Xarelto 20 Mg Tablet-28 Tablet

Here is a detailed product description for XARELTO 20 MG TABLET.

XARELTO 20 MG TABLET

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Xarelto
  • Common Name: Rivaroxaban

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredient: Each tablet contains 20 mg of Rivaroxaban.
  • Excipients: Includes lactose monohydrate, and a film coating mixture containing iron oxide red, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

• Uses: Xarelto is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) prescribed to treat and prevent blood clots. It is used for several conditions, including:

  • Reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
  • Treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
  • Preventing the recurrence of DVT and PE.
  • Preventing blood clots in adults after hip or knee replacement surgery.
  • Reducing the risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke in adults with coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease, often used with low-dose aspirin.

• Dosage and Administration: Xarelto tablets are taken orally. The specific dosage and duration of treatment depend on the condition being treated and the patient's individual circumstances, including kidney function.

  • For the treatment of DVT and PE, initial doses may be 15 mg twice daily with food for 21 days, followed by 20 mg once daily with food.
  • For stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, a common dose is 20 mg once daily with the evening meal.
  • Tablets can be crushed and mixed with water or apple puree immediately before taking, followed by food.

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Bleeding (the most common side effect), back pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, dizziness, itching, muscle spasms, headache, and nosebleeds.
  • Serious: Increased risk of severe bleeding (which can be life-threatening), allergic reactions (rash, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat), and spinal or epidural hematoma (blood clot around the spine), especially after spinal procedures, which can lead to paralysis.

• Precautions:

  • Patients should not take Xarelto if they have active or uncontrolled bleeding, or certain liver diseases.
  • Caution is advised in patients with kidney problems, as dose adjustments may be necessary.
  • Avoid taking other medications that increase bleeding risk, such as NSAIDs, aspirin, or other blood thinners, without consulting a doctor.
  • Do not stop taking Xarelto suddenly, as this can increase the risk of blood clots or stroke.
  • Inform healthcare providers about Xarelto use before any surgery or dental work.

• Storage: Store Xarelto tablets at room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Xarelto 20 mg Tablet (Rivaroxaban):

What is Xarelto 20 mg Tablet used for?

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a blood thinner primarily used to prevent and treat blood clots. It is prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. It also treats deep vein thrombosis (DVT, blood clots in leg veins) and pulmonary embolism (PE, blood clots in the lung), and helps prevent these clots from recurring. Additionally, it is used to prevent blood clots in people who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery.

How does Xarelto work?

Xarelto is an anticoagulant belonging to a class of medicines called Factor Xa inhibitors. It works by blocking Factor Xa, a specific protein in the blood that is essential for blood clotting. By inhibiting this factor, Xarelto thins the blood, making it clot more slowly and reducing the risk of harmful clot formation.

What is the usual dosage for Xarelto 20 mg Tablet?

The typical dosage for Xarelto 20 mg is once daily, often taken with the evening meal, particularly for reducing the risk of stroke and blood clots in adults with atrial fibrillation. For treating existing blood clots like DVT or PE, the initial dosage might be 15 mg twice daily for a few weeks, followed by 20 mg once daily. It's crucial to follow your doctor's specific instructions, as dosage can vary based on the condition being treated and individual factors such as kidney function.

What are the possible side effects of Xarelto?

The most common and serious side effect of Xarelto is bleeding, which can range from minor issues like bruising and nosebleeds to severe, life-threatening internal bleeding. Other common side effects may include nausea, anemia (low red blood cell count), back pain, dizziness, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. If you experience unusual bleeding or any concerning symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Is Xarelto safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Xarelto is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Limited data exist, and there is a potential for increased risk of bleeding in the mother and fetus, as well as insufficient information regarding adverse developmental outcomes. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant while taking Xarelto, it is important to speak with your doctor, as you may need to switch to a different medication. For breastfeeding, rivaroxaban is detected in human milk in small amounts. While some studies suggest low infant exposure, there is insufficient data to establish its safety for breastfed infants, and alternative anticoagulants are often recommended.

Can Xarelto be taken with other medications?

Xarelto can interact with several other medications, which may increase the risk of bleeding or affect its effectiveness. It's particularly important to inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Medications that can interact with Xarelto include other blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, warfarin, clopidogrel), certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin), certain antifungal medications (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), some seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), and herbal supplements like St. John's wort.

What precautions should be taken while on Xarelto?

Do not stop taking Xarelto without consulting your doctor, as discontinuing it prematurely can significantly increase your risk of developing a blood clot or stroke. Inform any doctor, dentist, or other healthcare provider that you are taking Xarelto before any medical procedures, including surgeries or dental work. Due to the increased risk of bleeding, be cautious with activities that may cause injury, and report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your doctor. Xarelto is generally not advised for individuals with severe kidney or liver problems or those with active bleeding conditions.

What happens if a dose of Xarelto is missed?

If you miss a once-daily dose of Xarelto (e.g., 20 mg), take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose. Then, continue with your regularly scheduled dose the next day. If you are on a twice-daily regimen (e.g., 15 mg twice daily), you may be instructed to take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and you might even take two 15 mg tablets at the same time to ensure you get the total daily dose if it's still the same day. Always follow the specific instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist regarding missed doses.

How should Xarelto tablets be stored?

Xarelto tablets should be stored at room temperature, typically between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original blister pack until it's time to take them to ensure their stability. Do not freeze the medication. Keep Xarelto and all medicines out of the reach of children.