My husband developed rash when he was on Pradaxa. It went away as soon as he stopped. He has now been on Xarelto 20Mg about three weeks and the similar rash has started. His back is full of small red spots that itch and his upper chest front seems red and itchy. Could this go away with time or will it just get worse as it was the case of Pradaxa?
Has anyone experienced skin rash while taking Xarelto?
Question posted by wife of TJ on 20 April 2012
Last updated on 19 May 2020
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
30 Answers Page 2
Jkjata1
30 March 2017
I have been taking Xarelto for 4 months following a one time episode of afib. I recently developed head to knees dime size hives which are extremely itchy , get seepy, and scab over much like poison ivy- which it is NOT. Strange how 1% of us are delusional in attributing this to the Xarelto
Greyfort
25 March 2017
My mother is 89 and was diagnosed with affib and congestive heart failure about 2 1/2 years ago. She has been on blood thinners ever since receiving that diagnosis, including Xarelto.
Over the past year or so, she has developed little red bumps under her skin that are so itchy that it has destroyed her sleep. She just said to me that it's almost more like a sting, than an itch. They have switched her medications and have been no help to her whatsoever in discovering what the problem is.
She says that she wants to see an allergist, but I'm convinced that it's the blood thinners causing her problems. I picked up a prescription renewal for her last night and the Pharmacist agreed with me, when I mentioned it to her. My Mom said she was just lying in bed last night, feeling so angry about it all.
We really don't know what to do. She can't do without the blood thinners, but at the same time, they seem to be severely affecting the quality of her life. It makes me wonder if it's worth it.
Streamdreamer
24 March 2017
I started developing itchy red spots on hands, back, arms, butt and legs within a few weeks of upping to 20mg of Xarelto from 10mg. I upped after suffering a pulmonary embolism in January 2017. I have Factor V Leiden Homozygous... thinners for life. I've taken Xarelto for about 2 years. Never a problem until the PE... when I was upped to 20mg. I'm going to see if I can lower the MG after 3 months. It's frustrating because I don't want to stop Xarelto all together. It's working at clot prevention. The rash bumps are the only side effect I've noticed.
Streamdreamer
24 March 2017
Sorry... that made no sense. I forgot to say that yes Xarelto has worked for 2 years and it was only AFTER I was stopped for 3 days for a colonoscopy. That was a bad decision by my now former doctor. Xarelto is out of the system in 24 hours or less. Idiot. Xarelto will not work if it's not taken!
vadann123
14 Aug 2017
I had an episode of PE which was pretty severe. I was put on zarelto in the hospital and the second night I woke up to an itching on my legs which nearly drove me insane. I have sensitive skin anyways and am allergic to a great many things so I attributed the itching to that. However, I'm home now and the same thing has happened tonight. I am miserable and I can't sleep nor can I take the constant itching of the skin on my legs. I have to say I am not feeling hopeful after reading all the comments on this site.
aajax42
11 Dec 2016
I have been taking Xarelto for about 9 months. About 3 months ago I experienced severe itching on my lower back which made me think I had a reccurence of the occasional eczma I have rarely suffered. However, the itching has continued to spread to my arms and chest and not shown any improvement with the use of all the eczma creams and drugs prescribed. It continues to spread and keep me awake and I now have rashes and scabs on the affected areas. I consulted my GP last week and have switched from Xarelto to Pradaxa in the hope my condition will improve. I will give updates on my progress. Fingers crossed.
Cooljay55
29 Oct 2016
I have been on Xarelto since May of 2016. Since I started about a month into it I noticed I started to itch more and more. At this point I am getting large welts on my inner thigh and red itchy bumps all over. It has gotten so bad I cannot stand it anymore as the itching of the bumps causes infected sores and are covering my butt, some on my chest, upper arms and seems to get much worse when I sweat. I also get these red pustuals. I am considering stopping the medication and trying it. Doctor was saying that it is unlikely the Xarelto but I think it is as I have been to dermatologist and they do not know I have tried all kinds of prescription creams and nothing is working.
