Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Rivaroxaban may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
Xarelto contains the active substance rivaroxaban. Xarelto belongs to a group of medicines called antithrombotic agents. It works by blocking a blood clotting factor (factor Xa) and thus reducing the tendency of the blood to form clots. Xarelto is used in full-term newborn babies, infants and toddlers, children and adolescents below 18 years to: treat blood clots and prevent re-occurrence of blood clots in the veins or in the blood vessels of the lungs, following an initial treatment of at least 5 days with injectable medicines used to treat blood clots. Read and follow the Instructions for Use provided with this medicine because it will show you how to prepare and take or give Xarelto oral suspension. 2.
e or give Xarelto
Do not take or give Xarelto if you or the child are allergic to rivaroxaban or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) are bleeding excessively have a disease or condition in an organ of the body that increases the risk of serious bleeding (e.g. stomach ulcer, injury or bleeding in the brain, recent surgery of the brain or eyes) are taking medicines to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban or heparin), except • when changing medicines to prevent blood clotting or • while getting heparin through a venous or arterial line to keep it open. have a liver disease associated with an increased risk of bleeding are pregnant or breast-feeding Do not take or give Xarelto and tell your doctor if any of these apply to you or the child.
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Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Xarelto if: • you or the child have an increased risk of bleeding. This could be the case in situations such as: ▪ moderate or severe kidney disease; as the kidney function may affect the amount of medicine that works in the body ▪ if you or the child are taking other medicines to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban or heparin), if these are absolutely necessary (see section "Do not take or give Xarelto") ▪ bleeding disorders ▪ very high blood pressure, not controlled by medical treatment ▪ diseases of stomach or bowel that might result in bleeding, e.g. inflammation of the bowels or stomach, or inflammation of the food pipe due to a disease where stomach acid goes upwards into the food pipe or tumours located in the stomach or bowels or genital tract or urinary tract ▪ a problem with the blood vessels in the back of the eyes (retinopathy) ▪ a lung disease where the bronchi are widened and filled with pus (bronchiectasis), or previous bleeding from the lung • you or the child have a prosthetic heart valve • you or the child have a disease called antiphospholipid syndrome (a disorder of the immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots) • your or the child's blood pressure is unstable • another treatment or surgical procedure is planned to remove the blood clot from the lungs If any of the above apply to you or to the child, tell your doctor before you take or give Xarelto. The doctor will decide, if you or the child should be treated with this medicine and should be kept under closer observation. Do not give Xarelto to children under 6 months of age who were born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, or weigh less than 2.6 kg, or had less than 10 days of breast or formula feeding In these cases, dosing of Xarelto cannot be reliably determined and has not been studied in these children. If you or the child need to have an operation • It is very important to take or give Xarelto before and after the operation exactly at the times your doctor has told you. • If the operation involves a catheter or injection into the spinal column (e.g. for epidural or spinal anaesthesia or pain reduction): it is very important to take or give Xarelto before and after the injection or removal of the catheter exactly at the times your doctor has told you tell your doctor immediately if you or the child get numbness or weakness of the legs or problems with the bowel or bladder after the end of anaesthesia. In this case, urgent care is necessary. Children and adolescents Xarelto oral suspension is to be used for patients below 18 years to treat blood clots and prevent re-occurrence of blood clots in the veins or in the blood vessels of the lungs. There is not enough information on its use in children and adolescents in other indications.
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Other medicines and Xarelto Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you or the child are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. • If you or the child are taking: some medicines for fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole), unless they are only applied to the skin ketoconazole tablets (used to treat Cushing's syndrome – when the body produces an excess of cortisol) some medicines for bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin) some medicines for HIV/AIDS (e.g. ritonavir) other medicines to reduce blood clotting (e.g. enoxaparin, clopidogrel or vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin and acenocoumarol) medicines to relieve inflammation and pain (e.g. naproxen or acetylsalicylic acid) dronedarone, a medicine to treat abnormal heart beat some medicines to treat depression (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) If any of the above apply to you or the child, tell your doctor before taking or giving Xarelto, because the effect of Xarelto may be increased. Your doctor will decide, if you or the child should be treated with this medicine and should be kept under closer observation. If the doctor thinks that you or the child are at increased risk of developing stomach or bowel ulcers, a preventive ulcer treatment might be necessary. •
If you or the child are taking: some medicines to treat epilepsy (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital) St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), a herbal product used for depression rifampicin, an antibiotic If any of the above apply to you or the child, tell your doctor before taking or giving Xarelto, because the effect of Xarelto may be reduced. The doctor will decide, if you or the child should be treated with Xarelto and should be kept under closer observation.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding • If you or the adolescent are pregnant or breast-feeding do not take or give Xarelto. • If there is a chance that you or the adolescent could become pregnant, a reliable contraceptive should be used while taking Xarelto. • If you or the adolescent become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately, who will decide how the treatment should be continued. Driving and using machines Xarelto may cause dizziness or fainting. You or the child should not drive, ride a bicycle or use any tools or machines if affected by these symptoms. Xarelto contains sodium benzoate and sodium This medicine contains 1.8 mg sodium benzoate (E 211) in each mL oral suspension. Sodium benzoate (E 211) may increase jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in newborn babies (up to 4 weeks old). This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per millilitre, that is to say essentially "sodium-free". 3.
