Taking Xarelto? Stay Away from Grapefruit

If you are taking the blood thinner Xarelto, it is best to avoid grapefruit because of potentially harmful interactions. According to the experts at People’s Pharmacy, it is better to limit grapefruit if you are taking Xarelto because it has the potential to cause complications including severe bleeding. However, the drug’s manufacturers, Bayer and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, have not issued a warning to consumers about this serious drug-food interaction. Xarelto has been alleged to be linked to a number of negative medical side effects, leading a number of Xarelto lawsuits.

What is Xarelto?

Xarelto (generic name: rivaroxaban) is a blood-thinning drug that is widely prescribed to prevent blood clots in patients suffering from irregular heartbeat or atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism or blood clots in the lungs. Xarelto is also commonly prescribed to those who have suffered strokes or patients who have recently undergone a knee or hip replacement surgery. It is also prescribed as an alternative to the drug warfarin (coumadin), a blood thinner that has been used since 1954.

The most serious potential side effect caused by Xarelto is severe internal bleeding that could prove fatal for patients. At this time, there is no known cure to reverse the type of internal bleeding that is caused by Xarelto. Other potentially serious side effects caused by Xarelto include decreased hemoglobin, bleeding in the brain, hematoma, swelling of the lower limbs, breathing issues and infections associated with hip or knee replacement surgery.

Why Should Xarelto Users Avoid Grapefruit?

Rivaroxaban is processed by enzymes in the intestines. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice contain compounds that slow down this process. When you consume grapefruit, the amount of rivaroxaban in your blood may increase and cause more complications than expected including bleeding from the gums, nosebleeds, unusual bruising and dark stools.

Those who are taking Xarelto should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. You could choose an alternative citrus beverage such as orange juice. If your doctor tells you to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, you should immediately tell your doctor that you are taking Xarelto. If you have any signs of bleeding, contact your doctor right away.

What Are The Dangers of Xarelto?

The drug Xarelto may be dangerous – with or without grapefruit. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received a number of adverse event reports regarding this blood-thinning drug. A number of medical studies have also determined that there is a link between Xarelto and serious side effects such as internal bleeding. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2012 discussed the risk of uncontrollable bleeding outweighing the benefits of blood thinners such as Xarelto. Researchers found there was a tripled risk of bleeding among patients who were given the drug, with no improvement shown in survival rates.

Contact d’Oliveira & Associates Today!

If you or a loved one has suffered from serious Xarelto side effects, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other losses. We are working with some of the more experienced Xarelto lawyers across the country who handle these cases regularly. Call us at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no-obligation) comprehensive case consultation.

Source:

• http://www.myajc.com/lifestyles/health/the-anticoagulant-xarelto-affected-grapefruit/TUI45hvmTx2J83IRHTQbAL/

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