How To Take Xarelto

Transcription

1 A patient's guide Your clinic's contact details are: Name: Contact number:

2 Contents 2 Why have I been prescribed Xarelto? 2 What is Xarelto? 3 How do I take Xarelto? 3 What should I do if I miss a dose of Xarelto? 4 How should I store Xarelto? 4 Other useful information about Xarelto What if I take more Xarelto than I should have? What are the possible side effects of Xarelto? What should I know before taking Xarelto? 6 Where can I find out more about Xarelto or VTE? 7 VTE the facts you need to know What is DVT? What is PE? Why does blood clot? What can I do to reduce the chance of having a VTE? 1

3 Why have I been prescribed Xarelto? You have been prescribed Xarelto because you have recently undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. After surgery, you are at an increased risk of developing blood clots in your veins, a condition called venous thromboembolism (VTE). Xarelto can help reduce the chances of these blood clots forming. This booklet is designed to help answer some of the questions you may have about Xarelto and blood clots. If you have any further questions, please speak to the medical team looking after you. Xarelto has been prescribed for you personally and should not be passed on to others. It is also important that you read the patient information leaflet that comes in your Xarelto pack. What is Xarelto? Xarelto belongs to a group of medicines called antithrombotic agents. It works by blocking a protein in the blood, known as blood clotting Factor Xa, and so reduces the tendency of the blood to form clots. 2

4 How do I take Xarelto? Always take Xarelto exactly as your orthopaedic surgeon has told you to. If you are not certain, make sure you check with your medical team or pharmacist. The usual dose is one 10 mg tablet once a day. Swallow the tablet, preferably with water. Xarelto can be taken with or without food. Take the first tablet 6 to 10 hours after your operation. Then take a tablet every day until your orthopaedic surgeon tells you to stop. Try to take the tablet at the same time every day to help you to remember it. If you have had a hip operation you will usually take Xarelto for 5 weeks. If you have had a knee operation you will usually take Xarelto for 2 weeks. Not actual size What should I do if I miss a dose of Xarelto? If you have missed a dose of Xarelto, take it as soon as you remember to. Take the next tablet on the following day and then carry on taking a tablet once a day as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet. 3

5 How should I store Xarelto? This medicine does not require any special storage conditions. Keep it out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use Xarelto after the expiry date (this is stated on the pack). Other useful information about Xarelto What if I take more Xarelto than I should have? Contact your doctor immediately if you have taken too many Xarelto tablets. Taking too much Xarelto increases the risk of bleeding. What are the possible side effects of Xarelto? Like all medicines, Xarelto can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. It is important to tell your doctor, if you experience any of the following side effects: Long or excessive bleeding Exceptional weakness, tiredness, paleness, dizziness, headache or unexplained swelling For a full list of common side effects please read the patient information leaflet provided with your Xarelto tablets. 4

6 What should I know before taking Xarelto? Tell your orthopaedic surgeon or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken any other medicines, including St John s Wort and any other medicines obtained without a prescription. Xarelto contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking Xarelto. What is VTE? VTE occurs when blood clots form inside a vein. The term VTE encompasses deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Further information about these conditions can be found on page 7. Vein PE DVT Blood clot 5

7 Where can I find out more about Xarelto or VTE? Please speak to your orthopaedic surgeon or pharmacist if you have any questions about Xarelto or VTE. 6

8 I am taking an anticoagulant therapy I am taking Xarelto (rivaroxaban) Name of patient: Address: Telephone: NHS number: Hospital number: Hospital: Name of consultant: Please carry this card at all times and show it to healthcare professionals when necessary

9 VTE the facts you need to know What is DVT? DVT is the name given to a blood clot that forms inside a vein that is deep beneath the skin of your leg, or sometimes in your pelvis. The clot blocks the flow of blood through the affected vein, either partially or completely, and can cause swelling and pain. This in turn can lead to longer-term swelling, skin problems and ulcers. What is PE? Sometimes, part of the clot breaks off and passes through your circulation and reaches your lungs (called pulmonary embolism or PE for short), which can cause chest pain and breathlessness. PE is a serious health problem that requires immediate treatment. Why does blood clot? Blood clotting is a vital protection system in our body to ensure that, when we cut ourselves, a clot forms to stop the bleeding. We can see a blood clot form when we cut ourselves and this type of clot forms outside of our veins. What can I do to reduce the chance of having a VTE? It is important to listen to the medical team looking after you once you ve had your operation and move around when you are asked to. If you can t move easily after the operation you may be asked to do leg exercises. You may also be offered elastic compression stockings or a mechanical foot pump in order to help blood flow in your leg. Drink plenty of fluids if you are able to and if you experience any leg or chest symptoms, inform your medical team at once. 7 Date written: April 2009 Code: 9XARE20 Review date: