Xarelto Lawsuit FAQ
Update – We are no longer accepting Xarelto cases. The Xarelto MDL litigation that we were part of was successfully resolved in March of 2019.
What is Xarelto used for?
Xarelto, or rivaroxaban, is a blood thinner. Also known as anticoagulants, blood thinners like Xarelto are used mainly to prevent blood clots. Specifically, they are used to prevent a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These can lead to clots in the lungs and are more common after different types of surgery. It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in those with atrial fibrillation, which is a heart rhythm disorder.
I have back pain when taking Xarelto. Is that normal?
No, it is not. Back pain when you are on Xarelto could mean you are developing a spinal blood clot. You need to seek medical attention immediately. You may develop a blood clot on your spine if:
- You have a genetic spinal defect
- You receive spinal anesthesia or undergo a spinal tap
- You have a spinal catheter
- You have a history of spinal surgery or spinal taps
- You are on other drugs that can cause blood clots
Besides back pain, a spinal blood clot can also cause numbness and muscle weakness in your body, as well as a loss of bowel and/or bladder control. Leaving these symptoms untreated can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis, among other issues.
Is it bad if I start bleeding when I’m taking Xarelto?
Because it’s a blood thinner, Xarelto can cause uncontrolled bleeding if your skin breaks. If you cut yourself on a sharp object, seek medical attention immediately, as your blood will not clot on its own to stop the bleeding. You should also worry about nosebleeds, which can make taking Xarelto tricky if you are prone to dry nostrils in certain seasons. Taking a hard bump against furniture or anything like that can also be bad, as it could cause internal bleeding.
I’m avoiding sharp objects and rogue furniture. Am I safe?
Unfortunately, even the safest person could end up suffering from internal bleeding when they’re on Xarelto. Our blood is carried throughout every inch of our bodies through microscopic veins called capillaries. Because they are so small, they are prone to breaking. You may also suffer from other internal bleeding like gastrointestinal hemorrhages that could end up being life-threatening.
Are there other side effects of Xarelto I should worry about?
Like every drug, Xarelto has a battery of side effects. Some of these are minor, while others are more severe. If you encounter any of these major side effects, speak with your doctor immediately. They could signal an allergic reaction:
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Swelling of the throat, lips, tongue or face
You should also contact your doctor if any of these side effects develop:
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Swelling, pain or drainage from the injection site
- Any bleeding that won’t stop
- Headaches, dizziness or feeling like you may pass out
- Pink, red or brown urine
- Bloody stool
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Other common side effects include itching, muscle pain and pain in your limbs. Though these are common, if they become severe, seek immediate medical attention.
My menstruation is heavier than normal while I’m on Xarelto. Is this normal?
Because of the nature of Xarelto, your menstruation may become slightly heavier than normal. However, if it becomes much heavier, that is a problem. Contact your doctor about different treatment options available to lessen your blood flow when you’re on Xarelto.
What other drugs should I avoid when I’m on Xarelto?
Your doctor should ask what other drugs you take when she prescribes Xarelto. However, you should also avoid taking any new medicines without consulting your doctor first. Some of the most dangerous combinations include:
- St. John’s wort
- Rifampin (used to treat tuberculosis)
- Itraconazole or ketoconazole (antifungal medication)
- Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin (seizure medication)
- Indinavir, lopinavir, ritonavir (HIV medication)
- And others
So is Xarelto safe to take?
Unfortunately, there are risks with every blood thinner. You have to be much more careful when you are on Xarelto to make sure you don’t start bleeding. However, there aren’t many antidotes to help if you do start bleeding while on Xarelto. A doctor will often administer fresh blood, but that’s about all they can do. As such, there may be other blood thinners that are safer.
Just how dangerous is it?
According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, Xarelto is one of the most dangerous medications on the market. There is a high risk of injury while taking it, especially in older patients. It may also lead to serious liver damage.
If Xarelto is so dangerous, can I stop taking it?
Never stop taking a medication without your doctor’s approval. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and any issues you may be facing. There are other blood thinners, like warfarin, that may be safer. However, if you stop taking it on your own, you could suffer major consequences, such as thromboembolisms and blood clots on the brain.
Why is Xarelto still prescribed over other blood thinners, like warfarin?
Some blood thinners require a lot of monitoring from doctors and a radical change in lifestyle. For instance, with warfarin, patients have to severely restrict their dietary intake of vitamin K and requires blood monitoring. There are no such restrictions with Xarelto, and it only takes one dose to be effective.
Can I drink alcohol while I’m on Xarelto?
There is no one right answer to this question, as the medical community hasn’t come to a single consensus. However, alcohol itself can act as a blood thinner, so if you drink while on Xarelto, it’s best to stay on the safe side. Don’t have more than a couple drinks at a time. Also avoid getting drunk, as you are more likely to become injured when you are inebriated.
Will marijuana interact with Xarelto?
In North Carolina, marijuana of any kind is illegal. It is best to avoid any kind of recreational drug when you are on Xarelto. If medical marijuana becomes legal in the state, do not self-medicate with it when you are on blood thinners. Only take drugs that are prescribed by your doctor.
What changes to my daily life should I make when I’m on Xarelto?
The most important thing to do when you are on Xarelto is avoid any activity that can lead to bleeding. If you can have someone else do the prep work on meals, do so. You may even want to look into changes like toothbrushes with soft bristles and using a water pick instead of floss to avoid bleeding. You may need to live a calmer life while you are on Xarelto, but it is the easiest way to protect your life.
How does a lawsuit regarding Xarelto work?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries while on Xarelto, you do have legal options. You can hold the pharmaceutical company responsible, as they likely did not provide enough information to your doctor about the drug. You may be able to gain compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, loss of income and, in the event that a loved one dies, loss of consortium and other damages.
There is a statute of limitations in North Carolina regarding Xarelto cases. If you or a loved one has been injured, it’s vital you seek legal help immediately. Contact the experienced attorneys at Auger & Auger today to learn more about your legal options and begin the process of filing a lawsuit.
