Table of Contents

I. What is a Blood Clot?

II. Xarelto in the Body

III. Symptoms of Blood Clots

IV. Do I Need a Blood Thinner?

V. Diagnosis

VI. FAQ: How Do I Know If I Should Ask My Doctor About Xarelto?

What is a Blood Clot?

A blood clot is a semisolid mass made from platelets, fibrin, and red blood cells. When you are injured, these components thicken and stick together at the damaged area to stop bleeding. Once the injury heals, the body will usually dissolve the clot. [1]

Blood clots are a natural part of the body’s healing process, but they can become dangerous when they form inside a blood vessel and block normal blood flow. Some clots can also break loose and travel through the bloodstream. People at risk of harmful blood clots may be prescribed an anticoagulant such as Xarelto (rivaroxaban) to help prevent serious complications. [1]

Seek medical care if you develop possible symptoms of a blood clot. Read on to learn how Xarelto works and when it may be prescribed to treat or prevent blood clots. 

Xarelto in the Body

Xarelto is an anticoagulant that contains rivaroxaban, a factor Xa inhibitor. [2] To understand how Xarelto works, it helps to first understand how the body forms blood clots.

When bleeding or an injury occurs, clotting factors activate one another through a series of steps known as the clotting cascade. Factor Xa works with factor V to convert prothrombin into thrombin. Thrombin then helps turn fibrinogen into fibrin, which traps platelets and blood cells to form a clot and stop the bleeding. [3]

Xarelto works by selectively blocking factor Xa. This reduces thrombin generation and lowers the body’s ability to form blood clots. [2]

Because of this effect, Xarelto may be prescribed to:

• Reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in adults with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
• Treat deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot in a deep vein
• Treat pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a clot blocks blood flow in the lungs
• Reduce the risk of DVT or PE returning after initial treatment
• Prevent DVT and PE after hip or knee replacement surgery
• Prevent venous thromboembolism in certain adults hospitalized with an acute illness who have restricted mobility and other blood clot risk factors
• Reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular events in adults with coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease when taken with low-dose aspirin [2]

Symptoms of Blood Clots

Certain factors can increase the risk of a blood clot. These include older age, obesity, cancer, a previous blood clot, a family history of blood clots, pregnancy, estrogen-containing birth control or hormone replacement therapy, major surgery, extended bed rest, and sitting for long periods. Having several risk factors at the same time can increase the risk even further. [4]

Blood clot symptoms depend on where the clot forms, and some people may not experience noticeable symptoms. Possible warning signs include:

• Deep vein thrombosis: Swelling, pain or tenderness, warmth, redness, or discoloration in the affected arm or leg [5]
• Pulmonary embolism: Difficulty breathing, a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing, coughing up blood, lightheadedness, or fainting [5]
• Blood clot in the abdomen: Severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting [6]
• Blood clot in the brain: Sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, vision changes, dizziness, loss of balance, or a sudden severe headache. [7]

If you experience any concerning or persistent symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. 

Do I Need a Blood Thinner?

You may need a blood thinner if you have a medical condition or procedure that increases your risk of developing a blood clot. Blood thinners help prevent new clots from forming and can stop existing clots from growing larger. However, they do not break apart clots that have already formed. Treating and preventing blood clots is important because they can block blood vessels and contribute to heart attacks or strokes. [8]

Your doctor may recommend a blood thinner if you have:

• Certain heart or blood vessel conditions
• Atrial fibrillation, which is an abnormal heart rhythm
• A heart valve replacement
• A congenital heart defect
• An increased risk of blood clots after surgery [8]

There are two main types of blood thinners. Anticoagulants slow down the body’s process of forming clots. Antiplatelet medications prevent platelets from clumping together. Antiplatelets are mainly used in people who have had a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor will determine which type is most appropriate for you. [8]

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects a blood clot, they will ask about your symptoms, medical history, medications, and any recent surgeries, injuries, or cancer treatment. They may also perform a physical exam and check your blood pressure, heart, and lungs. [6]

Your doctor may then order blood or imaging tests, including:

• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of blood flowing through the veins and arteries. It is the most common test used to diagnose blood clots in the arms and legs.
• D-dimer test: Measures a substance released into the blood when a clot dissolves. A high result may indicate that further testing is needed.
• Lung imaging: Additional imaging tests may be ordered if your doctor suspects a pulmonary embolism. These tests provide detailed pictures of the lungs and can help locate a clot. [6]

If you are diagnosed with blood clots, ask your doctor about your treatment plan options. Visit Canada Med Pharmacy to view our selection of brand-name and generic blood thinner medications, including Xarelto (rivaroxaban). Fill your prescription online and have your medication delivered directly to your home.

FAQ: How Do I Know If I Should Ask My Doctor About Xarelto?

Ask your doctor about Xarelto if you have a condition that increases your risk of clotting. Xarelto is a prescription blood thinner that may be used to treat or help prevent certain clots, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and with atrial fibrillation. It is not something you should start on your own, since your doctor needs to confirm whether a blood thinner is appropriate for your condition and bleeding risk.

You should seek medical care right away if you develop symptoms such as swelling, pain, warmth, or discoloration in an arm or leg, sudden trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, sudden weakness, trouble speaking, vision changes, or a severe headache. If your doctor suspects a clot, they may review your symptoms and risk factors, perform an exam, and order tests such as an ultrasound, D-dimer blood test, or lung imaging before recommending treatment.

Before asking about Xarelto, be ready to discuss:

1. Your personal risk factors, such as surgery, pregnancy, extended bed rest, cancer, obesity, or a previous clot.
2. Any heart or blood vessel conditions, including atrial fibrillation.
3. All medications, supplements, and over-the-counter products you take.
4. Any history of bleeding problems.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.