I've been taking Xarelto for about 60 days, and muscle soreness seems to be getting worse. I wake each morning with shoulder, arm and leg soreness. At 64 years old, I presumed it was just old age symptoms. I now suspect that this new medication might be the culprit. I must take the medication because of atrial fibrillation episodes from time to time. Is there a solution, or should I just learn to live with the pain? My suspicion includes potential internal damage from a drug that causes pain. Am I thinking correctly here??
How likely is muscle soreness while taking Xarelto?
Question posted by Grant II on 21 Jan 2013
Last updated on 9 March 2025
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.
12 Answers
53Jennifer66
30 July 2022
I had a Pulmonary Embolism 2/22/22 and was put on Xarelto 30mg for 2 weeks & then 20mg until 7/12/22 when I demanded to be taken off. I started with all my pains throughout my body about a week after starting the Xarelto. Each week I was getting worse and worse and I saw 3 different doctors, plus tried Physical Therapy, the doctors kept saying no its not the Xarelto, but I was sure it was. I just saw a Rheumatologist because I am in such server pain constantly, every day that my life has stopped as I know it. Blood work in process and August 1st & 3rd EMG's scheduled (horrible muscle pains). I lost all my strength, so weak, can barely walk legs pain so bad. I prayer I can get back everything I lost. I have always been so active everyday, I miss my life. I'll keep you posted. GET OFF THE Xarelto PLEASE. I'm 79 years old, I'm going to fight this I want my life back.
oak tree
28 Jan 2020
I can only write about my own experience.. I was taking rivaroxiban for a couple of years before I was put on Apixaban.
I first had a sensitivity to hot water in that my skin would itch and go blotchy all over my body. I ignored that thinking about the benefits.
Then it was pains in my feet, very sore ankles and later pains in my shins. I was told not to stop taking the drug ..later it was pain on one side of my head which just worsened and spread, my temple, behind ear, neck and top of chest which over a 11 month period meant I couldn't function without very strong painkillers and Morphine.. At the early stages of the head pain I began to develop a Lupus style rash starting on my hands and then gradually all over apart from my face. I was hospitalized several times with the pain and still told to keep going with the rivaroxiban. I reached a point where living was impossible. I refused the rivaroxiban.
All the symptoms disappeared within a month apart from the head pain which was an infection in my lymph system which needed to be treated. I would have been in deep trouble had I not gone against the medical advice.
I am now on Apixaban and no problems for 6 months but recently my feet and hands have started hurting and now pains and soreness in my shins with ear pain so being very wary. Hope this helps.
CAJbeach
23 Sep 2019
I too have been experiencing muscle pain, muscle burning sensation, and spasms in my arms, shoulders , and legs since I’ve been on Xarelto for the past 3 months following DVT in my arm. My Dr. has shrugged off this pain which then has been making me search for the reason of this new pain including being fearful I have DVT’s which may have developed despite being on this blood thinner. I am thankful I finally came across this site. I was on baby aspirin for 4 yrs. following a PE due to a bone marrow clotting condition. 3 months ago I had an MRI with contrast IV and developed the DVT in my arm . Within a week of being on the blood thinner the pain , burning and spasms started and seem to be getting worse . I stopped my 3-5 mile daily walks after the DVT because I felt weak and tired. I assumed going on Xarelto and another change in meds my Dr. made to control the condition I have which is causing the clotting was the reason for the tiredness.
The tiredness is getting much better so last week I started to gradually increase walking again going only one mile for 3 days which made my muscles really sore which seemed so odd. Then I did a light jog one day for about 3/4 a mile and I feel like I I ran a marathon. My leg muscles burn and ache still after 3 days still barely any feeling better. The comment explaining how fibrin in the muscle is affected by Xarelto is possibly the cause for the unusual pain and spasms I’m experiencing which I’m thankful to have something to bring up at my next Dr. visit.
