You’ve seen the commercials on TV – a new drug will help treat a certain medical condition followed by a listing of the many possible side effects. One of the newest blood thinners on the market, Xarelto, is being touted as an important drug that can reduce the risk of stroke or embolism for people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. However, the drug may also cause a number of serious side effects.
Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a blood thinner that’s part of a group of medications called Xa inhibitors.
It’s popular, in part because patients on the drug don’t have to get their blood checked regularly. The drug is designed to decrease the blood’s ability to clot.
Xarelto has many side effects, but the most serious is uncontrolled bleeding, which can lead to death in the most serious of cases. That’s because the very thing that prevents blood clots and stroke can also cause uncontrolled internal bleeding.
If internal bleeding occurs near a major organ such as the lungs or kidney, a patient’s life can be in danger. While older blood-thinning drugs have antidotes that doctors can give patients to control or stop the bleeding, Xarelto does not have an antidote. That means doctors have to find other ways to treat patients to keep them from bleeding to death in cases of uncontrolled bleeding.
You should see a doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects of Xarelto, such as:
- Unexpected bleeding, including recurring nose bleeds or bleeding from the gums.
- Easy bruising.
- Red, pink or brown urine.
- Vomiting blood.
- Coughing up blood or blood clots.
- Numbness, tingling or muscle weakness.
- Feeling like you might pass out.
Less serious side effects of Xarelto that could also require medical attention include:
- Muscle pain.
- Itching.
- Pain in arms or legs.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious consequences from Xarelto side effects, it’s important to contact a dangerous drug attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
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