Xarelto

Xarelto (rivaroxaban), often referred to as a “blood thinner” is actually an anticoagulant that is used to dissolve blood clots and prevent the formation of new clots. Clotting is an important factor in healing, as it stems the flow of blood from open wounds. Unwanted clotting, however, can cause serious, life-threatening conditions.

Blood clots that form in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), for example, can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. People with atrial fibrillation that is not caused by a valve problem are prone to clots forming in the heart, and if those clots travel to the brain, they can cause a stroke. The formation of blood clots is a particular concern for patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery as well.