How to take or give Xarelto
Always take this medicine or give this medicine to the child exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. GB v007_0
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Make sure that the correct information on how much and how often to take or give Xarelto is written on the designated area of the carton. If not, ask your pharmacist or doctor to provide the relevant information. Instructions for Use For how to prepare and take or give the Xarelto oral suspension: See the Instructions for Use booklet included in the carton and Watch the educational video which you can access via the QR code which is displayed on the Patient Alert Card that is provided with this medicine.
or give Take or give Xarelto oral suspension with feeding (breast milk or formula feeding) or with a meal. Each Xarelto dose has to be swallowed along with one typical serving of liquid (for example 20 mL in children aged 6 months up to 240 mL in adolescents). This typical serving may include usual amount of drink used for feeding (e.g. breast milk, infant formula, nutrition drink). Your doctor may give the oral suspension also via a stomach tube. How much to take or give The dose of Xarelto depends on the patient's body weight. It will be calculated by the doctor as an amount (volume) in millilitres (mL) of the oral suspension. This should be measured out using the blue syringe (either 1 mL or 5 mL or 10 mL syringe, see table 1) supplied with this medicine. Your doctor will prescribe the volume required including the particular syringe you should use. Your doctor will tell you how much of the oral suspension you or the child must take. Below is the table that your doctor will use. Do not adjust the dose yourself. All materials to prepare and administer the oral suspension are provided with the medicine (except for drinking water.) Only use non-carbonated water to avoid bubbles. Only use the syringe provided to administer Xarelto to ensure accurate dosing. Do not use any other method to administer the solution, e.g. alternative syringe, spoon etc. As the Xarelto dose is based on body weight it is important to keep scheduled doctor's visits because the dose may need to be adjusted as the weight changes, especially for children below 12 kg. This ensures that the child receives the correct dose of Xarelto. Table 1: Recommended dose for Xarelto in children Daily frequency of Body weight [kg] Single dose* intake 2.6 to under 3 0.8 mL 3 to under 4 0.9 mL 4 to under 5 1.4 mL 3 times 5 to under 7 1.6 mL
Total daily dose*
2.4 mL 2.7 mL 4.2 mL 4.8 mL 7 to under 8 1.8 mL 5.4 mL 8 to under 9 2.4 mL 7.2 mL 9 to under 10 2.8 mL 8.4 mL 10 to under 12 3.0 mL 9.0 mL 12 to under 30 5.0 mL 2 times 10.0 mL 30 to under 50 15.0 mL 15.0 mL once 50 or more 20.0 mL 20.0 mL * 1 mL of the oral suspension corresponds to 1 mg rivaroxaban.
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Suitable blue syringe 1 mL
5 mL
5 mL or 10 mL 10 mL
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Your doctor may also prescribe tablets if you or the child are able to swallow the tablet and are weighing at least 30 kg. When to take or give Xarelto Take or give the oral suspension as directed every day until the doctor tells you to stop. Take or give the oral suspension at the same time every day to help you to remember it. Consider setting an alarm to remind you. Please observe the child to ensure the full dose is taken. If the doctor has told you to take or give Xarelto: once a day, do this approximately 24 hours apart twice a day, do this approximately 12 hours apart three times a day, do this approximately 8 hours apart Your doctor will decide how long you or the child must continue treatment. If you or the child spits up the dose or vomits less than 30 minutes after the intake of Xarelto, take or give a new dose. more than 30 minutes after the intake of Xarelto, do not take or give a new dose. Continue to take or give the next Xarelto dose at the next scheduled time. Contact the doctor if you or the child repeatedly spit up the dose or vomit after taking Xarelto. If you forget to take or give Xarelto If you are taking or giving Xarelto once a day, take or give the missed Xarelto dose as soon as you remember on the same day. If this is not possible, skip this dose. Then take or give the next Xarelto dose on the following day. Do not take or give more than one dose per day. If you are taking or giving Xarelto twice a day: • Missed morning dose: Take or give the missed dose as soon as you remember. You may take or give it together with the evening dose. • Missed evening dose: You may take or give the missed dose only in the same evening. Do not take or give two doses the next morning. If you are taking or giving Xarelto three times a day, do not make up for the missed dose. Continue with the next scheduled dose (given every 8 hours). On the day following a missed dose, continue as prescribed by the doctor once, twice or three times a day. If you take or give more Xarelto than you should Contact your doctor immediately if you have taken or given too much Xarelto oral suspension. Taking or giving too much Xarelto increases the risk of bleeding. If you stop taking or giving Xarelto Do not stop Xarelto without talking to your doctor first, because Xarelto treats and prevents serious conditions. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
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Like other similar medicines to reduce the formation of blood clots, Xarelto may cause bleeding which may potentially be life threatening. Excessive bleeding may lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure (shock). In some cases the bleeding may not be obvious. Tell your doctor immediately if you or the child experience any of the following side effects: • Signs of bleeding bleeding into the brain or inside the skull (symptoms can include headache, one-sided weakness, vomiting, seizures, decreased level of consciousness, and neck stiffness. A serious medical emergency. Seek medical attention immediately!) long or excessive bleeding exceptional weakness, tiredness, paleness, dizziness, headache, unexplained swelling, breathlessness, chest pain or angina pectoris Your doctor may decide to keep you or the child under closer observation or change the treatment. •
Signs of severe skin reactions spreading intense skin rash, blisters or mucosal lesions, e.g. in the mouth or eyes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) a drug reaction that causes rash, fever, inflammation of internal organs, blood abnormalities and systemic illness (DRESS syndrome) The frequency of these side effects is very rare (up to 1 in 10,000 people).
