Xarelto

Xarelto is a type of blood-thinning medication used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) in people who undergo surgery to replace a knee or hip. It can also prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation. Xarelto comes in the form of a tablet that is taken by mouth once daily. Side effects may include things like itching and bleeding.

Xarelto Drug Information

What Is Xarelto?

Xarelto^® (rivaroxaban) is a prescription anticoagulant medication. It is approved for the following uses:

To prevent blood clots known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in people undergoing hip replacement or knee replacement surgery. Unlike most other medications used for this purpose that come as injections, Xarelto comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth.

To prevent blood clots and strokes in people with an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation.

(Click Xarelto Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes This Medicine?

Xarelto is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

How Does Xarelto Work?

Xarelto works by specifically inhibiting a clotting factor known as Factor Xa.

It is more selective than heparin (including both unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin), which inhibits other clotting factors in addition to Factor Xa. Xarelto is not a heparin medication and does not affect blood platelets.

Like other "blood thinners," Xarelto does not break down clots. Instead, it slows down clot formation, giving the body a chance to break down the clots naturally.

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