Does Xarelto Help In Preventing Blood Clots In Future?

Posted on Mon, 8 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 8 Dec 2014 Answered on

Fri, 2 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 102 year old mother was diagnosed in late September with pneumonia. She was treated in the hospital and released 4 days later. She did well for 6 weeks then started coughing and was diagnosed with a pulmonary emboli that the Dr. said was chronic along with pleural effusion and fluid in the right lung. She was on the IV heparin and transitioned to xarelto twice a day. The doctor said this would prevent future blood clots from forming but would not eliminate the PE. I understand that if the clot remains even though it is small, she is at great risk for pneumonia re occurring. Does xarelto only prevent and not treat? What else can be done for someone her age? Prior to this episode she was managing quite well and we would like to see her resolved of this problem.

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Xarelto treats and prevents too

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam,

Welcome to Healthcare magic.

I understand your concern.After reading the condition of your mother I would like to say that ambulation is necessary for your mother.This would help in prevention of clot formation.

Xarelto not only prevents but also prevents formation of clots.If she is having recurrent pneumonia , she could be given a vaccine for it(if otherwise not proven risky by your physician).

Eating heathy and staying warm are two small but very important factor in helping to resolve this problem gradually.

Hope I have answered your query.Feel free to ask more.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D