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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Xarelto?

I just saw cardiologist for routine pacemaker check. he told me I was having a a-fib a low percentage of the time. He wants me to start on Xarelto 20 mg. I am concerned about using this med because of the many side effects. I would like to know if some of the older blood thinners such as Plavix would be as effective. Xarelto has not been out very long, not comfortable with this idea. your opinion, please
Mon, 16 Jan 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots and hence it is used in people with atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder) to lower the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot.

Its most common side effects include muscle pain, itching or pain in your arms or legs. It can also cause easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), bleeding from wounds or needle injections, blood in the urine or stools.

Since you do not wish to take Xarelto you may request your doctor to consider other effective blood thinner such as Dabigatran or Apixaban which are as effective as Xarelto for preventing blood clots that can lead to strokes.

Whereas Plavix (Clopidogrel) is a drug that prevents blood clots formation by decreasing the platelet aggregation.It is mainly used to prevent heart attack and stroke.

It is prescribed for people who have had a recent heart attack or stroke or peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation in your legs). It can also be used combination with Aspirin to prevent clot formation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Hope these answer your queries. Let me know I can assist you further. A feedback is appreciated.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
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What Are The Side Effects Of Xarelto?

Hi, Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots and hence it is used in people with atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder) to lower the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot. Its most common side effects include muscle pain, itching or pain in your arms or legs. It can also cause easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), bleeding from wounds or needle injections, blood in the urine or stools. Since you do not wish to take Xarelto you may request your doctor to consider other effective blood thinner such as Dabigatran or Apixaban which are as effective as Xarelto for preventing blood clots that can lead to strokes. Whereas Plavix (Clopidogrel) is a drug that prevents blood clots formation by decreasing the platelet aggregation.It is mainly used to prevent heart attack and stroke. It is prescribed for people who have had a recent heart attack or stroke or peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation in your legs). It can also be used combination with Aspirin to prevent clot formation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Hope these answer your queries. Let me know I can assist you further. A feedback is appreciated. Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali