Table of Contents

I. Xarelto Has Fewer Interactions

II. Drug Interactions to Avoid

III. Does Xarelto Have Food Interactions?

IV. Is Xarelto Right for You?

V. Buying Discount Xarelto

VI. FAQ: How Can I Avoid Harmful Interactions While Taking Xarelto?

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a prescription anticoagulant used to treat and prevent certain blood clots. [1] Blood clotting is a natural process that helps stop excessive bleeding after an injury. However, a clot can become dangerous if it forms inside a blood vessel and blocks blood flow to an organ such as the heart, brain, or lungs. [2]

Xarelto works by selectively blocking factor Xa, an enzyme involved in the blood-clotting process. It may be prescribed to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), reduce the risk of these clots returning, and prevent blood clots in people with certain medical conditions or risk factors. Because Xarelto can interact with other medications and increase the risk of bleeding, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed. [3] Read on to learn more about the drug and food interactions to consider while taking Xarelto.

Xarelto Has Fewer Interactions

Xarelto is a newer blood thinner and has many advantages over more traditional and older blood thinners. For example, you are not required to take regular blood tests when taking Xarelto, whereas older medications may require frequent testing. 

In addition to convenience, a major upside to Xarelto is that it does not interact with dietary vitamin K the way warfarin does. Warfarin works by interfering with vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, so what you eat can throw off its effect. Xarelto works differently by directly blocking factor Xa, so those vitamin K food restrictions don't apply. [3]

Still, many medications may interact with Xarelto and decrease its benefits or increase the risk of side effects. After informing your doctor about your medical history and the medications you take, your doctor will determine whether an interaction is likely and adjust your treatment plan. 

Drug Interactions to Avoid

Many medications can interact with Xarelto. Some may increase your risk of bleeding, while others can change the amount of Xarelto in your body and affect how well it works. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. 

Other medications and supplements that may interact with Xarelto include:

• Aspirin or aspirin-containing products
• Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Warfarin
• Heparin-containing medications
• Clopidogrel
• SSRIs
• SNRIs
• Ketoconazole
• Ritonavir
• Carbamazepine
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin
• St. John’s wort
• Erythromycin [3]

This list is not all-inclusive and only highlights the common interactions of Xarelto. For a full list of Xarelto’s drug interactions, talk to your doctor.

Does Xarelto Have Food Interactions?

If you are switching from warfarin to Xarelto, you may assume that the same food restrictions still apply. Unlike warfarin, Xarelto is not affected by vitamin K, so you do not need to avoid or carefully limit leafy green vegetables for this reason.

Food is not the only consideration when taking Xarelto. Some prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements can affect how Xarelto works or increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take so they can check for possible interactions. 

Is Xarelto Right for You?

As mentioned above, Xarelto is a newer anticoagulant that is more convenient and has fewer interactions than several other blood thinners. However, newer does not always mean it is right for you.

If you have been using Coumadin (warfarin) or Eliquis (apixaban) with success, your doctor may decide to stick with these drugs. Price is another factor to consider, and many patients may choose to continue using warfarin because it is less expensive than Xarelto.

Smoking, pregnancy, and sitting or lying still for long periods can increase your risk of developing a blood clot. Your risk may also be higher if you take certain medications, have a family history of blood clots, or live with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or a blood disorder. [2]

If your doctor decides that anticoagulant treatment is needed, Xarelto may be an option. They will consider your medical condition, bleeding risk, current medications, and overall health before determining whether Xarelto is right for you.

Buying Discount Xarelto

Canada Med Pharmacy gives patients another option to compare the cost of Xarelto. Both brand-name Xarelto and generic rivaroxaban are available, with the generic version offering the lower price per tablet. Brand-name Xarelto through Canada Med Pharmacy may also cost less than purchasing the medication from a U.S. pharmacy.

Prices and availability can change based on the strength, quantity, and source of the medication. Check the current price before ordering and speak with your healthcare provider to make sure Xarelto or generic rivaroxaban is appropriate for you.

FAQ: How Can I Avoid Harmful Interactions While Taking Xarelto?

The most reliable way to avoid harmful Xarelto (rivaroxaban) interactions is to give your doctor and pharmacist a complete picture of everything you take. Some medications may increase your bleeding risk, while others change how much Xarelto is in your body and affect how well it works. Both are reasons to have your full list reviewed before you start Xarelto and any time a new medication is added.

Xarelto has fewer food interactions than warfarin and is not affected by vitamin K, so you generally do not need to avoid leafy green vegetables. However, several medications and supplements may still interact with it. You should also tell every healthcare provider treating you that you take Xarelto, especially before surgery, dental work, or any procedure where bleeding could be a concern.

Before adding anything new while taking Xarelto:

1. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting a new medication, vitamin, or supplement.
2. Mention all prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and herbal products you already take.
3. Check before using aspirin, NSAIDs, or other medications that may increase bleeding risk.
4. Do not stop, skip, or change your Xarelto dose unless your doctor tells you to.
5. Ask whether any new medication could make Xarelto stronger or less effective.
6. Watch for unusual bruising, bleeding that lasts longer than normal, black stools, red or brown urine, dizziness, weakness, or coughing or vomiting blood.
7. Seek medical help right away if bleeding is heavy, difficult to control, or linked to symptoms like fainting or severe weakness.

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.