Rivaroxaban
Also known as: Xarelto
What it's for
Rivaroxaban thins your blood to prevent and treat blood clots. It is used for atrial fibrillation, DVT, pulmonary embolism, and after some surgeries.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- Dose depends on why you are taking it.
- For atrial fibrillation: Usually 20mg once a day with food.
- Take at the same time each day.
- Swallow whole with water.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Bruising more easily
- Bleeding from cuts takes longer to stop
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Feeling dizzy or tired
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Must be taken with food for doses of 15mg or more
- Tell doctors and dentists you take a blood thinner
- Avoid activities with high risk of injury
- Some medicines interact with rivaroxaban
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have bleeding that will not stop
- You cough up blood or have black/bloody stools
- You have a sudden severe headache
- You have numbness or weakness on one side of your body
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.