Xcept 2.5mg Tablets

Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant, or blood thinner. It blocks a clotting factor in the blood (factor Xa) so clots are less likely to form. It is used to:

• treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism
• prevent strokes and clots in people with atrial fibrillation
• prevent clots after hip or knee replacement
• lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in some people with coronary or peripheral artery disease

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at the same time each day.

• Swallow the tablet with water. Higher-strength tablets should be taken with food; check your label.
• If you have trouble swallowing, ask your pharmacist whether your tablet can be crushed and mixed with apple sauce.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due, then skip it. Never take two doses to make up.
• Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping suddenly can raise the risk of a clot or stroke.

Common side effects include:

• bleeding more easily, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bruising or heavier periods
• tiredness and pale skin (anaemia)
• indigestion, stomach pain, feeling sick, constipation or diarrhoea
• dizziness or feeling faint
• itchy skin, or pain or swelling in the arms or legs

Get emergency help straight away if you have:

• blood in urine, black or bloody stools, or vomiting or coughing up blood
• a sudden severe headache, confusion, slurred speech or weakness (possible bleeding in the brain)
• a head injury
• swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing
• back pain, numbness or leg weakness after a spinal injection or epidural

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have bleeding problems, a stomach ulcer, or have recently had a brain bleed or surgery
• have liver disease, kidney problems or high blood pressure
• have antiphospholipid syndrome
• are due to have surgery, dental treatment, a spinal injection or epidural
• take other blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen), clopidogrel, SSRI antidepressants, some antifungals, epilepsy medicines, heart rhythm medicines, some antibiotics or St John's wort

Keep in the original tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Alert card: carry your anticoagulant alert card and show it to any doctor, dentist or pharmacist before treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it is not used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Use contraception if you could become pregnant, and tell your doctor straight away if you do.

Driving: do not drive or use machines if you feel faint or dizzy.