•
Signs of severe allergic reactions swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat; difficulty swallowing; hives and breathing difficulties; sudden drop in blood pressure The frequencies of severe allergic reactions are very rare (anaphylactic reactions, including anaphylactic shock; may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) and uncommon (angioedema and allergic oedema; may affect up to 1 in 100 people).
Overall list of possible side effects found in adults and children and adolescents: Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) reduction in red blood cells which can make the skin pale and cause weakness or breathlessness bleeding in the stomach or bowel, urogenital bleeding (including blood in the urine and heavy menstrual bleeding), nose bleed, bleeding in the gum bleeding into the eye (including bleeding from the whites of the eyes) bleeding into tissue or a cavity of the body (haematoma, bruising) coughing up blood bleeding from the skin or under the skin bleeding following an operation oozing of blood or fluid from surgical wound swelling in the limbs pain in the limbs impaired function of the kidneys (may be seen in tests performed by your doctor) fever stomach ache, indigestion, feeling or being sick, constipation, diarrhoea low blood pressure (symptoms may be feeling dizzy or fainting when standing up) decreased general strength and energy (weakness, tiredness), headache, dizziness rash, itchy skin blood tests may show an increase in some liver enzymes –
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) bleeding into the brain or inside the skull (see above, possible side effects which may be a sign of bleeding)
–
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–
bleeding into a joint causing pain and swelling thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets, which are cells that help blood to clot) allergic reactions, including allergic skin reactions impaired function of the liver (may be seen in tests performed by your doctor) blood tests may show an increase in bilirubin, some pancreatic or liver enzymes or in the number of platelets fainting feeling unwell faster heartbeat dry mouth hives
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) bleeding into a muscle cholestasis (decreased bile flow), hepatitis incl. hepatocellular injury (inflamed liver incl. liver injury) yellowing of the skin and eye (jaundice) localised swelling collection of blood (haematoma) in the groin as a complication of the cardiac procedure where a catheter is inserted in your leg artery (pseudoaneurysm) –
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) accumulation of eosinophils, a type of white granulocytic blood cells that cause inflammation in the lung (eosinophilic pneumonia) Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) kidney failure after a severe bleeding bleeding in the kidney sometimes with presence of blood in urine leading to inability of the kidneys to work properly (anticoagulant-related nephropathy) increased pressure within muscles of the legs or arms after a bleeding, which leads to pain, swelling, altered sensation, numbness or paralysis (compartment syndrome after a bleeding) Side effects in children and adolescents In general, the side effects observed in children and adolescents treated with Xarelto were similar in type to those observed in adults and were primarily mild to moderate in severity. Side effects that were observed more often in children and adolescents: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) Headache fever nose bleeding vomiting Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) raised heartbeat blood tests may show an increase in bilirubin (bile pigment) thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets which are cells that help blood to clot) heavy menstrual bleeding Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) blood tests may show an increase in a subcategory of bilirubin (direct bilirubin, bile pigment) Reporting of side effects If you or the child get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme, Website: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google GB v007_0
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Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
Xarelto
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the bottle after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. After preparation, the shelf life of the suspension is 14 days at room temperature. Do not store above 30 °C. Do not freeze. Store the prepared suspension upright. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.
What Xarelto contains The active substance is rivaroxaban. One glass bottle contains either
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Marketing Authorisation Holder Bayer plc, 400 South Oak Way, Reading, RG2 6AD Manufacturer Bayer AG 51368 Leverkusen Germany For any information about this medicine, please contact Bayer plc, Tel. 0118 206 3000. This leaflet was last revised in August 2024
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Instructions for Use (IFU) Instructions for Use Xarelto 1 mg/mL Bottle with 2.625 g granules for preparation of oral suspension Active pharmaceutical ingredient: Rivaroxaban Preparation and administration of the oral suspension (granules-water-mixture) Glossary and symbols • • • •
Granules: powder (provided in the bottle) which contains active pharmaceutical ingredient Water syringe: 50 mL syringe used to measure and add 50 mL of water to the bottle containing Xarelto granules. Suspension: granules-water-mixture (for oral application) Blue syringe: syringe with blue plunger to extract and orally administer Xarelto. Caution: Consult Instructions for Use for relevant information related to warnings and precautions.
Consult Instructions for Use (IFU).
Keep away from sunlight
Protect from moisture
Manufacturer
Manufacturing date
Expiry date
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Reference number
Batch number
For oral use only
Blue syringe – Single patient, multiple use
Water syringe – single use only and do not re-use
Do not use if package is damaged
Medical Device
CE marking of conformity
Before you start • • • •
Read all sections of the Instructions for Use carefully before using Xarelto for the first time and before administering each dose. Watch the educational video which you can access via the QR code displayed on the Patient Alert Card that is provided with this medicine. Be sure you understand the instructions before starting. If not, call your doctor. Further information regarding Xarelto can be found in the Package Leaflet
Packaging contents Every Xarelto box contains the following components:
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1 bottle with child resistant screw cap containing Xarelto granules.