MATT1963
29 April 2019
I have had this same problem for the past 2+ years while on Xarelto, and previously on Eliquis. Muscle soreness and tightness in my neck and shoulders, and moderate weakness in my legs, but no pain. Most doctors discount this, unfortunately, and provide the same answer each time... it is in your head and you are getting old... so this is "natural". They could not be more wrong... this is real. The problem was much worse for me with Eliquis. My legs were so weak I could not run on the treadmill... which I had been doing for 40+ years until I began these drugs. Started about 2 months after being on the drugs. Fortunately, I have licked my AFIB, and went off Xarelto one month ago. But I still have some issues, but things seem to be getting better day by day.
I am a retired Pharmacist, age 78, with over 50 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, much in R&D. So here is my theory on these two drugs, both of which have the same mechanism of action. These drugs prevent clotting by blocking one of many important chemical reactions in the clotting cascade. This blocking prevents the production of FIBRIN, making it impossible for the platelets to stick together and clot. These are not magical drugs by any means. They have plenty of side effects, as do most drugs.
It is my hypothesis that this blocking of fibrin MAY interfere with the muscle repair process. This process is very complex, but FIBRIN does play a key role here. And I do exercise fairly actively, like going for one hour at 4 MPH and a 3.5 to 5.0 degree incline... 3-4 times a week. So there is likely some breakdown of muscle each time I exercise. I have toughed my way through this, but it has not been fun. Now that I am off these drugs for one month, my leg weakness (relatively speaking) is getting somewhat less. Prior to these drugs, I could run through a wall because my legs were VERY STRONG. My neck and shoulder tightness and pain is also improving, but slowly.
Bottom line: I think the more active we are, the greater the probability of this muscle problem occurring... if we sit in a chair all day, there is likely very little muscle breakdown to repair. And contrary to what most doctors say, THIS IS NOT IN OUR HEADS... IT IS IN OUR MUSCLES.
I will be continuing my ongoing research on my "theory", and intend to submit my findings to the manufacturers and to FDA. Don't know what good this will do, but this FIBRIN BLOCKING mechanism is very SUSPECT in possibly interfering with the muscle "repair" process.
Hopefully you can also get off these blood "thinners" like I have. And hopefully my full muscle functioning will return over the next few months. But I think it will take time to reverse this issue entirely... just being realistic.
maungarei
10 March 2025
For anyone still watching this question thread, could you report on whether you managed to get improved/full muscle (legs) function recovery, post Xarelto use? .. and if so, the techniques you used.
Thank you - especially to MATT1963 for your detailed answer.
RunningManMd
10 Jan 2019
I was on Xarelto for only a short period of time (4 months) for a DVT in my left leg. During that time I experienced joint pain, insomnia, sinusitis, and excruciating lower back pain. The lower back pain put me in the ER for a day, and it wasn't until I was given pain meds, muscle relaxers, and steroids before I had relief. I discussed all of these side effects to my hematologist, and he took me off of Xarelto and transitioned me to Warfarin. Once on this med, my side effects went away, with the exception of the lower back pain, which can be managed with PT, stretching, walking and Tylenol. Warfarin has to be managed a bit more closely, but that management is nothing, IMO, to the side effects for Xarelto.
I wish you the best.
Janet Canner
10 Jan 2019
I have osteoarthritis in my lower back and suspect I now have hip wear too. I am 77 years old. I have taken ibuprofen - either 200 0r 400 mgs capsules in the morning - always with food and this helped me considerably. However last October I went down with PE and am prescribed Xarelto (rivaroxaban) 20 mg daily and was advised not to take ibuprofen which I haven't. Today I visited Holland & Barrett and was advised that Vitamin D or turmeric could help. Can I take either of these and would either help me? This pain is getting me down. Janet
JCarlin
29 Jan 2018
Good morning, I'm in my 8th week of Xarelto and the last week has been horrendous. I started with pain in both elbows (inner) and tender to touch. I now have pain in one finger on my right hand, my left thumb, knees, ankles and shoulders.
