Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a blood thinner, administered for the treatment of blood clots. Typically, the drug is prescribed to patients who are undergoing surgery, in order to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Although some minor side effects have been reported, the most alarming side effects being documented include severe internal bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding, which require hospitalizations and blood transfusions.
As a blood thinner, Xarelto has an anti-coagulant effect on the blood of the patient. The problem with this drug is that it cannot be readily reversed or monitored with standard laboratory equipment, making it especially dangerous. Often the risk of severe internal bleeding or hemorrhaging is not discovered until after the patient collapses and is taken the hospital.
Aggressive marketing techniques used by Bayer and Johnson & Johnson pharmaceuticals tout Xarelto as better than warfarin. They fail to mention the adverse side effects and lack of any antidote to reverse the effects of the drug on thinning the blood. This drug was marketed so heavily that Xarelto was the leading pharmaceutical product advertised in health journals during 2013’s third quarter.
This is not a complete list of the harmful side effects of Xarelto – others may occur that have not yet been reported. If you are taking Xarelto and notice any adverse side effects, including internal bleeding, contact one of the experienced South Carolina Drug Side Effects attorneys at the Stampfle Law Firm for a Free Consultation today.