1 packaged water syringe (for single use only)
1 packaged bottle adapter
2 packaged 1 mL blue syringes
1 Instructions for Use (IFU) (this document)
1 Package Leaflet Provides important information about Xarelto.
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1 Patient Alert Card Important information in case of emergency. To be kept with the patient at all times and presented to every physician or dentist prior to treatment
Cautionary Information: Do not unpack the single components until the instructions tell you to do so. Do not use Xarelto if any of the parts have been opened or are damaged. Do not use Xarelto after the expiry date which is stated on the box. Warnings and precautions •
•
• • • • •
• • •
Only use non-carbonated drinking water to prepare the suspension to avoid bubbles. That means you can use either fresh tap water or non-carbonated (still) mineral water It is very important that the precise amount of water is added to the granules in the bottle to ensure the correct concentration of Xarelto. Use the water syringe for measurement of 50 mL water, see below for more information. Measure the amount water to be provided to the bottle very carefully. After preparation the suspension can be used for 14 days if stored at room temperature. Ensure to write the expiry date of the suspension (date of preparation plus 14 days) on the dedicated field on the bottle label. Do not store the suspension above 30 °C. Do not freeze. If the suspension has been stored in the refrigerator, allow the suspension to adjust to room temperature before extracting the relevant dose. Shake the suspension for initial preparation for at least 60 seconds. Shake the suspension in the bottle for at least 10 seconds before each administration. It is very important that the prescribed dose volume of Xarelto is being administered. Make sure that you know the prescribed dose and frequency of administration. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not know the prescribed dose and frequency. Carefully adjust the blue syringe according the prescribed volume. Administer the prescribed dose by using the blue syringe. Follow the doctor's instructions on how often per day you should administer the prescribed dose. Check for air bubbles in the blue syringe before administration of the oral suspension. If your child repeatedly does not take all the required dose or spits some of it out, call your child's doctor to find out what to do. Between dosing, store the oral suspension out of sight and reach of children. Keep the Instructions for Use so that you can refer to them later during the use of Xarelto.
Using Xarelto • •
Xarelto suspension is for oral use only. Volume and frequency of administration of Xarelto depend on your child's weight, so it will change over time if your child will receive Xarelto for a longer time. Your child's doctor will tell you the right dose volume . Do not change the dose yourself. Always use the volume prescribed by your child's doctor and have the correct dosing of
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•
administration written on the designated field on the outside of the box. If it is not written on the field, ask your child's doctor or pharmacist to provide the relevant information. Follow the detailed Instructions for Use given in the chapters below. Take care to comply with the instructions concerning administration (see package leaflet).
1. Preparing the oral suspension Step 1.1: Preparation – Get ready The preparation of the suspension is done once with every new package. Before preparing the suspension: a. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and dry them afterwards
b. Check the expiry date on the label provided on the box. Do not use the medicine if the medicine has expired.
c. Obtain the following additional items: Container with at least 150 mL of water:
Tissue for soaking up any excess water
Step 1.2: Filling the required volume of water Every time you start a new pack, use only the new materials contained in the new package. a. Unpack the water syringe.
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b. Dip the opening of the water syringe into the container with water. c. Extract a volume of more than 50 mL. To do this, pull the plunger rod towards you, and make sure that the opening of the water syringe stays below the water surface all the time. This will avoid air bubbles in the syringe. d. Take the syringe out of the water.
e. Turn the water syringe in a way that the opening is facing upwards. Any air bubbles will move to the top when holding the syringe upwards. Tap it with your fingers to further move any air bubble to the top.
f. Push the plunger rod until the upper ring of the plunger reaches the 50 mL mark. When pressing the plunger, water can come out of the tip of the water syringe. This waste water can be soaked up with a tissue.
Cautionary Information: The upper ring of the black plunger must be precisely in line with the 50 mL mark to be able to achieve the correct concentration of the suspension.
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g. Continue to hold the water syringe with the opening facing upwards and check the water in the syringe carefully:
h. If the syringe is not loaded correctly or contains too much air:
Step 1.3: Adding water to the granules a. If the granules in the bottle appear to be clumpy:
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c. Place the filled water syringe on the upper edge of the bottle opening
d. Hold the bottle firmly. e. Press the plunger rod down slowly. The full volume of water must be transferred to the bottle. f. Dispose of the water syringe in household waste.
Step 1.4: Fitting the adapter and mixing the oral suspension The adapter is used to fill the blue syringe with suspension. a. Unpack the bottle adapter b. Push the adapter completely into the neck of the bottle
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c. Close the bottle tightly with the screw cap.
d. Shake the bottle gently for at least 60 seconds. This is intended to provide a well-mixed suspension.
e. Check whether the suspension is thoroughly mixed:
f. If there are clumps or sediment repeat steps d. to f. When no clumps or deposits are left, the suspension is ready for use. Do not add more water to the bottle. The suspension has a shelf life of 14 days at room temperature. g. Write the date of expiry of the just prepared suspension on the label of the bottle. Date of preparation + 14 days The shown pictogram is only an example.