nrslinda
8 Oct 2016
My mother developed pruritic rash over her back after starting Xarelto 1 month prior. Her primary care physician switched her to Pradaxa, with no relief. Finally, he admitted her to the hospital for Lovenox injections and Coumadin initiation. Awaiting the results of skin biopsy to determine what is the histologic diagnosis. The rash is as others have described here; intense itching with intermittent periods of relief. The rash itself is waxing and waning. As a nurse for 40 years I have never seen this and intend to contact the FDA (Call FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report by telephone). I suggest that those who see this also make a call. If a they see a trend, the FDA will investigate.
audmict
17 Aug 2016
My husband suffered from a very serious rash / itch problem soon after he started taking xarelto. The many doctors he went to all claimed that this was not a side effect of the xarelto consumption. He saw at least 4 different dermatologists, all specialists, and did all the allergy tests they could think of. Nothing helped to alleviate the problem. If he consumed alcohol, his whole face would turn a purplish black. He was constantly on steroids - both oral and topical. When he stopped taking xarelto, the problem still persisted. None of the doctors we saw could help his skin problem. A skin specialist even proclaimed that he didn't know what to do to help him. It was really debilitating as his body was covered with angry red rashes, he was constantly itching and scratching and could not sleep properly. I'd like to share this because I've looked on the internet and realised that no one has a good cure for this terrible condition.
He recently consulted a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner and we are really blessed to say that after taking the herbs for less than a week, his condition improved steadily. While most Western medical practitioners generally treat the symptoms (eg the use of steroids in our case), TCM goes to the root of the problem and solves it from there. Apparently his liver was so damaged by the xarelto that the effects lingered even after he stopped taking it.I hope this will help fellow sufferers out there.
Ladysun
9 Sep 2016
I was taking xarelto- stopped a week ago. Developing a horribly itchy rash- can't sleep- all over legs and arms. What herbs did you use??? I am desperate for relief- just keep getting more and more
mugnb
18 Nov 2016
My father suffers HF after bad heart attach and bypass. He has now developed AF and needs to be on anticoagulants. He took Apixaban for a few weeks and developed severe itching at night. Was changed to Xarelto and still the same, unbearable itch at night and bottom of legs turn very red. Unsure if this is an allergy or other form of reach and doctors don't offer much. He is told all that's left is warfarin but he is afraid this may do the same..
littlebit34
28 March 2017
very interesting..thanks for the info... may want to google "The Watchman"... FDA approved in 2015... I'm going to heart Dr to get info on this procedure & Ablation ... have hf & afib... using Xarelto 15 mg & Multaq 300mg 2x's per day... hope all gets better..
Ajaygupta166
17 June 2016
I am a primary care provider and one of my patient has itchy rash on body front and back and upper and lower limbs. It started 1-2 months after initiating Xarelto. Although existing drug literature states that Xarelto can cause rash in 1-2% of cases but since it is not reported by many patients and providers so it has remained unrecognized. This patient went under a series of tests, dermatology and internal medicine consults. His Xarelto was discontinued about 2 months ago and now he says the rash has improved by over 50%. I feel if more people and providers recognize the potential for this type of rash and report it, then it may get the needed attention.
Margaretlothian
29 May 2016
I have been placed on Xarelto since February of this year. I began to experience itching and a rash on my arms and legs since May. My doctor said it wasn't the tabs but I believe it is. I was given Histal tabs and Elocon ointment but the itching and rash continue.
I think those who tested for side effects in this drug haven't paid much and due attention to the side effects that we are now experiencing. They need to do further studies and recall this drug until it is sorted out.
Imagine, I must be on blood thinner for the rest of my life. Will try the calamine lotion to see if it works in my case. Will post the results when I do.
Innovez
29 Sep 2015
I was diagnosed with AF 4 years ago and put onto warfarin. My compliance was good with INR tests done every month at least. The tests only needed finger pricks and were convenient and costless to me. Over the next two years I slowly developed unsightly red rashes on my shins that were not itchy but sensitive to sunlight. I also had very occasional itchy hives on arms and legs, which I had never had before. All of which I attributed to Warfarin.
Two years ago I moved to a location where IV blood was required for INR and testing was costly and inconvenient so I reluctantly went onto Xarelto with much trepidation. No means of monitoring coagulation times, no antidote for overdose, 'the same dose suits every body in the world' and blessed by a GP who said 'trials by drug co. look good' All the hallmarks of a ripoff, but I moved to the magic dose (20mg/day) anyhow. During the first few months bleeding from minor cuts, frequency of minor nosebleeds and bruising seemed (surprisingly) about the same as under warfarin so I continued. No reduction of rashes or sunlight sensitivity. A test double dose led to nosebleeds that were uncomfortably long, too much bleeding from minor cuts and excessive bruising ... At least the stuff showed clear anticoagulant effect. So I have stuck with the magic pill and its magic dose since.
But the rashes and hives have gotten much worse. I now have the pimply (non-acne) back just as you described ... But no one to scratch it. Rashes now extend all over lower legs and are encroaching above knee level. All itch spasmodically but the itch is easily controlled by any cheap moisturiser. Hives are much now more frequent and, though controlled in the same way, sometimes require getting up at night to apply lotion.
In the last 6 - 8 months I have developed red patches on my inner thighs that look mighty like psoriasis. Others seem to be starting on my upper arms. None weep or itch unless a hive pops up nearby, which the lotion fixes. But they look like the pox so no short pants or public swimming. So I'm off to a dermatologist to get an opinion on psoriasis and its likely spread under the X-type anticoagulants - hoping to be surprised to find a guy who knows the literature. I'd rather not have pox-like blotches showing above the collar or below the shirt cuffs. Return to warfarin is real option, even if I buy my own finger prick test gadget and have to give up vitamin K stuff - spinach and the like.
Hope this helps. (BTW I am also betting on daily aerobic exercise to reduce likelihood of clots from my AF, though there is little in the literature of any value supporting this.)
bersho
29 Dec 2014
In May of 2013 I had a dvt in my left, lower leg. I was put on Xeralto immediately. Within a month or so, I developed a rash in both lower extremities.
Per my doctor's approval, I stopped taking Xeralto a year ago, but the rash I had at that time is still present, but only in the upper area of the same leg as the dvt. A dermatologist also examined me a year ago and indicated that she has seen quite a few patients who had rashes attributed to blood clots. The steroid cream she prescribed didn't work. Only an over the counter benidryl like salve helps, but the rash shows no sign of going away. Note, I stopped taking Xeralto because my body recovered from the clot. I take no such medications now. Although I am seventy, the only medication I take is percoset, infrequently and unrelated to the blood clot. I do feel that the rash is related to the Xeralto, but have no proof.
akindia
29 Dec 2014
Hi! The rash in my case developed after about being 5+ months on Xarelto and covered mostly all of my back. It is strange that no other area in the front of the body was affected! I have stopped the 20 mg per day of the Xarelto intake and have yet to see the doctor. But, after just three days of being off of Xarelto, I see improvements in terms of the rash as well as the swelling that developed on my ankle. As I have never had any such symptoms in my life before, I attribute this all to Xarelto. Initially I tried various steroid creams _ Clobetasol, Triamcinolone Acetonide, Mometasone Furoate, Halabetosol etc. etc. - bt none of them really work to cure the rash/red spots. The dermatologists' reaction was that this is a kind of eczema and can only be cured internally> I guess the avoidance of Xarelto is the cure for this! One more thing that seems to happen with continued use of Xarelto is the development bruises on the body. So all in all, this medication is one that seems to create diverse reactions on longer term use.
badl
31 Oct 2017
Did the rash ever go away? I took Xarelto for 90 days for a blood clot below my knee on the left leg from surgery on ankle. That was in January of 2015. Doctors can't fix it. The worst spot is on the outside of lower left leg.
pcarsonxx
27 Oct 2014
Yes I am currently experiencing red spots on my back and spots that itch on my legs and stomach.
sherry1211
27 March 2016
My husband has been taking this for months has red bumps that itch and turn to rash. He has them on legs and arms everywhere. He is continually doctoring them. He had dvt. That's free now of blood clots but has a affib.so will have to continue something for that. Will have to change medicine probably
aparna_pagadala
6 March 2017
I am on xeralto due to DVT. It's just less than two weeks since I started taking this medicine and I have pimples all over my face, neck and shoulder
BlueSky777
22 April 2013
My mom has a rash of small red spots on her back that itch intensely. She is on xarelto. Did you find any more information about the possible cause of this? Did your husband find a remedy, or have to switch drugs?
Please let me know of any information you have. Thanks in advance!
wife of TJ
22 April 2013
It's been just a year since I posted my question about Xarelto about the rash my husband has. It's still there. At times it get better but it seems to come back for no reason. We have seen several doctors [his internist, cardiologist and two dermatologists so far ] but none of them seem to link Xarolta to the rash. My husband continues with Xarolta with no other side effects. He uses various anti itch lotions to help him to deal with the itch. We have found that Calamine loation is one of the best among all the anti itch creams [OTC and prescripton] we have tried.
BlueSky777
22 April 2013
Thank you for your answer. I hope he gets some more relief from that. My mom will see a doctor about it tomorrow. Her rash has abated a bit and then flared up again with a vengeance.
I find it interesting that it is mostly on her back, where she makes the most contact with things such as beds, chairs, sofas etc… It started a few weeks after she began using xarelto though - so it seems like a likely possibility. She may use something else for a while to see if it clears up.
If I learn anything, I'll try to post it on here.
bests
2hummingbird
18 Nov 2013
I have been taking xarelto for a couple of months.Today I have a rash or hives on my chest that is spreading. The itch is terrible, and having Afib I don't know what I can take to relive the itching. I am using an anti itch cream, but only a wet, cool, washcloth helps. I will call my Dr tomorrow, and plan on going on something else for a blood thinner.
Mbouchard
12 Feb 2014
I was on warfarin for about 6mths I saw the doc he switched me to xarelto. It is 1 year on and the rash is back they r going to do biopsy tomorrow at dermatologist when results come I will post answer my opinion I don't think they know anything about it yet !
BlueSky777
12 Feb 2014
Thanks for your responses. I hope you rash is relieved soon. My mom's rash or itching spots seem to come and go. On some areas, such as forearms it was worse for a while. She is still on xarelto, although she was switched to coumadin for a couple of weeks. That was not enough time to see if the itching would subside. She got a diagnosis from a dermatologist of something like erupting dermatosis. He said it is more common in people with kidney problems. So we're still not sure what is going on. Please post your comments and updates when you have further information. Thank you
flattop2
12 June 2014
I think my rash is the same as many, possibly from xarelto. I took prednisone for a month prescribed by my doctor and it seemed to help, but as another person mentioned after that it came back with a vengeance!! I'm going to a dermatologist and will get back with the results. In the meantime you may consider a biopsy of the skin for analysis . Any comments?
Mbouchard
12 June 2014
It's the sun reacting to xarelto stay out of it they come on bad after being in sun or close to radiant heat as a electric heater got no where with dermatologist had to figure it out on my own!!
BlueSky777
12 June 2014
My mother had a biopsy, and it was called some type of dermatosis. They said it is a type that is usually related to a lower kidney function. She did have some kidney problems later, but not at the time the rash started. The lower kidney function was due to lasix and metolazone diuretics, most likely.
rspill
21 Oct 2014
I also developed a bad rash soon after starting Xarelto. I can't say for sure Xarelto was the cause, but the dermatologists couldn't associate it with any external influence. I stopped the Xarelto and began narrow band UV therapy at the same time. It took 2 months, but the rash is "almost" gone. When it first appeared, on my feet, the rash oozed clear liquid. The bumps began appearing on my legs, back, arms, and scalp. It was driving me crazy. I blame Xarelto, but have no proof.
akindia
27 Dec 2014
I just saw this post as I was looking for a solution for rash that I believe is being caused by Xarelto.
I have been on Xarelto-20mg a day- for DVT and it seems to cause the same itchy rash - mostly on my back - that seem not to go away. The only treatment that seems to work is to take low doses of steroid medication (prednisone or variants thereof). Some relief is also there by taking low doses of antihistamine (Zertec or others). Of course lots of moisturizers after the shower is what the dermatologists suggest. But, this is only a bit of temporary relief as the rash continues to appear driving one crazy with the itching! It wold be good to know if there are any other 'milder' longer term solution for ameliorating the rash and the itching caused by it!
