Xarelto is a brand-name prescription blood thinner used to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Xarelto is also approved to reduce the risk of complications in atrial fibrillation (AFib) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. This blood thinner contains rivaroxaban, a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC). Blood clots are dangerous medical events that can lead to fatal outcomes if left untreated. If you are at risk of developing blood clots, your doctor may prescribe rivaroxaban to reduce your risk.

How Does Xarelto Work?

Xarelto lowers your risk of blood clots by stopping certain clotting factors from working. When the body detects an injury, it activates a substance called factor Xa to initiate a clot. Xarelto is a Factor Xa inhibitor. By attaching to factor Xa and impairing its effects, Xarelto effectively reduces the body’s ability to form clots. Rivaroxaban works quickly and begins to protect you against blood clots within a few hours after dosing. It is important to continue your treatment with Xarelto for the entire prescribed period. Stopping before your treatment is complete may cause blood clots to return. In patients with heart disease, stopping rivaroxaban prematurely may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Because Xarelto stops the body from forming clots, you may need to stop dosing before surgery to prevent bleeding complications during the procedure.

Xarelto is not available in a generic form in the U.S (or Canada currently). This is because the patent on Xarelto is still active. At your local pharmacy, only brand-name Xarelto will be available, limiting your options. However, many countries outside the U.S. have already approved generic Xarelto, called rivaroxaban. To get generic rivaroxaban, order through an online pharmacy referral service like Canadian Med Center. We help to connect you to licensed international fulfillment centres and/or pharmacies. Getting generic rivaroxaban from other countries can help you with tremendous savings. Regardless of whether you pick brand-name or generic Xarelto, you can expect to save up to 90 percent when you buy online.

Xarelto is available in four dosage strengths of 2.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg. Your doctor will determine which strength is right for you based on the condition you are treating. The frequency of your doses will also depend on the type and severity of your condition.

Xarelto 2.5 mg

The lowest dose of Xarelto (2.5 mg) is typically used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Xarelto 2.5 mg is recommended to be taken twice a day.

Xarelto 10 mg

Xarelto 10 mg is recommended for preventing recurrent DVT and PE. This strength is also used to prevent blood clots after a hip or knee replacement surgery. If you have knee replacement surgery, you may need 10 mg of apixaban for 12 days. For a hip surgery, Xarelto 10 mg is recommended for 35 days.

Xarelto 15 mg

For treating DVT and PE, you may start on 15 mg of Xarelto, twice a day for three weeks. This dosage strength is also used to prevent the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Xarelto 20 mg

After the initial treatment with 15 mg, your doctor may recommend increasing your dose to 20 mg, once a day for treating DVT and PE. Xarelto 20 mg is the strongest available dose. If you take 20 mg tablets, it is recommended that you take it with a meal and at the same time each day.

Xarelto can cause many side effects related to the increased bleeding risk that comes with blood thinners. For example, rivaroxaban may cause: Easy bruising

• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Bloody stools
• Headaches
• Weakness or feeling like you are going to faint

These side effects may indicate internal bleeding. If you develop any signs of internal bleeding, talk to your doctor immediately. Bleeding in the intestines, abdomen, lungs, or brain can cause life-threatening swelling. Xarelto may also increase your risk of a spinal blood clot, especially if you have recently undergone a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or anesthesia (epidural). Signs of a spinal blood clot include:

• Muscle weakness
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Back pain

For a complete list of the possible side effects of Xarelto, ask your healthcare provider today. Xarelto side effects can quickly become severe, so prompt treatment is often necessary. If you have any concerns about the safety of taking Xarelto, ask your doctor if the benefits of this anticoagulant outweigh its risks for your condition.

What is the cost of Xarelto in Canada?

Generic Xarelto, called rivaroxaban, is not currently available in the United States (or Canada currently), but it is available in many countries outside the United States already. So, you can save substantially by getting your blood thinners from other countries. When you order brand-name or generic rivaroxaban through an online pharmacy referral service like Canadian Med Center, you can expect to save up to 90 percent!

When will Xarelto go generic?

In the United States, Xarelto will not be available in a generic form until 2026. Luckily, you can still get generic rivaroxaban using an online pharmacy referral service like Canadian Med Center. Generic rivaroxaban is notably cheaper than its brand-name version, giving more patients access to this blood thinner.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Xarelto?

If your doctor approves alcohol use while taking Xarelto, there should not be any problems. However, heavy drinking has been linked to increased bleeding, especially in the stomach and digestive tract. Alcohol use also makes you more likely to injure yourself, which increases the risk of wounds that lead to bleeding.

Is Xarelto 20mg safe?

Yes, Xarelto 20mg is used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. This dosage strength is also used to treat DVT and PE after a loading dose of 15mg. For best effects, it’s recommended to take 15mg and 20mg rivaroxaban with food.

How long does Xarelto stay in your system?

After your last dose, Xarelto will stay in your system between one to three days. Younger adults break down this drug faster than older adults. According to research, Xarelto levels drop to a safe level for surgery after 48 hours.

Who makes Xarelto?

The manufacturer of your Xarelto prescription will depend on which version you pick. Canadian Med Center helps to connect you to brand-name and generic rivaroxaban from different licensed international fulfillment centres and/or pharmacies worldwide. During checkout, you will have the option of viewing the manufacturer of the rivaroxaban that you order.

How long should I stop taking Xarelto before surgery?

Xarelto increases your bleeding risk, so your doctor may recommend holding your dose at least 24 hours beforehand. If there is not enough time to hold your dose, your doctor may prescribe a Xarelto antidote that reverses its effect so your body has the ability to form clots.