2. Setting the prescribed dose with every new blue syringe
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To prevent overdosing or underdosing an exact dose of suspension is required. Before you take the first dose out of the bottle, the enclosed blue syringe must be set up in accordance with the dose prescribed by your child's doctor. This information can be found on the dedicated area of the box. If no information has been entered here check back with the child's doctor or pharmacist. After setting the dose the same blue syringe can be used for all administrations from the bottle of suspension prepared in step 1. Once the dose has been fixed on the blue syringe, it cannot be changed. The blue syringe features a scale (mL). The scale of the 1 mL blue syringe starts with 0.2 mL. The graduation marks are in increments of 0.1 mL. Note: Do not remove the peelable label until you are prompted in the Instructions for Use. The blue syringe features a red button to adjust the volume. This button is initially covered by a peelable label. By pressing the red button the volume of the syringe is set, which can only be done once. Do not press the red button until the Instructions for Use tell you to do so. Once the red button has been pressed, the volume can no longer be adjusted. a.
Review the dose provided in the respective field on the outside of the box.
b. If the information is not available: Ask your pharmacist or doctor to provide it. c. Hold the blue syringe with the opening pointing upwards d. Pull the plunger rod slowly until the upper margin reaches the mark of the volume to be administered. When moving the plunger rod, you can hear a "Click" for each adjustable volume step. Cautionary Information: The upper edge of the plunger must be exactly in line with the correct mark of the volume to be administered.
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The shown pictogram is only an example. Your volume might be different. Be careful, do not pull the plunger past the volume to be administered. Be careful, do not press on the label when pulling the plunger.
e. Remove the label of the blue syringe completely. You can now see the red button for setting the volume. f. Check the position of the plunger again. Ensure the upper edge of the plunger is exactly in line with the correct mark of the volume to be administered. g. If the position of the blue plunger does not match the required volume: Adjust it accordingly
h. If the position of the blue plunger matches the required volume, push the red button to fix the adjustment. The required dose is now set. Pressing the red button will produce another clicking sound. The clicking sound will not be audible afterwards. Cautionary Information: If you notice that the wrong dose has been selected (the red button has been pushed, when the plunger was in the wrong position) use the appropriate spare blue syringe. Repeat steps a. to h. with a new blue syringe. i. Push the plunger upwards in the blue syringe as far as it goes. The blue syringe can now be used.
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3.
Administering the oral suspension
Follow the steps described below for each required administration. Step 3.1: Mixing the oral suspension Cautionary Information: Allow the suspension to adjust to room temperature if it has been stored in the refrigerator. a. Gently shake the bottle for at least 10 seconds before each dose. This is intended to provide a well-mixed suspension.
b. Check whether the suspension is mixed thoroughly, i.e.:
d. Shaking can lead to formation of foam. Let the bottle stand until the foam dissolves.
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e. Unscrew the bottle cap, but keep the adapter on the top of the bottle. Note: The larger opening visible on the adapter is used to connect the blue syringe. The surface of the bottle adapter should be free of liquid. f. If there is any liquid on the adapter: Remove the liquid with a clean tissue
Step 3.2: Extracting the required dose a. Keep the bottle in the upright position. Insert the tip of the blue syringe fully into the large opening of the adapter
b. Turn the bottle upside down. c. Pull the blue plunger rod slowly until it stops (i.e. until the set dose is reached).
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d. Carefully check for air in the blue syringe. Smaller air bubbles are not critical.
e. If there are bigger air bubbles:
h. Hold the blue syringe upright and check:
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i. If there are bigger air bubbles or air in the tip:
4. Cleaning and storage The blue syringe must be cleaned following every application. Follow the steps listed below to clean the device. Altogether, three cycles of cleaning are necessary to ensure proper cleaning. Before you start, you will need the following equipment for step 4.1:
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a. Dip the tip of the blue syringe into the container of water. b. Withdraw water until plunger rod stops.
c. Empty the blue syringe into the prepared empty container
d. Repeat steps a. to c. an additional two times. e. After cleaning, push the plunger rod back in until it stops. f. Dry the outer surface of the syringe with a clean tissue Cautionary Information:
Do not clean the blue syringe in the dish washer. Never boil the blue syringe.
Step 4.2: Storage Store the blue syringe in a clean and dry place until next use, e.g. keep it in the box Xarelto was given to you. Keep away from sunlight. Cautionary Information: The blue syringe can be used for up to 14 days. Store the suspension below 30 °C.
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Cautionary Information: Do not freeze the suspension. The prepared suspension is stable at room temperature for up to 14 days (preparation date plus 14 days). Keep Xarelto out of the sight and reach of children. Store the prepared suspension upright. 5. Disposal Any unused medicine or waste material, syringes, and adapter should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. 6. Damage/Malfunction Any serious incidents that occur in connection with the product should be reported to the manufacturer and the relevant authority in your country.
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Instructions for Use (IFU) Instructions for Use Xarelto 1 mg/mL Bottle with 5.25 g granules for preparation of oral suspension Active pharmaceutical ingredient: Rivaroxaban Preparation and administration of the oral suspension (granules-water-mixture) Glossary and symbols • • • •
Granules: powder (provided in the bottle) which contains active pharmaceutical ingredient Water syringe: 100 mL syringe used to measure and add 100 mL of water to the bottle containing Xarelto granules. Suspension: granules-water-mixture (for oral application) Blue syringe: syringe with blue plunger to extract and orally administer Xarelto. Caution: Consult Instructions for Use for relevant information related to warnings and precautions.
