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Xarelto User Reviews & Ratings

Xarelto has an average rating of 5.5 out of 10 from a total of 221 reviews on Drugs.com. 40% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 41% reported a negative experience.

Condition Avg. Rating Reviews Compare
Atrial Fibrillation  
4.3
65 reviews for Atrial Fibrillation 20 medications
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction  
7.0
1 reviews for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction 23 medications
Congenital Heart Disease  
1.0
1 reviews for Congenital Heart Disease 1 medications
Deep Vein Thrombosis  
5.8
59 reviews for Deep Vein Thrombosis 19 medications
Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis after Hip Replacement Surgery  
6.0
1 reviews for Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis after Hip Replacement Surgery 13 medications
Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis after Knee Replacement Surgery  
1.0
2 reviews for Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis after Knee Replacement Surgery 12 medications
Deep Vein Thrombosis, Prophylaxis  
6.3
9 reviews for Deep Vein Thrombosis, Prophylaxis 15 medications
Deep Vein Thrombosis, Recurrent Event  
5.2
8 reviews for Deep Vein Thrombosis, Recurrent Event 3 medications
Peripheral Arterial Disease  
1.0
1 reviews for Peripheral Arterial Disease 3 medications
Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation  
3.2
7 reviews for Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation 41 medications
Pulmonary Embolism  
6.4
62 reviews for Pulmonary Embolism 15 medications
Pulmonary Embolism, Recurrent Event  
9.2
5 reviews for Pulmonary Embolism, Recurrent Event 3 medications
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Reviews for Xarelto

  • Just...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 21, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "The med is not meant to help the symptoms of Afib. It is just a blood thinner. All it does is protect your provider if you have a blood clot anyway. It should decrease the odds of having a blood clot, but as far as making you feel better, absolutely not. Your heart will still be going into afib on a regular basis, you will still feel horrid. And of course as with all of american health care you will become a great cash cow for the American medical industry. There are no cures being developed in the US for Afib, or anything else. Sorry, greed based medicine means they want to make you sicker, not better. I see that now."

1 / 10
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  • Holio
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 7, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "Had a freak 1 time afib event. 54 year old Male. No history of heart issue in family. Rushed to ER with heart rate of 152. Felt weak, sweaty, generally terrible. At ER, heart went back into rhythm, was given xarelto 1 per day 30mg for precaution. Saw dr 6 days later. Felt horrible for every day on this drug. Pain, dizzy.. felt like I was being poisoned. Got worse everyday. If I didn't get off this poison, I would have lost my job, as I could not function! Dr at cardio clinic took me off this drug immediately after stress test came back perfect and all blood work perfect. Been off this now 6 days and almost free of side effects. Still some episodes of anxiety, tired, and dizziness. Started feeling better the next day after stopping. Stay away from this drug at all costs.. I'm wondering if I will ever feel normal again.. I was only on it for a week and wow.. unbelievable.."

1 / 10
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  • Yogi
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 26, 2020

For Atrial Fibrillation "I took this drug Xarelto for atrial fibrillation and ended up with side effects of the most painful legs, they felt as if they were on fire. Now my arms are beginning to feel the same pain, I also find great difficulty in controlling my bladder, Never had this before. Has anyone out there had the same experience?"

1 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Meena
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 19, 2020

For Atrial Fibrillation "I have had a fib and was hospitalized 6 times in 7. Put on Xarelto blood thinner as having a stroke is far worse if you survive it than any side effects. My father had 11 strokes in 5 years before he died at age 58. I have had no side effects from this drug. Had major surgery and was told that I bled less than one tablespoon. Xarelto has very rapid time frame when stopping the pills before surgery. It exits your body very rapidly so I find it hard to believe all the symptoms reported after the medication were stopped were caused by this medication. I took my regular one a day pill two nights before major surgery and stopped the pill the night before surgery and restarted the medication one day later per doctors direction. I have been on this medication for six years because of my a fib and my family history of stroke. This medication does nothing to cure a fib but it does everything to prevent strokes. It has a very rapid exit time for leaving your body."

10 / 10
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  • Haggy...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 25, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "Well on Xarelto I didn't have a stroke, but hair fell out a ton. Also short of breath and Ears Started Ringing (tinnitus) and is driving me nuts. Never had a ear issue in my life before this Drug. Been on 1 month after My First A Fib episode. Doctor said today I can get off it. 70 years old ."

5 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Hla
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 16, 2020

For Atrial Fibrillation "Please do not take this drug, my husband died on this. He had been on Warfarin for 7 years with no problems. Cardiologist swapped him to Xarelto, within 5 months he was coughing up blood, having dizzy spells, aneurysms, lung problems, I could go on. He was convinced it was this drug and the more I read about the more I have to agree . He died in June."

