically a factor Xa inhibitor. Unlike older anticoagulants, it works directly on a specific clotting factor rather than requiring routine blood monitoring.
Rivaroxaban 15mg is typically used either during the initial phase of treating an existing blood clot or for ongoing stroke prevention in people with reduced kidney function. Its role and duration within a treatment plan should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual's condition and kidney function.
Uses
Rivaroxaban 15mg may be prescribed to:
Treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), typically during the initial three-week treatment phase
Reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, particularly those with reduced kidney function
The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual health needs and kidney function.
How Does Rivaroxaban Work?
Rivaroxaban works by blocking a clotting protein in the blood called factor Xa. This protein plays a key role in the chain of reactions that leads to blood clot formation. By inhibiting factor Xa, rivaroxaban reduces the blood's tendency to form clots, helping to prevent new clots and stop existing ones from growing larger.
Rivaroxaban generally begins to affect blood clotting within a few hours of taking a dose, though the therapeutic benefit in preventing stroke or treating a clot develops with consistent, ongoing use as directed by a healthcare professional.
How to Take Rivaroxaban
Take Rivaroxaban exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
The 15mg tablet must be taken with food, as this helps the body absorb the medicine properly
May be taken once or twice daily depending on the condition being treated, as directed by your prescriber
Try to take it at the same time(s) each day
If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, speak with your pharmacist about alternative administration methods
Do not stop or change your treatment without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist first, as stopping suddenly can increase the risk of blood clots or stroke
Missed dose: If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember on the same day so that you take your full prescribed daily amount. Do not double up doses on the following day to make up for a missed one. If unsure, check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Important Safety Information
Before starting Rivaroxaban, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history and all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you use.
Do not take rivaroxaban if you have active pathological bleeding.
Medical advice is also important if you have:
Severe kidney or liver problems
A history of bleeding disorders
A recent surgery or planned invasive procedure
A history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
A mechanical heart valve
Rivaroxaban may interact with certain medicines, including other anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines, NSAIDs, and some antifungal or antiviral medicines. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines with rivaroxaban.
This is not a complete list of precautions or interactions. Always check for possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medicine.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Rivaroxaban is generally not recommended during pregnancy, as it may increase the risk of bleeding for both mother and baby, and safety data in pregnancy are limited. It is also generally not recommended while breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk. Recommendations may vary depending on individual circumstances, so speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Rivaroxaban can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects may include:
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience signs of significant bleeding (such as blood in urine or stools, black or tarry stools, or bleeding that will not stop), symptoms of a spinal blood clot (such as back pain, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control), or signs of an allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing).
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Storage
Store Rivaroxaban according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.
Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture
Keep out of reach and sight of children
Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging
