Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is an effective medication in preventing blood clots, but it requires careful use and monitoring. Whether you’re starting treatment or have been on it for a while, it’s important to stay informed about how it works, potential risks, and what to expect.

For years, doctors debated the ideal daily aspirin dose for heart protection. Some studies suggested the 81 mg "baby aspirin" dose caused fewer bleeding problems, while others argued the 325 mg regular-strength dose offered stronger protection against heart attacks and strokes.

Warfarin (brand names: Coumadin and Jantoven) is a widely prescribed anticoagulant (blood thinner)that has been in use for over 70 years. It's one of the most extensively studied medications for preventing blood clots, with over 30 million prescriptions written annually in the United States alone.

Because DOACs have a more predictable effect and do not require routine lab tests, they have become a popular choice for patients who need long-term blood thinning.

Xarelto is part of a newer category of anticoagulants called novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). These drugs offer several benefits compared to older anticoagulants, including fewer dietary restrictions and no need for regular blood monitoring.

Blood clotting is a vital process that helps prevent excessive bleeding when we get injured. However, sometimes this blood clotting occurs when and/or where it isn’t supposed to. Other times, the clot forms properly, but then does not dissolve when it should.

Blood thinners work by interfering with the normal clotting process in your body. They do not actually "thin" your blood, but rather slow down the formation of clots. There are different types of blood thinners, but they all have a similar goal: to prevent clots from getting too big or forming in the wrong places.