1 / 10
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  • Jer
  • May 3, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "My cardiologist recommended xarelto because of age (83) and I experienced a fib one time. I started the drug 20mg and on the second day I had a fib and my heart rate was 104 and two days later another a fib with heart rate of 105 and on the fourth day a fib and heart rate at 104 again. During that time I had extreme fatigue and my feet and ankles swelled up. My knees became very painful and my stomach was upset most of the time. My vision was blurred. My blood pressure rose significantly. My normal blood pressure is 118/70 and heart rate is normally 64. Stopped taking drug on my own. My heart rate has returned to normal of 64. Blood pressure is still abnormal for me at 140/80. Ankles and feet swelling has gradually doing better. Vision is a little better. Stomach is still painful. For my, this drug is a killer. Stay away from it. It’s a mystery time why doctors prescribe it."

1 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Hags
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 26, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "For me everyone of these blood thinners are poison and full of side effects. I have blood in my stool, shortness of breath rash stomach pain, blood pressure spikes, But hey no stroke, just no life. I've tried a few and they are all poison to me."

1 / 10
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110 Report
  • Jer
  • October 7, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "Used Xarelto and it almost killed me. Took drug as prescribed and it caused afib. First day heart rate jumped to 114 and wouldn’t come down. Finally came down to 85. Next day heart rate went 120. Third day 117. I stopped the drug. I was so sick. So weak I could hardly walk. Took three months for me to feel normal after I stopped taking the drug. This drug is awful"

1 / 10
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  • MontyP
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 10, 2012

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I was put on Xeralto as an alternative to Warfarin four days before my colonoscopy and endoscopy, stopped one day ahead of the procedures, and resumed 3 days after. I had already been anemic, probably because of bleeding due to the Warfarin (which is reversable with Vitamin K). Several polyps were removed, including one large one that had to be partly removed, and later on to get the other part. I was now bleeding even worse with the Xeralto. My hemoglobin fell to 5.2, and I was given several transfusions. Hb rose to 8.7, and I was sent home. The Xeralto has no way to reverse bleeding, and if it is discontinued, there is an increased chance for a stroke. I would prefer to have Warfarin and a way to reverse the bleeding."

1 / 10
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181 Report
  • SESA
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 10, 2017

For Pulmonary Embolism "Long story short--left hospital in continual pain labelled as anxiety only to return two days later. They found the clot thanks to CT with contrast. Had no problems with Lovenox at the hospital but during treatment someone decides to put me on Xarelto. I've been sick every day--felt as if I'm dying. Pleaded with hospital to switch medications now labeled a drug seeker--for seeking a different blood thinner? Pleaded with doctors and PCP & they're sticking with the Xarelto. I have a visible rash on my face & excruciating pain in limbs and back. After Spitting up blood & swollen tongue, discontinued. Tossed the medication. Was told to start back on the Xarelto. The problem isn't Xarelto. It's the doctors who refuse to listen to their patients."

1 / 10
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113 Report
  • Len
  • May 1, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "I was on it for about 30 days, I was never told it would cause blood in your urine which it did. Also had trouble peeing and pain in my lower back. Stop taking this drug and everything cleared up in a week. Stay away from this drug."

1 / 10
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87 Report
  • Norbec
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 1, 2013

For Atrial Fibrillation "Have been on Xarelto for 9 months.. no real adverse effects.. only confusing thing is I do not bleed when cut.. or bruise when bumped.. I have asked the mfg so many times to explain this.. and no one answers me.. my INR is a (1). When I ask my Doctor, he tells me don't worry it's working."

10 / 10
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161 Report
  • MLSW
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 7, 2013

For Atrial Fibrillation "Since taking Xarelto I have had 3-4 vivid dreams/nightmares per night that were very work specific-strenuous and exhausting (not frightening) and I awaken in the morning exhausted from all the effort put forth in the dreams."

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150 Report
  • BGano
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • May 3, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "81 year old woman using 20 Xarelto my side effects are nauseous, urinary issues, severely bleeding hemorrhoids, every time even with soft movements. Bleeding from vagina post change-of-life, two pints of blood loss, anemic, white spots in mouth, troubles staying asleep, itchy skin, thin skin, weight loss, loss of and changes in appetite."