Consult Instructions for Use (IFU).
Keep away from sunlight
Protect from moisture
Manufacturer
Manufacturing date
Expiry date
Reference number
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Batch number
For oral use only
Blue syringe – Single patient, multiple use
Water syringe – single use only and do not re-use
Do not use if package is damaged
Medical Device
CE marking of conformity
Before you start • • • •
Read all sections of the Instructions for Use carefully before using Xarelto for the first time and before administering each dose. Watch the educational video which you can access via the QR code displayed on the Patient Alert Card that is provided with this medicine. Be sure you understand the instructions before starting. If not, call your doctor. Further information regarding Xarelto can be found in the Package Leaflet
Packaging contents Every Xarelto box contains the following components:
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1 bottle with child resistant screw cap containing Xarelto granules.
1 packaged water syringe (for single use only)
1 packaged bottle adapter
2 packaged 5 mL blue syringes
2 packaged 10 mL blue syringes
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1 Instructions for Use (IFU) (this document)
1 Package Leaflet Provides important information about Xarelto.
1 Patient Alert Card Important information in case of emergency. To be kept with the patient at all times and presented to every physician or dentist prior to treatment
Cautionary Information: Do not unpack the single components until the instructions tell you to do so. Do not use Xarelto if any of the parts have been opened or are damaged. Do not use Xarelto after the expiry date which is stated on the box. Warnings and precautions •
•
• • • • •
Only use non-carbonated drinking water to prepare the suspension to avoid bubbles. That means you can use either fresh tap water or non-carbonated (still) mineral water It is very important that the precise amount of water is added to the granules in the bottle to ensure the correct concentration of Xarelto. Use the water syringe for measurement of 100 mL water, see below for more information. Measure the amount water to be provided to the bottle very carefully. After preparation the suspension can be used for 14 days if stored at room temperature. Ensure to write the expiry date of the suspension (date of preparation plus 14 days) on the dedicated field on the bottle label. Do not store the suspension above 30 °C. Do not freeze. If the suspension has been stored in the refrigerator, allow the suspension to adjust to room temperature before extracting the relevant dose. Shake the suspension for initial preparation for at least 60 seconds. Shake the suspension in the bottle for at least 10 seconds before each administration. It is very important that the prescribed dose volume of Xarelto is being administered.
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Make sure that you know the prescribed dose and frequency of administration. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not know the prescribed dose and frequency. Carefully adjust the blue syringe according the prescribed volume. Administer the prescribed dose by using the blue syringe. Follow the doctor's instructions on how often per day you should administer the prescribed dose. Check for air bubbles in the blue syringe before administration of the oral suspension. If your child repeatedly does not take all the required dose or spits some of it out, call your child's doctor to find out what to do. Between dosing, store the oral suspension out of sight and reach of children. Keep the Instructions for Use so that you can refer to them later during the use of Xarelto.
• • •
Using Xarelto • •
•
Xarelto suspension is for oral use only. Volume and frequency of administration of Xarelto depend on your child's weight, so it will change over time if your child will receive Xarelto for a longer time. Your child's doctor will tell you the right dose volume and the frequency of administration. Do not change the dose yourself. Always use the volume prescribed by your child's doctor and have the correct dosing and frequency of administration written on the designated field on the outside of the box. If it is not written on the field, ask your child's doctor or pharmacist to provide the relevant information. Follow the detailed Instructions for Use given in the chapters below. Take care to comply with the instructions concerning administration (see package leaflet).
1. Preparing the oral suspension Step 1.1: Preparation – Get ready The preparation of the suspension is done once with every new package. Before preparing the suspension: a. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and dry them afterwards.
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b. Check the expiry date on the label provided on the box. Do not use the medicine if the medicine has expired.
c. Obtain the following additional items: Container with at least 150 mL of water:
Tissue for soaking up any excess water
Step 1.2: Filling the required volume of water Every time you start a new pack, use only the new materials contained in the new package. a. Unpack the water syringe. b. Dip the opening of the water syringe into the container with water. c. Extract a volume of more than 100 mL. To do this, pull the plunger rod towards you, and make sure that the opening of the water syringe stays below the water surface all the time. This will avoid air bubbles in the syringe. d. Take the syringe out of the water.
e. Turn the water syringe in a way that the opening is facing upwards. Any air bubbles will move to the top when holding the syringe upwards. Tap it with your fingers to further move any air bubble to the top.
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f. Push the plunger rod until the upper ring of the plunger reaches the 100 mL mark. When pressing the plunger, water can come out of the tip of the water syringe. This waste water can be soaked up with a tissue.
Cautionary Information: The upper ring of the black plunger must be precisely in line with the 100 mL mark to be able to achieve the correct concentration of the suspension.
g. Continue to hold the water syringe with the opening facing upwards and check the water in the syringe carefully:
h. If the syringe is not loaded correctly or contains too much air:
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Step 1.3: Adding water to the granules a. If the granules in the bottle appear to be clumpy:
c. Place the filled water syringe on the upper edge of the bottle opening
d. Hold the bottle firmly. e. Press the plunger rod down slowly. The full volume of water must be transferred to the bottle. f. Dispose of the water syringe in household waste.
Step 1.4: Fitting the adapter and mixing the oral suspension The adapter is used to fill the blue syringe with suspension. a. Unpack the bottle adapter
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b. Push the adapter completely into the neck of the bottle
c. Close the bottle tightly with the screw cap.
d. Shake the bottle gently for at least 60 seconds. This is intended to provide a well-mixed suspension.
e. Check whether the suspension is thoroughly mixed:
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f. If there are clumps or sediment repeat steps d. to f. When no clumps or deposits are left, the suspension is ready for use. Do not add more water to the bottle. The suspension has a shelf life of 14 days at room temperature.
g. Write the date of expiry of the just prepared suspension on the label of the bottle. Date of preparation + 14 days The shown pictogram is only an example.
2. Setting the prescribed dose with every new blue syringe To prevent overdosing or underdosing an exact dose of suspension is required. Before you take the first dose out of the bottle, the enclosed blue syringe must be set up in accordance with the dose prescribed by your child's doctor. This information can be found on the dedicated area of the box. If no information has been entered here check back with the child's doctor or pharmacist. After setting the dose the same blue syringe can be used for all administrations from the bottle of suspension prepared in step 1. Once the dose has been fixed on the blue syringe, it cannot be changed. Step 2.1: Selecting a suitable blue syringe Dosing devices with different capacities are included in this pack: 5 mL blue syringes for doses from 1 mL to 5 mL 10 mL blue syringes for doses from 5 mL to 10 mL a. Select the suitable blue syringe based on the dose prescribed by your child's doctor. The other blue syringes are not needed. b. Unpack the blue syringe. Note: Do not remove the peelable label until you are prompted in the Instructions for Use. The blue syringe features a red button to adjust the volume. This button is initially covered by a peelable label. By pressing the red button the volume of the syringe is set, which can only be done once. Do not press the red button until the Instructions for Use tell you to do so. Once the red button has been pressed, the volume can no longer be adjusted.
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Step 2.2: Setting the required dose on new blue syringe The blue syringe features a scale (mL). The scale of the 5 mL blue syringe starts with 1 mL. The graduation marks are in increments of 0.2 mL. The scale of the 10 mL blue syringe starts with 2 mL. The graduation marks are in increments of 0.5 mL. a. Review the dose provided in the respective field on the outside of the box. Note: Use the 10 mL blue syringe for prescribed doses larger than 10 mL as follows: Dose of 15 mL: 2 x 7.5 mL blue syringe Dose of 20 mL: 2 x 10 mL blue syringe
b. If the information is not available: Ask your pharmacist or doctor to provide it. c. Hold the blue syringe with the opening pointing upwards d. Pull the plunger rod slowly until the upper margin reaches the mark of the volume to be administered. When moving the plunger rod, you can hear a "Click" for each adjustable volume step. Cautionary Information: The upper edge of the plunger must be exactly in line with the correct mark of the volume to be administered. The shown pictogram is only an example. Your volume might be different. Be careful, do not pull the plunger past the volume to be administered. Be careful, do not press on the label when pulling the plunger.
e. Remove the label of the blue syringe completely. You can now see the red button for setting the volume. f. Check the position of the plunger again. Ensure the upper edge of the plunger is exactly in line with the correct mark of the volume to be administered. g. If the position of the blue plunger does not match the required volume: Adjust it accordingly
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h. If the position of the blue plunger matches the required volume, push the red button to fix the adjustment. The required dose is now set. Pressing the red button will produce another clicking sound. The clicking sound will not be audible afterwards. Cautionary Information: If you notice that the wrong dose has been selected (the red button has been pushed, when the plunger was in the wrong position) use the appropriate spare blue syringe. Repeat steps a. to h. with a new blue syringe. i. Push the plunger upwards in the blue syringe as far as it goes. The blue syringe can now be used.
3.
Administering the oral suspension
Follow the steps described below for each required administration. Step 3.1: Mixing the oral suspension Cautionary Information: Allow the suspension to adjust to room temperature if it has been stored in the refrigerator. a. Gently shake the bottle for at least 10 seconds before each dose. This is intended to provide a well-mixed suspension.
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b. Check whether the suspension is mixed thoroughly, i.e.:
d. Shaking can lead to formation of foam. Let the bottle stand until the foam dissolves.
e. Unscrew the bottle cap, but keep the adapter on the top of the bottle. Note: The larger opening visible on the adapter is used to connect the blue syringe. The surface of the bottle adapter should be free of liquid. f. If there is any liquid on the adapter: Remove the liquid with a clean tissue
Step 3.2: Extracting the required dose a. Keep the bottle in the upright position. Insert the tip of the blue syringe fully into the large opening of the adapter
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b. Turn the bottle upside down. c. Pull the blue plunger rod slowly until it stops (i.e. until the set dose is reached).
d. Carefully check for air in the blue syringe. Smaller air bubbles are not critical.
e. If there are bigger air bubbles:
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h. Hold the blue syringe upright and check:
i. If there are bigger air bubbles or air in the tip:
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e. Encourage the patient to drink one typical serving of liquid.
