Uncontrolled Bleeding Side Effects Linked To Xarelto

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) side effects include several types of uncontrolled bleeding which may pose a serious threat of injury and even death. Patients under treatment with this drug must be warned about the significant risks of adverse reactions such as bleedings, blood clots, strokes and internal hemorrhages. The U.S. Food and Drug administration even issued the “Black Box”, the most threatening warning on this blood thinner’s label. Our guide will list all the most dangerous complications as well as the minor ones.

According to the medication’s monograph, the most common Xarelto side effects are the bleeding complications. However, several types of bleeding may threaten a patient’s health and, in some circumstances, even his or her life. Some external hemorrhages can, in fact, be obviously manifest like gum or hemorrhoidal bleedings, while some other hidden ones like the dreaded gastrointestinal bleeding and the internal hematomas can be much more subtle and dangerous indeed. Let’s give a look to all the different bleeding types to know more about them.

Brain Bleeding

One of the most dangerous types of Xarelto bleeding is the lethal brain bleeding (a type of stroke). Although only a single case study described a case of intracranial hemorrhage caused by the use of rivaroxaban, there is still a risk of brain bleeding associated with the use of this drug. Rivaroxaban full prescribing information does, in fact, include a risk of intracranial bleeding among the others described, albeit at a seemingly lower rate than with other Vitamin K inhibitors such as Warfarin. Just like any other anticoagulant, this medication is associated with several bleeding events. What makes this drug stand out from its competitors, however, is the fact that there’s no antidote available to reverse its effects once they’re set in. Just like any other uncontrolled bleeding event, a cerebral hemorrhage may require hours to subside, while doctors cannot do much else than just waiting for the drug to be flushed out from the patient’s body.

Why is Xarelto linked to Brain Bleeding?

An intracranial bleed is a type of stroke in which a brain vessel ruptures causing blood to leak into nearby tissues. The blood that is collected in the brain tissues irritates them, causing swelling (edema) as well as cellular death due to its toxicity. Blood and fluids start accumulating, forming a mass of clotted blood called hematoma which may exert a certain pressure on nearby regions which may reduce local perfusion. As the other regions receive less blood, the oxygen supply may become inadequate, causing more cells to die in a relatively short time span. Cerebral blood clots formed may even migrate to other regions of the brain or the body or the body. If a blood pouch bursts out on or near the brain surface, it may fill the space between the skull and the brain, causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage or a subdural hematoma.

How does brain bleeding occur?

If a part of the brain loses its blood supply for too much time, it may stop working, causing an ischemic stroke. Consequences of a stroke may vary, depending on the size and severity of the areas involved, and may range from simpler symptoms such as impaired vision or speech, weakness on one side, loss of balance or coordination, confusion, or even sudden seizures and coma. Sometimes symptoms of brain hemorrhage may progress slowly over the course of many days, while other times they may be abrupt and worsen in a matter of minutes. Strokes may be very insidious and dangerous, as they cannot be seen from the outside, and can only be confirmed by a CT scan.

Xarelto Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GI bleeding) is one of the most common forms of hidden bleeding caused by this dangerous blood thinner. Several studies pointed out how GI bleeding is more frequent in patients treated with rivaroxaban than those treated with Warfarin. Gastrointestinal bleeding rates in patients treated with rivaroxaban were, in fact, 42% higher than Warfarin GI hemorrhage rates, and tend to be more frequent and severe among older patients aged 75 years or over. GI bleeding risk is higher when patients are prescribed other anticoagulants such as antiplatelet agents or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

This form of hemorrhage can be so small that only lab tests can detect it, but still be threatening because of the long-term effects of blood loss. Gastrointestinal bleedings can happen in any tract of the digestive tract including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. Hemorrhoidal bleedings (piles) are included in this category, as lower digestive tract hemorrhages. Piles can ben painful or painless, depending whether they become swollen and inflamed or not. Constipation and increased abdominal pressure can be the cause of hemorrhoids, and always represent detrimental factors to their development. This type of bleeding in patients under treatment with this drug can be more concerning than usual, and frequently require additional examination to be fully evaluated. Profuse bleeding from the hemorrhoids which can’t be stopped may require emergency treatment

Xarelto External bleeding

External bleeding include all kind of bleedings caused by cuts and perforations. Even holding a knife can be dangerous while under treatment with this anticoagulant, as the lack of an antidote prevents doctors from stopping the bleeding. Immediate application of a firm, direct pressure on the wound can help staunch the bleeding. However, due to the anticoagulant action of the medication, you may need to press for a longer time than usual before the bleeding stops. If blood does not stop pouring out after a while, you should check immediate help. Even minor bleeding accidents such as a nosebleed or a gum bleeding provoked by toothbrushing should never be underestimated. Try to avoid forceful nose blowing, and buy a toothbrush with soft bristles to reduce the chance of a gum bleeding. The most common forms of external bleeding include:  Gum Bleeding, Nose Bleeding, Skin Bleeding, Bright red blood in vomit, Vomit that looks like coffee grounds, Black or tarry stool, or covered with bright red blood, Pain and irritation around the anal area, Unusual headaches, Constant fatigue and/or dizziness, Pale skin.

For women taking rivaroxaban, experiencing longer or heavier menstruations is a common side effect. However, uncontrolled menstrual bleeding can also represent a risk that should be addressed immediately. If you experience a bleeding during your menstrual cycle that is heavier than normal, you should call your doctor or seek medical help as soon as possible. Vaginal bleeding can also be caused by external traumas or during normal sex intercourse.

One of the most dangerous complications during treatment with this medication is the risk of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in patients undergoing spinal puncture or receiving neuraxial anesthesia. The drug’s label includes a special black box warning to alert patients about this terrible adverse reaction. Epidural hematomas occurred in patients treated with this blood thinner may result in permanent or long-term paralysis. Doctors must consider this risk before scheduling a patient to general anesthesia or spinal procedures. It should also be noted how the risk for this type of blood pooling is further increased by just a contemporary treatment with common NSAIDs