2 / 10
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82 Report
  • kate
  • May 2, 2019

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I started on Xarelto after having a bleed out with Warfarin through my kidneys. I was on this drug for almost 8 years. In the last two years, I kept telling my doctors the side affects this drug was giving my body. Nobody listened....Eventually, I received some helpful information on the neurological side of this drug. Everything it said was what I was experiencing. So I have now switched to Eliquis (which is recommended by cardiologists almost world-wide) and it has been heaven ever since. No Xarelto induced crazy dreams, leg twitching, cramps, headaches, tremors, anxiety etc. Take control people over your own body....."

2 / 10
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  • Elb
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 20, 2020

For Atrial Fibrillation "Used xarelto and it caused A fib. which was the worst thing. Caused my heart to race. Actually hurt my heart. Took six months for me to return to anything normal in my life. This drug is dangerous. Stay away from it."

1 / 10
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64 Report
  • Hoops
  • April 15, 2016

For Atrial Fibrillation "I have had afib for about 12 years and have had two ablations. Afib is back again but not all the time. Had to be electroconverted in late Feb and was put on Eliquus. My blood pressure went sky high and I started to develop diahrrea. As it got worse, they agreed to switch me to Xarelto. After about a week, my diahrrea was out of control and there was blood in the stool. The doctor told me I had to stay on it but I couldn't take the side effects. I haven't taken Xarelto for three days. No more blood in stool. Diahhrea is clearing up. Blood pressure down to 119/66. BAD DRUG!!!!!"

1 / 10
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101 Report
  • Patsy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 19, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "One week after starting, I started experiencing almost uncontrollable nose bleeds. I got a small cut on my lower leg that would not heal. Fought with the doctor who was very upset when I stopped taking. It took about two weeks for the bleeding to subside. I refuse to take this or any similar medication again."

2 / 10
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69 Report
  • forno...
  • June 29, 2013

For Atrial Fibrillation "Some itching with this but so glad not to go for blood work and to be able to eat whatever I want. Cardiologist put me on this in January as I was on warfarin since Dec 26. This doc does ablations for Atrial fibrillation (and teaches fellows also) and this is what he wanted me to take. Little bruising, minor bleeding when brushing, nothing significant. I also take amiodarone for the Atrial fibrillaiton."

9 / 10
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126 Report
  • Tsuna...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 5, 2013

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "Treated with Coumadin for 3 years. Stopped Coumadin 2 days ago. Started Xarelto last night 20 mg once a day. Maybe it is the excitement of being off Coumadin, but today is the first day I feel normal. No headache, No light headedness, No Fuzzy head, was not tired in the middle of the day. Coumadin really made me feel different. I thought it was just getting old. Also my eyes feel clear now. First thing I did last night was drink two glasses of cranberry juice. It was great. For lunch spinach in my sandwich. Wonderful. Looking forward to not seeing my doctor to draw blood every month. Might even get back into some low impact sports in the afternoon before dinner. "

10 / 10
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128 Report
  • phyllis
  • October 31, 2014

For Atrial Fibrillation "I have had no major adverse effects from taking Xarelto. However, it seems that since starting this, the back of my lower neck itches all the time. I have scrubbed my neck, I have no rash or appearance of anything unusual, just the itch. Wonder if this medicine could cause this. I believe I ran across an article of someone complaining of the same condition but I don't know where I saw it."

9 / 10
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111 Report
  • pmano
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 22, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "This drug helps a lot of people. Not me. I believe Xarelto caused four episodes of near fatal GI bleeding over a seven month time frame. I had been on and off this med for about a year and a half. I stopped taking it and no more bleeding. I am a 62 year old male."

1 / 10
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65 Report
  • Loulou
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 11, 2020

For Atrial Fibrillation "Have been on the Xarelto medication five years and had experienced no major issues, just some bleeding with small cuts and some bruising. Then I developed arm and leg pain and some gum bleeding. The leg pain started in one thigh and woke me up at night with burning prickling nerve pain and sometimes felt like I had been electrified. The rest of the thigh was numb. Soon both legs were involved. My doctor switched me to Eliquis which she said had less side effects and I will soon see if the arm and leg pain disappear."

4 / 10
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51 Report
  • NCYan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 24, 2014

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "Doc put me on this after finding a small blood clot in calf after TKR. First month was not bad but after that, my upper stomach started to hurt off & on all day, every day; migraine headaches every night; insomnia every night and horrible itching at site of incision; bleeding hemorrhoids also. Had a Doppler taken after 2 months and it did not find any clots. Dr took me off of Xarelto cold turkey. Very frightening because I was told you should be weaned off of it but doc seemed to be ok with immediately stopping. It has been 4 days since I stopped and all the above symptoms went away, thank goodness."

9 / 10
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104 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.