Xarelto and Pain: What Users Say

• Hol...
• 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 issues in the family. Rushed to ER with a heart rate of 152. Felt weak, sweaty, generally terrible. At the ER, the heart went back into rhythm, was given Xarelto 1 per day 30mg for precaution. Saw a doctor 6 days later. Felt horrible for every day on this drug. Pain, dizzy.. felt like I was being poisoned. Got worse every day. If I didn't get off this poison, I would have lost my job, as I could not function! The doctor at the cardio clinic took me off this drug immediately after the stress test came back perfect, and all blood work perfect. Been off this now for 6 days and almost free of side effects. Still some episodes of anxiety, tiredness, 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."

• Yog...
• 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?"

• 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 afib with heart rate of 105, and on the fourth day another afib 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. I stopped taking the 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 been doing better. Vision is a little better. Stomach is still painful. For me, this drug is a killer. Stay away from it. It’s a mystery to me why doctors prescribe it."

• Lou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 11, 2020

For Atrial Fibrillation "Have been on the Xarelto medication for 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 fewer side effects, and I will soon see if the arm and leg pain disappear."

• Lou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 11, 2020

For Atrial Fibrillation "Have been on the Xarelto medication for 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 fewer side effects, and I will soon see if the arm and leg pain disappear."

• Sal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2013

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "Last summer I was placed on Xarelto after a dermatologist botched my laser leg vein surgery and caused a DVT. I am an otherwise healthy 50-year-old woman. I did not want to go on Coumadin as I am familiar with the side effects and monitoring required. I was sick on Xarelto the entire time, and the minute that I stopped it, most of the side effects went away. It took about two weeks for all side effects to subside. Side effects included migraine headaches (first time in my life), sharp pins and needles pain in hands and fingers, swollen joints especially finger joints, muscle cramps - especially legs and toes, etc."

• Zls...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2019

For Pulmonary Embolism "At 17 years of age, my daughter was admitted to the ER for breathing discomfort. She was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism in both lungs and DVT. The cause of the embolism was from taking birth control pills for only one week. She gave herself Lovenox injections for one year with no side effects but bruising. She was then put on Xarelto for 6 months. The first couple of weeks of taking Xarelto, she started experiencing hair loss, leg pain, headaches, and severe anxiety. She has lost more than half of her hair and she hardly has any eyebrow hair. We are absolutely certain the medication is the cause. She takes 25 mg once daily. The doctor will not take her off of the Xarelto. Thankfully, she only has 2 more months to go. But with all the bad reviews such as uncontrolled bleeding, stroke, and death, it has me worried sick all day and night."

• Nes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2020

For Pulmonary Embolism "Absolutely hate Xarelto. Hate it. I had PEs in both lungs discovered in December 2019 when I had severe shortness of breath. 22 at the time, female. Had started birth control two weeks prior, was dehydrated, and was doing a lot of sitting down due to finals. 15 mg twice a day worked for me, only had fatigue and night sweats to deal with. I've been on the 20 mg once a day for about 5 months now, and I feel worse every day. Headaches all the time, fatigue, excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, leg pains that give me anxiety about more possible clots, heavy periods, chest pains that make me feel like I'm not getting better. It's hard for me to sleep at night with how uncomfortable I always am. Off it mid-June. Can't wait."

• Ban...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 20, 2022

For Atrial Fibrillation "In 2010, I had a successful ablation to correct Afib. About two years ago, my cardiologist retired, and I went to a new doctor. About a year ago, he suggested I go on Xarelto as a precaution against a possible reoccurrence of Afib. Since being on Xarelto, I have experienced constant back, leg, knee, and other body pain. My doctor is adamant that I stay on this terrible drug."

• Ban...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 20, 2022

For Atrial Fibrillation "In 2010, I had a successful ablation to correct Afib. About two years ago, my cardiologist retired, and I went to a new doctor. About a year ago, he suggested I go on Xarelto as a precaution against a possible reoccurrence of Afib. Since being on Xarelto, I have experienced constant back, leg, knee, and other body pain. My doctor is adamant that I stay on this terrible drug."

