Rivaroxaban: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Rivaroxaban is a prescription blood thinner (anticoagulant) used to treat and prevent harmful blood clots. It also lowers the risk of stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. Bleeding is its main risk. It must not be stopped suddenly without a doctor's advice, because stopping early can raise the risk of a clot or stroke.
Also known as: Rivaroxaban tablet, Rivaroxaban 20 mg, Rivaroxaban 15 mg, Rivaroxaban 10 mg, Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg, Xarelto
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Rivaroxaban work?
Rivaroxaban blocks a clotting protein called factor Xa, which is a key step in forming a clot. With it blocked, clots form and grow more slowly.
How to take Rivaroxaban
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. The 15 mg and 20 mg tablets are taken with food. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
Side effects of Rivaroxaban
Most people take rivaroxaban without serious problems. Some side effects are mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Easy bruising
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Bleeding from cuts that takes longer to stop
- Heavier or longer periods
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Blood in the urine or stool, or vomiting or coughing up blood. Get medical help immediately
- A sudden severe headache, confusion or weakness. Call 112 or get emergency help immediately
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Numbness or weakness in the legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control, after a spinal injection
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking rivaroxaban, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to rivaroxaban or any ingredient of the tablet
- Active serious bleeding
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Boxed warning: stopping early raises the risk of clots and stroke, so do not stop unless your doctor says so
- Boxed warning: clots near the spine after spinal or epidural anaesthesia can cause lasting paralysis; tell the doctor that you take it
- Active bleeding, ulcers, liver disease or recent brain bleeding or surgery
- Kidney disease: the plan may need to change
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: not used; use effective contraception if you could become pregnant
Medicines and things that interact with Rivaroxaban
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and medicines bought over the counter.
- Other blood thinners and antiplatelet medicines: the risk of bleeding rises
- NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen: raise the risk of bleeding
- Some antifungal and HIV medicines: can raise its level and are usually avoided
- Some epilepsy medicines, some antibiotics and St John's wort: can change its effect
If someone takes too much
Taking more than prescribed is dangerous because it can cause serious bleeding. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital at once and take the pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient rivaroxaban is not known to be on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Fixed-dose combinations that contain rivaroxaban with other medicines may be treated differently, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Rivaroxaban belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Rivaroxaban
These medicines sold in India contain Rivaroxaban. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Xarelto 20 · 20 mg tablet
What is Rivaroxaban used for?
Medicines that contain Rivaroxaban are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Rivaroxaban.
Common questions
What is rivaroxaban used for?
It is used to treat and prevent blood clots in the legs and lungs, and to lower the risk of stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. A doctor decides whether it suits you.
Can I stop rivaroxaban if I feel well?
No. Stopping early can raise the risk of a clot or stroke, and the label carries a boxed warning about this. Talk to your doctor, who decides whether any change is suitable.
Does rivaroxaban need to be taken with food?
The 15 mg and 20 mg tablets are taken with food so the body absorbs them properly. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
What should I do if I bleed or hit my head on rivaroxaban?
Get medical help straight away for bleeding that will not stop, blood in urine or stool, vomiting blood, or any head injury, even if you feel fine. A sudden severe headache or confusion is an emergency.
Can I take painkillers with rivaroxaban?
NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac raise the risk of bleeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any painkiller or new medicine.
Is Xarelto the same as rivaroxaban?
Xarelto is a brand name. The tablet contains rivaroxaban. Check the ingredient list and strength on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto): a medicine to prevent blood clots. NHS (UK)
- Xarelto (rivaroxaban): EPAR medicine overview. European Medicines Agency
- Xarelto (rivaroxaban) tablets: prescribing information (Janssen, label revised 3/2026). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: B01AF01 rivaroxaban. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology