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What is Xarelto and How Does it Work?

Wednesday 19 May 2021
Xarelto
5 minute(s) read

Table of Contents


I. What is a Blood Clot?

II. Why do Blood Clots Form?

a. General Symptoms of Blood Clots

III. How Does Xarelto Function?

IV. How Effective is Xarelto?

V. Why Choose Xarelto?


What is a Blood Clot?

Blood clots are a dangerous condition often referred to as “silent killers.” But what are these silent but deadly bodily mechanisms? Clots occur in the circulatory system, which is made up of blood vessels and veins that transport blood throughout the body. Blood clots can form for several reasons and lead to severe complications like pain and paralysis of body parts. But why do these clots occur? 

Normally, blood clots are essential to the proper functioning of the body. If you receive a cut on your skin or an internal tear in your organs, blood platelets rush to the site of this injury and fill up the hole to stem bleeding. These platelets and proteins allow the body to heal the wound and the clot then dissolves.

That is an example of a helpful clot, but dangerous clots may occur as well. If a bad blood clot forms, serious complications like a heart attack or stroke can occur. Medications like generic Xarelto are often prescribed to help prevent the formation of blood clots. Read on to learn more about blood clots and how Xarelto can help in your treatment plan. [1]

a doctor taking a patient’s blood pressure

Why do Blood Clots Form?

Blood clots can occur in anyone of any age. Unfortunately, the majority of blood clots are diagnosed in hospitals once a serious complication has already occurred. Everyone is at risk for this condition, but several factors increase this risk. These risk factors may include:

  • Atherosclerosis: Over time, plaque in the arteries may build up and block the arteries. Plaque is made of random fat and proteins created when you eat a high-fat diet and live a sedentary lifestyle. Plaque may harden the arteries over time and cause the artery to burst, causing a blood clot to form. This clot may then break off and travel to other parts of the body.
  • Obesity: Plaque in the arteries is more common in obese people, especially those who do not regularly move their legs. Clots in the legs may form if you do not participate in regular exercise.
  • Trauma or Surgery: If you experience an internal injury, blood clots may rush to the site and cause serious complications. If you have a knee or hip replacement surgery, you will likely be prescribed Xarelto to stop a clot from forming at the surgical site. [1]

a. General Symptoms of Blood Clots

Clots can occur in almost every part of the body, making symptoms hard to pin down. Most commonly, clots appear in the legs, arms, brain, heart, abdomen, and lungs. General symptoms of blood clots include:

  • Warmness, pain, or swelling in a specific area of your arms or legs
  • Severe pain in the chest or arm
  • Trouble breathing if a pulmonary embolism is present
  • Problems with your vision or speech
  • Severe pain in the stomach [2]

a man doubled over in pain

How Does Xarelto Function?

Xarelto is an anticoagulant that helps to prevent the formation of blood clots in the body. You may be prescribed this medication preventatively if you are genetically predisposed to blood clots or have a history of clots. Xarelto is used in the treatment of the following blood-clot related disorders:

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Pulmonary embolism (PE)
  • Reduce the risk of future PE or DVT
  • Prevent DVTs or PE after hip or knee replacement surgery
  • Prevent clots in those with atrial fibrillation
  • Prevent clots that can cause stroke, heart attack, or those with coronary artery disease

Rivaroxaban works by inhibiting a natural clotting factor in the blood known as Factor Xa. By inhibiting this factor, the blood does not clot as easily, making it easier for the blood to flow within the circulatory system. [3]

How Effective is Xarelto?

Xarelto is an effective medication to combat blood clots, but it is usually part of a larger treatment plan. This medication can significantly reduce your risk of a clotting event, but you will also need to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine to get the full benefits from this drug. Reducing blood clots is a multi-faceted approach and must be addressed from every angle.

Rivaroxaban has been found effective in several clinical studies. One study found that Xarelto was slightly more effective than Coumadin in preventing stroke and blood clots in AFib patients. In the study, 3.8 percent of those taking Xarelto experienced a stroke or blood clot, and 4.3 percent taking Coumadin experienced a stroke or blood clot. [3]

several different pills on a black background

Why Choose Xarelto?

Many people prefer generic Xarelto over other blood thinners on the market because it requires less frequent testing. Coumadin (warfarin) has been used for decades, but it requires weekly, if not daily, testing when a patient begins treatment. This is to ensure that the levels of warfarin in the body are balanced correctly, preventing unwanted side effects. This is not the case for rivaroxaban, and many prefer the ease of this fairly new medication.

Previously, Xarelto was an incredibly expensive medication that many who wanted it could not afford. That has changed recently as the patent to the brand name version has come out in several countries in 2021. This means that cheaper versions of the drug are now available outside of the United States and Canada, opening up the market to those who need to incorporate it into their treatment plan.

As perviously mentioned, generic Xarelto is not yet available in the United States or Canada, but you can access it through an online pharmacy referral service like Canada Med Stop. We can help to connect you to licensed international fulfillment centres and/or pharmacies from other countries worldwide, helping Americans access generic Xarelto from countries outside of the USA or Canada. Visit today to start saving on your prescription blood thinners. [4] 

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.