As one of the newest and through-to-be effective options in the world of prescription blood thinners, Xarelto has seen huge popularity amongst both the patients and the physicians. The generic name of the drug is rivaroxaban and it is prescribed for those suffering from the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), atrial fibrillation (AFib) and pulmonary embolisms (PE) after hip or knee replacement surgery.
Although the medication was prescribed widely to millions of people, there were thousands of negative reports on the Xarelto side effects.
How does it work?
Blood clots are formed to prevent bleeding at the site of injury. It is a complex procedure and a cascade of chemicals are activated and released to produce an enzyme called thrombin. It is the main element which helps in blood clotting. Some people have an increased affinity for blood clots which are quickly formed within the blood vessels. The risk of blood clot formation is more in adults after hip or knee replacement surgery. As it might happen, this immobile clot can form in the veins of the leg resulting in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or it can travel up to the heart or lungs causing a fatal condition pulmonary embolism (PE).
Before prescribing Xarelto, doctors must exercise appropriate concern and should check with the patients if they have:
- Uncontrolled arterial hypertension
- vascular retinopathy
- any recent ophthalmological surgery or any form of surgery in brain and spine
- active gastrointestinal ulcerative disease
- intracerebral or intracranial hemorrhage
- history or recent activity of bronchiectasis or pulmonary bleeding
Here’s a list of the most commonly reported Xarelto side effects:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Internal Hemorrhage
- Abnormal liver function
- Leak from wounds and added complications
- Spinal epidural hematoma
Patients under this blood thinner medication must visit the doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms are seen frequently:
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Wounds with pain, swelling
- Unexplained new drainage at the site of wound
- Coughing up blood or blood clots
- Unusual bleeding from the gums
- Low blood pressure along with loss of consciousness
- Vaginal bleeding or menstrual bleeding heavier than usual
- Severe uncontrolled bleeding from any part of the body
Risk of alcohol with Xarelto side effects
If you are a regular drinker, consult with the physician to understand if it is safe to have alcohol while being on Xarelto. Although there are no such instructions about the Xarelto interactions and side effects on alcohol but most doctors will recommend limiting the alcohol intake while being on blood thinners. As alcohol is an anticoagulant in itself, interaction between these two solutions could mean the blood will lose the clotting capability to a wider extent.
What are the legal necessities?
Despite the life altering health risks linked with the medication, the companies went on promoting the drug with misleading information. In addition, the makers did not do enough clinical study and research about the potential side effects of the drug. They constantly said the drug to be a safe and effective alternative to the existing blood thinners. Victims have filed for lawsuits claiming the expenses of hospitalizations and follow-up treatments along with the wage loss, pain and suffering and funeral expenses.
Thousands of people have been the victim of Xarelto’s dangerous side effects. If you too suffered from the complications of the drug, get in touch with the attorneys who can help you determine whether or not the case is entitled for financial compensation.