BOOMER317
9 Sep 2015
i JUST CAME TO THIS SITE TO SEE IF ANY OF MY HUSBANDS' ISSUES WERE A POSSIBLE REACTION TO THIS DRUG AND AM APALLED THAT i DIDN'T THINK TO DO IT SOONER! hE IS SUFFERING FROM A HUGE OUTBREAK OF BLISTER LIKE RASH UNDER HIS ARMS AND TO A LESSER DEGREE IN HIS GROIN. hE HAD THIS BREAKOUT ABOUT A WEEK AGO AND AT FIRST THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE SHINGLES. WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO LESSEN HIS PAIN AND ITCHING WITH BENADRYL CREAM (OTC) AND HYDROCORTISONE CREAM. fINALLY , TWO DAYS AGO, I GOT CALAMINE LOTION TO PUT ON IT AND NOTHING SEEMS TO HELP. I WILL BE CALLING HIS DOCTOR AS SOON AS I FINISH THIS TO LET HER KNOW. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR POSTINGS!!! LET YOU KNOW IN A WEEK OR SO WHAT HAPPENS. HOPE AND PRAY IT WILL STOP IF HE IS TAKEN OFF THIS AWFUL STUFF.
DemoninDC
21 April 2012
You are experiencing a hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reaction to the medication. You need to speak or see your doctor immediately.
If you don't want to go back to Warfarin, you should talk to your doctor about Arixtra or Lovenox.
don747
6 Sep 2016
I take Xarelto and my neck has broken out in liaisons of red pumps which don't go away, I also have bad allergies, I'm going to the Doctor today because I cannot live like this ? it is very embarrassing? not sure what to do? because as a heart patient they say I need thinners? had the same problem with Warfarin? Doctor tell me I need them because I'm prone to clots also?? very upset?
littlebit34
21 Feb 2017
I had a rash on both legs from Eliquis... switched to Xarelto & still have same problem... Dr said that only thing left is Coumadin... NOT going to use that... there is a new device called "The Watchman"... has to go into heart space... & after 45 days... am off all the meds... (I have afib & congested heart failure)
dorothyhazelwood
12 April 2017
I'm on Xarelto 20 mg tab. I been on it for two months. Couple of days I started taking it my head started to itch and I had trouble with my left leg. Can it make your head itch really bad and it mess with your legs too.
inkydoo
9 Jan 2018
I have a DVT in my leg and have been on Xarelto for 5 days. I also have Cellulitis and I am taking medicine for that. In the 5 days when I started itching on my hands and feet mostly I thought it must be the medicine for my Cellulitis so my doctor changed that. The itching continued so I looked this up and now I know it must be the Xarelto. Thank goodness I go back to the doctor tomorrow, because I can't stand this itching!! It's driving me crazy. Thanks to all your replies I now know why I am itching.
kaismama
20 April 2012
It can cause a rash. I would advise you to call the doc and tell him.
Pat36
14 Feb 2018
I get occasional unbearable itching on any part of my body that rests on my bed, but can also go to other areas, then ncluding, ears, nose. I take Xarelto. I find if I take an antihistamine as soon as it starts, then it’s much better. I notice having a bath starts it off. Lotion also helps somewhat, but not much.
sueklingberg
5 Dec 2018
I have read a lot on this issue and believe that the blood thinners, except warfarin, all contain the same something that causes the rashes. The rashes reported range from minor like rosacea to major itching that prevents sleep. The doctors do not seem to be aware of the problem but it is widespread among the patients. I apply a cream from a dermatologist that helps a little. I will not take the warfarin because of its side effects that are worse than the rash for me.
Lazsch
2 April 2019
I developed a rash with Eliquis and switched to Xarelto . The itch and rash got worse and gradually covered my entire body. I stopped all blood thinners in December 2018 . The rash has gotten worse. I have tried everything that can be rubbed or sprayed on. Only temporary relief. A course of Prednisone was very effective but the hives, rash, etc returned after I stopped.. I have just started Dupixent with great expectations. None of my doctors have accepted the fact that I reacted to the blood thinners , but they have no other explanation.
3111willettroad
12 Feb 2020
I did e.r. doctor say its from tape
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atrial fibrillation, skin rash, pradaxa, xarelto
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