Xarelto (rivaroxaban) Uses

Xarelto is a prescription medication used to reduce the risk of blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat not caused by heart valve disease). It is also used to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) (formation of a blood clot in the leg or lung, respectively). People undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery may be prescribed Xarelto to lower the risk of blood clots. This medication is also used with low-dose aspirin to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in people with coronary and peripheral artery disease.

There may be other uses of this medicine — your healthcare provider or pharmacist can give you more drug information and provide medical advice.

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) Mechanism of Action

Xarelto is a blood thinner medicine. It works by blocking a natural substance called factor Xa which is needed for blood clots to form.

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) Doses

The dose of Xarelto depends on the condition being treated. Xarelto dose might need to be lowered in people with kidney disease or liver disease.

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: The usual dose of Xarelto is 15 mg or 20 mg once daily with the evening meal in people with normal renal function.

Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE): The typical dose is Xarelto 15 mg twice a day for 21 days and then 20 mg once a day.

Prevention of DVT and PE: The usual dose is Xarelto 10 mg once a day after at least six months of standard anticoagulant treatment. 

Prevention of DVT and PE in people who have undergone knee or hip replacement surgery: The usual dose is Xarelto 10 mg by mouth once a day for 35 days after hip replacement surgery and Xarelto 10 mg by mouth once a day for 12 days after knee replacement surgery. 

After hospitalization:  Xarelto 10 mg by mouth once a day for 31-39 days.