Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) tablets

Xarelto is a blood thinner used to prevent the formation of blood clots. It is prescribed for patients with atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm irregularity, and for patients who are undergoing certain types of joint replacement surgery who are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, a condition that may lead to blood clots in the lungs and other parts of the circulatory system.
Xarelto was introduced on the market in 2011, making it relatively new. The manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, promoted it as an alternative to Warfarin, requiring no monitoring.
However, patients absorb the drug at different rates. Some patients who have taken Xarelto experienced uncontrolled bleeding, which may lead to serious injury or death. Unlike Wayfarin, however, Xarelto has no antidote if a patient experiences internal bleeding. The blood thinner must pass out of the system gradually, meaning it could be too late for the victim. There have been numerous reports of uncontrolled bleeding, causing serious side effects including death, according to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.

Recognizing Xarelto Side Effects

In some cases, drugs are released on the market that have not been tested adequately, and side effects from long term usage do not become evident until years later. After release upon the market, some medications are then discovered to have harmful, or even fatal side effects.
Serious Xarelto side effects may require emergency treatment, particularly when any unusual bleeding develops. Some minor side effects can include muscle pain, itching, and pain in the arms and legs. Any significant changes are to be reported to your doctor. Serious side effects are the major concern with this medication. They include:

• Bleeding of the nose, mouth, rectum or vagina
• Headaches, dizziness, weakness
• Heavy menstruation
• Blood in urine or stools
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Loss of movement in any body part

Uncontrolled bleeding is by far the most serious side effect and can happen in critical body organs, sometimes result in the need for blood transfusions to keep the patient alive. If a patient has spinal defects or is receiving spinal taps, it can even lead to bleeding that could potentially lead to paralysis. There are many other possible side effects that can result in injury or death.