My doctor is not remotely interested and has said it's not likely to be the medication which I find very hard to believe. Does anyone know if this will leave long term damage, I only have 4 weeks to go after this but hope it's not causing any other issues? I've been told as long as there is no blood being passed or bruising then don't worry, hard not to when I pretty much hurt all over at 37!
Browngirl62
29 May 2017
I am a 62 year old woman who has taken Xarelto for 6 months now to treat DVT. My left hand is so sore; all of the fingers and the muscles throughout my hand. Although, I have osteoarthritis in my knees and cannot take Advil now, there are days when my knees are severely sore. Also, my right shoulder hurts and is very stiff. On June 12th I will have another Doppler and hopefully I will no longer have the blood clot. Oh- on top of all of the pain, I have lost a lot of my hair.
Leighwallace
19 Aug 2015
Hi, wanted to check to see how everyone was doing. I'm on day 3 of xarelta and my leg feels like I did a major workout - I can hardly walk. I'm 35.. Did anyone switch or find relief? Does it dissipate?
Tina Spaulding
11 Jan 2017
My son has been on xarelto a lot longer than me and hi pain in his legs is unbearable at times. More often than not. I am sure it's different for everyone, however it seems to only get worse. I have been on xarelto for 5 months and I am going through the same thing now with my legs. My advice would be to discuss it with your doctor
ChrissyH
26 Jan 2017
In regards to the last comment... I am 39 and on Xarelto for post surgery DVT and having very severe upper leg pain (inner thigh). Had ultrasound to make sure no DVT in the upper leg as the pain is in the same leg as the lower DVT and the doctors ensure me that is not the source of the pain. Pain started about 3-4 weeks into use of the medication. I'm hoping that is all that is going on as it is fairly severe.
RunningManMd
2 Jan 2018
Hi, I'm a 62 year old healthy male. I was diagnosed with a lower leg DVT on 10.19.17. I was put on Xarelto (15mg 2X daily) for 21 days. When I began taking the 20mg Xarelto daily, within a week, I began feeling intense lower back pain in the morning upon rising. I've had issues with my lower back in the past, but not like this every morning. Usually by noon the pain is tolerable. I take the Xarelto at breakfast. Now, on 1.1.2018, I'm still on the 20mg and lower back pain is still there. I've also experienced insomnia and sleeplessness, and am prone to waking up early the past couple of months which is not normal for me. In addition, I have experienced pain in my right big toe (I'm not sure this is related to the Xarelto but thought I'd mention it). In my opinion, these symptoms are all caused by the Xarelto because I know my body. Something is just right, and Xarelto is the only thing that is changed (I take no other meds).
After mentioning it to my hematologist office a month ago, the nurse practitioner assured me the back pain was not caused by the drug, so I continued on it. Hopefully, I'll be off of it in the next couple of weeks, or if they want to extend it, I'll ask for another blood thinner. I hope this is helpful to anyone on Xarelto.
brokage369
24 Nov 2018
I'm 75 I used( before xarelto) to walk / jog for an hour 3 times a week. I have been on xarelto for 6 months now and have noticed more and more of leg cramps sometimes so bad I can hardly walk without limping. I have been very depressed lately which is not like me. I also have no energy anymore. My blood clot is because of a auto accident. Anyone have any suggestions for another medication.
dudley4
21 April 2015
Hi Grant ll
I am currently on Xarelto for 3 months and experiencing very similar side effects .
Was wondering what you did and if you ever got any relief ? Did you change meds or did the pain subside ? get worse ? or go away after time?
Would really appreciate an update . I am similar in age and a male.