• Ban...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 20, 2022

For Atrial Fibrillation "In 2010, I had a successful ablation to correct Afib. About two years ago, my cardiologist retired, and I went to a new doctor. About a year ago, he suggested I go on Xarelto as a precaution against a possible reoccurrence of Afib. Since being on Xarelto, I have experienced constant back, leg, knee, and other body pain. My doctor is adamant that I stay on this terrible drug."

• Jee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 28, 2017

For Atrial Fibrillation "Apparently helps my a-fib, but causes bad bruising and bleeding from minor wounds. I also have bad heartburn and take antacid frequently. This happens while I'm eating, after, and also when my stomach is empty. A friend who tried Xarelto had the same problem, which makes me think it's from the medicine, or at least it made it worse. This causes me lots of pain and discomfort, but I don't know if another blood thinner would be the same."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 9, 2020

For Pulmonary Embolism "When I became ill over a year ago and developed blood clots in my lungs (P.E.), my doctor put me on XARELTO 20 MG. I have not developed any more blood clots, Xarelto took care of the blood clots. Occasionally, I do get some side effects: dizziness, shortness of breath, and aches, and a little bit of pain in my legs. I can overlook these, considering that Xarelto takes care of the blood clots in my lungs, so I'm still here, living a normal life, doing the things that I enjoy. All medications have side effects."

• Jab...
• July 15, 2017

For Pulmonary Embolism "I had a PE in 2014. Will be on blood thinners for life. Specialist switched me from warfarin to Xarelto last February, and life has been three shades of hell ever since. Weight gain, pain, headaches, hair loss, ridiculous fatigue... my period was out of control-like Carrie (Stephen King) style-until I finally got an IUD device (which I have never really wanted to do, but at least my iron stores have recovered). I found a new family doctor who agreed to put me back on warfarin, but the specialist talked me out of it this winter. I'm so weak and tired I can't stand it. Started on warfarin yesterday and get to quit the Xarelto in two days. Can't wait."

• Poo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2015

For Pulmonary Embolism "I was in the hospital this weekend for a PE in the left lung and pneumonia in my right. Completely asymptomatic except for a very unusual episode of vomiting with chest pain. Have a PICC, and the doctor was concerned it may have become dislodged, so to the ER we went. The whole PE/pneumonia thing is still utterly unreal to us - still in a daze, trying to figure out what it means for lifestyle changes. Since they switched me from Coumadin IV to Xarelto in the hospital, I have had a non-stop awful migraine, upper back and neck pain (muscular), some upset stomach. My lower jaw and teeth hurt - something I've never experienced as I have no cavities at age 47; I can empathize with my husband's toothaches a bit now, unfortunately. Awful."

• Ind...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 28, 2021

For Pulmonary Embolism "Had COVID/PE/pneumonia. Prescribed Xarelto. Couldn’t walk for three weeks due to leg pain and then felt extreme fatigue for months after, with consistent lower back pain and weight gain. The fatigue has been devastating. Unable to work or fully function as a parent. Forgot to take my pills with me on holiday last week and felt great. Took one pill on return and fatigue, nausea, GI issues, and brain fog are back. I will not take another. Stops today."

• Tin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2017

For Pulmonary Embolism "I take Xarelto for pulmonary embolisms and for DVT. My son takes it for DVT. We both have Factor V Leiden. We both experience really bad leg pain, we both have chest pains, pains in hands and arms. We both feel very cold all the time. There are more symptoms, but those are the worst symptoms. I have been on Xarelto for only 5 months. My son has been on it for 2-3 years. Without insurance, it is $375.00 a month. My insurance covers mine, but he has no insurance. He keeps losing his jobs because he can't work due to blood clots and/or his leg pain."

• she...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2018

For Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis after Knee Replacement Surgery "Was on Eliquis. Awful drug. Was on it for 6 weeks and my urine got VERY rank. After 2 and a half months, I woke up one night and my heart was vibrating, along with jaw and arm pain. It stopped after 5 minutes. It occurred 2 to 5 times a day for 5 days. Made a Dr. appointment and I cut pills to 1 a day. The Dr. put me on Xarelto. Still have the bad urine smell. Had a few days of heart episodes, but now it seems to be better. Have taken 16 pills, one a day. I still have slight tightness and jaw pain occasionally, but nothing compared to Eliquis. I also, on Eliquis, had sore eyes and was very, very tired. I am still tired but not as bad. Have 2 more months to go. Just wanted to share this with everyone that has to take this medicine!!"

