Short Description
Rivaroxaban 20mg is an oral anticoagulant containing rivaroxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor. It is used for conditions including treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), prevention of recurrent DVT and PE, and prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in certain adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
What Is Rivaroxaban 20mg?
Rivaroxaban 20mg contains rivaroxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant that reduces the blood's ability to form clots by inhibiting factor Xa.
The 20mg strength is used for specific anticoagulation indications, including continued treatment of DVT or PE and stroke prevention in certain adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The appropriate indication and treatment duration depend on the patient's condition and clinical risk factors.
Uses
Rivaroxaban 20mg may be prescribed to:
Treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in adults.
Help prevent recurrent DVT and PE after initial treatment.
Reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and relevant risk factors.
In some markets, be used as part of other approved treatment or prevention regimens where rivaroxaban is indicated.
The appropriate treatment, dose, and duration should be determined by a healthcare professional.
How Does Rivaroxaban Work?
Rivaroxaban selectively inhibits factor Xa, an enzyme involved in the blood-clotting process. This reduces the production of thrombin, a substance needed for blood clot formation, thereby reducing the tendency for harmful clots to develop.
The effect of treatment depends on the condition being treated and the prescribed regimen; it should be taken consistently as directed by a healthcare professional.
How to Take Rivaroxaban
Take Rivaroxaban exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
For the indications in which 20mg is prescribed, it is generally taken once daily.
Rivaroxaban 20mg should be taken with food to support adequate absorption.
Take the tablet at the time recommended by your healthcare professional.
Do not stop or change treatment without professional advice, as stopping an anticoagulant prematurely may increase the risk of blood clots.
If a dose is missed, follow the instructions provided with your prescription or patient information leaflet. Do not take extra doses unless specifically instructed.
Important Safety Information
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history and all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you use before starting Rivaroxaban.
Do not use Rivaroxaban if you have active pathological bleeding.
Your doctor may need to consider your kidney or liver function, bleeding risk, recent surgery or procedures, and other medical conditions before prescribing this medicine.
Rivaroxaban may interact with certain medicines, including:
Other anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Certain medicines that can affect how rivaroxaban is processed by the body
This is not a complete list of precautions or interactions. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines with Rivaroxaban.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Rivaroxaban is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and European product information states that it should not be used during these periods. Recommendations may vary between countries and according to individual circumstances.
If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using rivaroxaban.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Rivaroxaban can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Bleeding or bruising
Anaemia
Dizziness or headache
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, or indigestion
Low blood pressure
Itching or skin rash
Swelling, particularly around the ankles or feet
Reduced kidney function may occur in some patients
Seek prompt medical attention for heavy or prolonged bleeding, blood in the urine or stools, vomiting or coughing blood, severe headache, sudden weakness, neurological symptoms, or other signs of significant internal bleeding. Rivaroxaban can cause serious or potentially life-threatening bleeding.
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 the tablets in their original packaging.
Protect the medicine from heat, moisture, or light as directed on the packaging.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.