Xarelto is a drug that is mainly used in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). As is the case with most of the drugs, there are several side effects associated with Xarelto. Read on to know more about the Xarelto side effects.

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot is formed in one or more of the deep veins in the body. It most commonly affects a deep vein in your leg, and causes leg pain as well as swelling. It is a serious medical condition because the blood clots can travel through the bloodstream to your lungs, and block the blood flow leading to pulmonary embolism.

Some of the symptoms associated with DVT are pain, tenderness, and swelling in your calves, a heavy ache and redness in the affected area, and warmth in the area of the clot. There are some cases of DVT that do not show any symptoms whatsoever. If it is not treated in time, you may suffer from pulmonary embolism that is characterized by chest pain, breathlessness, and collapsing suddenly. DVT typically affects only one leg and the pain will be worse when you are bending your foot towards your knees.

The exact cause of DVT is not yet known, however, there are certain circumstances that tend to increase the risk of developing this disorder. When you are inactive for a long period of time, like after an operation, your blood flow slows down considerably. The chances of a blood clot increase when the blood flow slows down. Certain medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, thrombophilia, infectious diseases, and lung disease are also known to increase the risk of DVT.

The standard medications that are used to treat deep vein thrombosis are anticoagulants, which are also known as ‘blood-thinning’ medicines. The two most common anticoagulants that are used for DVT are heparin and warfarin. Some of the other treatment methods used include raising your leg, compression stockings, exercise, and inferior vena cava filters. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Xarelto or rivaroxaban is another possible drug that can help treat your DVT.

Xarelto helps in treating DVT by preventing the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels by inhibiting the work of Factor Xa. The treatment with this drug generally lasts for about three months by consuming Xarelto daily. It is true that this drug does indeed help in the treatment of DVT, however, you must be aware of certain common and rare Xarelto side effects.

Common Xarelto Side Effects

One of the most common Xarelto side effects are bleeding complications including hemorrhage. Some of the other common Xarelto side effects are

• Back pain
• Feeling faint
• Abnormal liver function
• Indigestion
• Itching
• Abdominal pain
• Toothache
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Arthritis
• Muscle Spasm
• Congestion
• Low Energy

Rare Xarelto Side Effects

Xarelto side effects differ from person to person, it is not necessary for every individual who is using this drug to have all the side effects associated with this drug. Along with the common side effects mentioned above, there are some rare Xarelto side effects that can be quite severe. These include

• Decreased levels of blood platelets
• Bleeding in the abdomen
• Hemorrhage in the skull
• Hives
• Hepatitis
• Spinal Epidural Hematoma
• Stroke
• Allergic reaction that is life threatening
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
• Heavy or long periods
• Deficiency of Granulocytes
• Blood accumulation underneath the skull bone

When you are using Xarelto during DVT treatment, if you experience any of the above Xarelto side effects, it is extremely vital that you seek medical attention immediately. As you continue using this medication, there is a chance that these Xarelto side effects may disappear. Your doctor should be able to help you to reduce or prevent these side effects, however, if they continue for a long period of time, it may be time to change your treatment method. Consult your doctor before making any decisions regarding the discontinuation of the use of Xarelto.

It is important to know about the Xarelto side effects, as it ensures that you do not have any unpleasant surprises waiting for you. Knowing what to expect will help you deal with the Xarelto side effects in a timely manner, if they do appear. If your side effects continue to plague you for a long period of time, there are various other treatment options available for DVT. Just have a word with your doctor to find the treatment option that is ideal for you.