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Rivaroxaban

Brand names: Xarelto

Rivaroxaban is a blood thinner that prevents and treats blood clots and lowers stroke risk in atrial fibrillation.

Brand namesXarelto
Type of medicineBlood thinner (anticoagulant)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It blocks factor Xa, a protein that helps blood clot. It doesn't need regular INR blood tests.

What it's used for

  • Lowering stroke risk in atrial fibrillation
  • Treating and preventing clots in the legs and lungs
  • Preventing clots after hip or knee replacement
  • Lowering heart risk in coronary or peripheral artery disease (with aspirin)

How to take it

  • Higher doses must be taken with food (usually the evening meal) to be absorbed properly; follow your label.
  • Don't stop it without talking to your provider; stopping raises stroke and clot risk.
  • Tell every provider and dentist you take it.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Bruising easily
  • Minor bleeding
Call 911Vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or bleeding that won't stop
Call 911A severe headache, weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking
Call 911A bad fall or hit to the head
Call your provider todayPink or brown urine; red or black stools

Warnings

  • Risk of spinal bleeding with spinal anesthesia or spinal taps.
  • Not used with artificial heart valves.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Aspirin, NSAIDs, other blood thinners, and SSRIs raise bleeding risk.
  • Some antifungals, HIV medicines, rifampin, St. John's wort, and seizure medicines change its level.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider. Other blood thinners are usually preferred in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.