Thanks in advance for any info you can offer
tmaunus
4 May 2015
Hi I've been on xarelto for 5 months when I was in the hospital I started taking it I started getting a pain in my finger and now its in my hands arms and legs, There sending me to a rheumatologist, I really believe it is from this medication I'm 48 years old and so tired of this pain! will be going to see a rheumatologist in 2 weeks to find out.
Kat57
4 June 2015
I am a 57 yr old female and recently completed a 3 month course of zarelto... The joint and muscle pain was horrible, throughout my entire body and has only lessened slightly in the past week. I'm concerned this is not going away. Prior to taking zarelto I had no pain so would also love more input on this topic.
darnerm
8 Oct 2016
I'm currently on Xarelto for 40 days now since I tested positive for AFIB and I'm experiencing the side effects referenced above. Every morning I wake up with sore muscles and feel like I have a mild fever which I don't. I hate to take Tylenol to reduce the discomfort everyday. I contacted the maker of Xarelto an they claim these symptoms were not mentioned in their clinical tests. I'm 66 years old and very active and I've never felt this way before other than when I had the flu. Has anyone ever spoken to their cardiologist about these symptoms. I love to hear your feed back. I see my doctor in a week so I'll keep you posted.
newstimotor09
12 Nov 2016
I am a 69 years old, 50 year runner, 30-40 miles per week. In january experienced a staph infection to spine in hospital or at home with drip IV. In June threw blood clots to legs and lungs. Genetic defect, PAI-1, and began Xarelto. Since then attempting to get back in shape. Feel ok but off and on legs sore, "dead" when run. can hardly run while heart rate is extremely low ie 110 bpm.
makes no sense and then googled and found in 2% of Xarelto users seem to have similar issues.
Anyone else had similar issues?
thanks Vic
xraykory1
18 Dec 2016
Hello everyone,
I have been taking xarelto for a month now and have similiar side effects. Mainly pain in my joints and muscles and feel like a slight fever although i don't. The pain in my joint and muscles, most noticeably in both my legs and hands and back, is getting to the point of unbearable. This has majorly affected my sleep. I can hardly lie down for any length of time due to the pain and pins and needle feeling in legs/feet.
This all started about a week after starting Xarelto so i feel this has got to be the culprit.
Does the pain subside for other users after time? If so, what has been other users time frame and experience? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Javatime
4 May 2017
I'm a female (57) with Afib diagnosised 7 years ago, had a TIA May 2016. Doctor put me on Xarelto at that time, have had no known side effects. Then in February this year had unbearable pain in my right hand (only on the top part of it above my palm area) and also pain on the Top of my right Foot (again only on the top part above arch). Went to the doctor finally in March where he thought it might have been my thyroid medication being to high (dignosised with Graves Disease at 33 years old) causing me this issue. He reduced my medication from Synthroid 125 mg to 112 mg. but said it would take awhile for it to be noticeable, been about 5 weeks now; I've had better days, but not much noticeable change in pain. I'm wondering as I had 10 months with what I would call no side effects, could the side effects (pain) start after this length of time from the Xarelto?
kaismama
21 Jan 2013
I would ask my dr if he can prescribe a different medication. There are several to chose from. There is no reason you have to suffer on one of them.
Inactive
21 Jan 2013
You are right;
Less serious side effects of rivaroxaban may include:
muscle pain;
itching; or
pain in your arms or legs.
Musculoskeletal side effects have included pain in the extremities and muscle spasm.
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/xarelto-side-effects.html
I suggest you inform your Dr. asap.
kaismama
21 Jan 2013
Morning sunshine
Inactive
21 Jan 2013
Afternoon my friend.-
Tina Spaulding
11 Jan 2017
My 26 year old son and I have Factor 5. We both take xarelto. We both have pain in our legs. I have been checked for clots due to the pain and at this time I do not have any. My legs hurt so bad. My son's hurt so bad at times that he limps. He has lost jobs due to his pain. Can this be from the xarelto?
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Further information
- Xarelto uses and safety info
- Xarelto prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xarelto (detailed)
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