Let's learn about Rivaroxaban Oral Suspension, which prevents blood clotting.

Has your doctor prescribed you or your child a medicine called Rivaroxaban to prevent blood clots in the veins or to dissolve a blood clot that has already formed? Today we are talking specifically about the syrup (oral suspension) that comes as a liquid. It is available under the brand name Xarelto. There are a few things we need to be very careful about when using this medicine. Let's look at it in detail.

What kind of medicine is this?

Simply put, rivaroxaban is a blood thinner. But what it actually does is not to thin the blood, but to prevent the formation of blood clots. This stops the formation of unnecessary blood clots in our body's veins, and it also prevents existing blood clots from getting bigger.

Your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions. So if you have any concerns, please ask your doctor about it.

What should I tell the doctor before starting the medication?

Before starting this medication, be sure to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• If you have any bleeding disorders.
• If you have previously had a condition such as bleeding in the brain.
• If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• If you have a prosthetic heart valve.
• If you have a condition such as antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
• If you have stomach bleeding due to stomach ulcers.
• If you have recently had or are scheduled to have a spinal or epidural procedure.
• If you are taking other medications to prevent or treat blood clots.
• If you have an allergic reaction to rivaroxaban or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .

How do I use this medicine exactly?

To get the maximum results from this medicine, it is very important to take the exact dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

• Don't skip a dose: Skipping doses or stopping medication without consulting your doctor can suddenly increase your risk of blood clots.
• Shake the bottle well: Always shake the bottle well before using.
• Measure accurately: Use a special oral syringe or measuring cup that comes with the medicine. You won't be able to measure accurately with household teaspoons. Your doctor will likely give you a special device for this purpose along with your medicine. Or, ask your doctor about it.
• Take with food: Always take this medicine with a meal.
• Read the instructions: You will receive a special instructions leaflet (MedGuide/INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE) with your medicine. Always read and understand it carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or medical team.

When given to children?

Doctors recommend this medicine for certain conditions, starting from newborns. However, special precautions should be followed. Therefore, if you give this medicine to your child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).

What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?

• If taking once a day: Take it as soon as you remember, within that day. If you remember the next day, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual. Do not take two doses at once.
• If taking twice a day: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember during the day. If you forget the morning dose, you can take it together with the evening dose. If you forget the evening dose, you can take it later that night.
• If you take it three times a day: If you miss a dose, skip it. Skip it and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once.

What other medications may interact with this medicine?

It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medications, traditional medicines, vitamins), as some medications may interact with this one.

Be sure to tell us if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Defibrotide
• Aspirin and similar medications
• Some antibiotics such as Erythromycin and Clarithromycin
• Antifungals like Ketoconazole and Itraconazole
• Antiepileptic drugs such as Carbamazepine and Phenytoin
• Other blood thinners such as Warfarin, Enoxaparin, Apixaban
• Painkillers such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen, which fall into the category of NSAIDS
• Rifampin (a medicine for tuberculosis)
• Ritonavir (for HIV treatment)
• SSRIs or SNRIs for depression
• Herbal products such as St. John's wort

This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you take.

Things to keep in mind when taking this medicine

• See your doctor regularly: Visit your doctor on scheduled days to check your condition. You may also need to have blood tests.
• Avoid injuries: There is an increased risk of bleeding while taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid sports and activities that may cause falls and injuries. Be very careful when using sharp objects like knives and scissors. If you shave, it is safer to use an electric razor. Be careful when brushing and flossing your teeth.
• Wear a medical ID: It is very helpful to carry a medical ID bracelet or card that states that you are taking this medication.
• Tell your dentist: Tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine before having a tooth extraction or dental surgery. It is best to resolve any dental problems before starting this medicine.
• Tell your doctor before surgery: If you are having surgery or other medical procedures, tell your medical team in advance that you are taking this medication.
• Avoid becoming pregnant: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. It may be harmful to an unborn baby. If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about it.

What are the possible serious side effects?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, inform your doctor immediately .

If you have any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please let your doctor know.

How do you store and dispose of the medicine?

• Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not freeze. Keep in the original container. Discard any remaining medicine after 60 days of mixing or after the expiration date.
• Disposal: The best way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications is to donate them to a medication take-back program. You can check with your hospital or local health department about this. If that is not possible, empty the medication from the bottle, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and place it in a tightly sealed bag and throw it in the trash.

Rivaroxaban, Xarelto, blood clot, blood thinner, blood thinner, side effects, oral suspension