Xarelto, an oral anticoagulant drug, is prescribed by doctors to reduce the risk of blood clots that may cause strokes. It is easier to use than many other blood thinners on the market because it does not require patients to have routine blood tests to determine the dose. However, many are now questioning whether Xarelto’s convenience factor is worth the risk.
If you or a loved one has been prescribed Xarelto, read the frequently asked questions below to learn more about the drug.
- What is Xarelto?
Xarelto is a fairly new drug approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011. Doctors prescribe Xarelto to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation and to treat patients with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Xarelto was invented and manufactured by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and is marketed by Jassen Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson.
- Why is Xarelto dangerous?
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has found that blood thinners were the most dangerous drugs with the highest number of serious side effects reported to the FDA.
Xarelto has several side effects, but the most dangerous is internal bleeding, which can be fatal. Uncontrollable internal bleeding may occur in the rectum, intestines, abdomen, brain and blood vessels.
Some of the Xarelto side effects listed below could be signs of internal bleeding:
- Unusual pain, swelling or discomfort
- Unusual bruising
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums
- Persistent and/or frequent nose bleeds
- Unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual flow
- Coughing up blood
- Dark urine and/or tarry stools
- Vomit that is blood or looks like coffee grounds
- Severe headache, dizziness or fainting
- Unusual or persistent tiredness and fatigue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Is there a cure for internal bleeding caused by Xarelto?
While the risk of bleeding exists with all blood thinners, Xarelto is more dangerous because it does not have an antidote. Doctors have no way to immediately stop the bleeding, so the side-effects of Xarelto may be irreversible and even fatal.
- How do I know if I should file a Xarelto lawsuit?
People who suffer from Xarelto side effects frequently end up in the hospital, and as a result could experience emotional trauma and financial hardship.