• Kol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2017

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I had a DVT in my right lower calf muscle. I was on a training schedule and was doing very intense workouts. I did lots of flying for work, and as well taking some supplements, my blood became thicker and ended with my calf swelling up. I've been on Xarelto for the last four months. The first two months were all good, now in the last two months, the side effects of it have really come out. I started getting sore ribs, and my sternum feels like my body has spasms. Sometimes I can't bear the pain. I'm also on tramadol to calm my spasms. I don't like tramadol because I don't feel in control. I get fatigued faster and tire easily. Does anybody else get these side effects from Xarelto?"

• Num...
• June 11, 2017

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "Xarelto caused weight gain, tingling, numbness, and pain in arms as well as hands approximately 2 months after I began taking it. I'm not sure if this is permanent or not, stopped taking it a week ago and am still having these side effects. This was not a positive experience, unsure until I see my Dr. if there is permanent damage."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2021

For Pulmonary Embolism "I really do not like this medication at all. It makes me feel so sick and tired. It gives me panic attacks, especially at night. I get dizzy, foggy, tired, nausea, heartburn, chest pain, back pain, leg pain. I’m supposed to be on this for 6 months, but I don't know how bad this medication will be for me before then. I guess it’s keeping my clots at bay, that’s the only positive about this med so far."

• Nra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2019

For Deep Vein Thrombosis, Recurrent Event "I was put on Xarelto in Spain after I got a blood clot. When I returned to the US, I stayed on it another two months. It’s ridiculously expensive and has no antidote, but I still gave it a try. My last ultrasound still showed my blood clot was there. So my vascular surgeon took me off it. My new hematologist wants me back on it, but I don’t see any benefits to this medication. I am going to try a natural supplement called Platexia. Hopefully, it will relieve my pain in my leg and foot and dissolve my blood clots. (Old and newer) one from pregnancy, the other maybe from birth control."

• Tdo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 30, 2021

For Pulmonary Embolism "I found out about my PE 1 week after having an emergency C-section. I had chest pain, and that was it. Went to the ER, and they did a CT with contrast and found a blood clot in my left lung. I was on Lovenox for 2 weeks and bridged to warfarin. The warfarin was causing numbness in my arms, face, hands, legs, and back, and I didn’t like it, so my doctor switched me to Xarelto about 2 1/2 weeks ago. It is a nightmare…my vision is messed up, it feels like I have a thick layer of film over my eyes. I've had my eyes checked 2 times, and my prescription definitely changed. I also experience numbness and tingling in my arms, hands, and face. My PCP is not worried about it. I also have pain in my calf and arms, extreme pain in my upper back and neck, and sometimes my collarbones. I wake up, and my legs and ankles feel stiff. I should be coming off Xarelto soon, hopefully."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 25, 2024

For Pulmonary Embolism "I ended up in the ER for a PE on my right lung. I stayed a night and was sent home on Xarelto the next day. 15 mg during the day and 15 at night for 21 days. Now I am on week 8 on just 20 mg per day. Within 2 weeks, I had no weird heart palpitations like before, and I was able to work out within the first week. The only issue I have is a lot of extremity pain, especially when I first wake up, everything feels sore. Once I am moving around, it feels better, but it's a daily feeling. I feel that it saved my life, so I am now getting used to being on it. Follow-up CT soon to find out what my next step is."

• Kha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 12, 2020

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "Suffered from multiple clots in the right leg that ended up traveling to my lungs. Had to have emergency surgery because a clot broke off and was blocking the left artery of my heart. After 8 days in the hospital, I was put on Xarelto. Started out as 15 mg twice a day to 20 mg once a day. Was originally supposed to be on it for 6 months, but my insurance wasn’t approving my follow-up CT scan and ultrasound. Ended up being on it for a year and 6 months. While taking Xarelto, I experienced numbness and tingling in the leg where the clots were, horrible anxiety, leg swelling, leg pain, heavy menstrual cycles, and bruising. I recently stopped the drug cold turkey, doctor's orders. Anxiety has gotten worse as I’m afraid of experiencing another DVT/PE. Overall, it did the job. No sign of clots in legs or lungs."