Rivaroxaban Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you take rivaroxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant used to prevent dangerous blood clots. Also known as Xarelto, it’s prescribed for atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and after hip or knee surgery. But like all blood thinners, it doesn’t just stop clots—it increases your risk of serious, sometimes life-threatening bleeding.

Many people don’t realize how easily rivaroxaban can interact with other meds. If you’re also taking aspirin, a common pain reliever and antiplatelet drug, NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, used for inflammation and pain, or even turmeric, a popular supplement with natural blood-thinning properties, your bleeding risk goes up fast. One user reported unexplained bruising after adding turmeric to their routine—by the time they saw a doctor, their INR had spiked dangerously. These aren’t rare cases. The FDA has flagged multiple reports of internal bleeding linked to combination use.

Some side effects are obvious: nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy periods, or blood in your urine or stool. Others sneak up on you—dizziness, unusual fatigue, or sudden back or abdominal pain could mean internal bleeding. If you’re over 75, have kidney problems, or have had a stroke before, your risk is higher. You can’t just stop rivaroxaban if you feel off—doing so can trigger a clot. That’s why monitoring matters. Your doctor should check your kidney function regularly, since rivaroxaban leaves your body through your kidneys. And if you’re scheduled for surgery, even a dental cleaning, you need to plan ahead.

What you’ll find below are real stories and practical guides from people who’ve dealt with these risks firsthand. You’ll see how one patient managed bleeding while staying on rivaroxaban after a fall. Another learned why switching to a different blood thinner made all the difference. There’s advice on what to do if you miss a dose, how to recognize early warning signs, and why some people can’t take it at all. These aren’t generic warnings—they’re lived experiences, backed by clinical insight, designed to help you ask the right questions and stay in control.