4. Cleaning and storage The blue syringe must be cleaned following every application. Follow the steps listed below to clean the device. Altogether, three cycles of cleaning are necessary to ensure proper cleaning. Before you start, you will need the following equipment for step 4.1:
Step 4.1: Cleaning a. Dip the tip of the blue syringe into the container of water. b. Withdraw water until plunger rod stops.
c. Empty the blue syringe into the prepared empty container
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d. Repeat steps a. to c. an additional two times. e. After cleaning, push the plunger rod back in until it stops. f. Dry the outer surface of the syringe with a clean tissue Cautionary Information:
Do not clean the blue syringe in the dish washer. Never boil the blue syringe.
Step 4.2: Storage Store the blue syringe in a clean and dry place until next use, e.g. keep it in the box Xarelto was given to you. Keep away from sunlight. Cautionary Information: The blue syringe can be used for up to 14 days. Store the suspension below 30 °C. Cautionary Information: Do not freeze the suspension. The prepared suspension is stable at room temperature for up to 14 days (preparation date plus 14 days). Keep Xarelto out of the sight and reach of children. Store the prepared suspension upright. 5. Disposal Any unused medicine or waste material, syringes, and adapter should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. 6. Damage/Malfunction Any serious incidents that occur in connection with the product should be reported to the manufacturer and the relevant authority in your country.
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Xarelto 1 mg/mL granules for oral suspension comes as oral solution containing 1mg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Xarelto 1 mg/mL granules for oral suspension is rivaroxaban.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Xarelto 1 mg/mL granules for oral suspension, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of VTE recurrence in term neonates, infants and toddlers, children, and adolescents aged less than 18 years after at least 5 days of initial parenteral anticoagulation treatment.
Posology
The dose and frequency of administration are determined based on body weight (see Table 1).
Table 1: Recommended dose for Xarelto in paediatric patients from full-term neonates (following at least 10 days of oral feeding and weighing at least 2.6 kg) to children less than 18 years of age
Bodyweight [kg]
Regimen
Dose rivaroxaban
Total daily dose
Suitable blue syringe
(1 mg rivaroxaban corresponds to 1 mL of the suspension)
Min
Max
once a day
2 times a day
3 times a day
2.6
< 3
0.8 mg
2.4 mg
1 mL
3
< 4
0.9 mg
2.7 mg
1 mL
4
< 5
1.4 mg
4.2 mg
5 mL
5
< 7
1.6 mg
4.8 mg
5 mL
7
< 8
1.8 mg
5.4 mg
5 mL
8
< 9
2.4 mg
7.2 mg
5 mL
9
< 10
2.8 mg
8.4 mg
5 mL
10
< 12
3.0 mg
9.0 mg
5 mL
12
< 30
5 mg
10 mg
5 mL or 10 mL
30
< 50
15 mg
15 mg
10 mL
≥ 50
20 mg
20 mg
10 mL
The weight of the child should be monitored and the dose reviewed regularly, especially for children below 12 kg. This is to ensure that a therapeutic dose is maintained. Dose adjustments should be made based on changes in body weight only.
Frequency of dosing:
• For a once a day regimen
The doses should be taken approximately 24 hours apart.
• For a two times a day regimen
The doses should be taken approximately 12 hours apart.
• For a three times a day regimen
The doses should be taken approximately 8 hours apart.
For patients with body weight of at least 2.6 kg to less than 30 kg only the oral suspension should be used. Do not split Xarelto tablets or use Xarelto tablets of lower strength in an attempt to provide doses for children with body weight below 30 kg.
For patients with body weight of at least 30 kg, Xarelto oral suspension or tablets of 15 mg or 20 mg strength can be administered once a day.
Xarelto oral suspension is provided with either 1 mL or 5 mL and 10 mL blue syringes (oral dosing syringe) with their adapter. To ensure accurate dosing it is recommended to use the blue syringes as follows (see Table 1):
• 1 mL blue syringe (with 0.1 mL graduations) for patients weighing less than 4 kg
• 5 mL blue syringe (with 0.2 mL graduations) for patients weighing 4 kg up to less than 30 kg
• 10 mL blue syringe (with 0.5 mL graduations) for patients weighing 12 kg or more
For patients weighing 12 kg up to less than 30 kg, either 5 mL or 10 mL blue syringes can be used.
It is recommended that the healthcare professional advises the patient or caregiver which blue syringe to use to ensure that the correct volume is administered.
Instructions for Use booklet is provided with the medicinal product.
Initiation of treatment
• Paediatric patients from term neonates to less than 6 months
Treatment for paediatric patients from term neonates to less than 6 months of age, who at birth had at least 37 weeks of gestation, weigh at least 2.6 kg, and have had at least 10 days of oral feeding should be initiated following at least 5 days of initial parenteral anticoagulation treatment (see sections 4.4 and 5.1). Xarelto is dosed based on body weight using the oral suspension formulation (see Table 1).
• Paediatric patients from 6 months of age to less than 18 years
Treatment for paediatric patients from 6 months to less than 18 years of age should be initiated following at least 5 days of initial parenteral anticoagulation treatment (see section 5.1). Xarelto is dosed based on body weight (see Table 1).
Duration of treatment
• All children, except those aged less than 2 years with catheter-related thrombosis
Therapy should be continued for at least 3 months. Treatment can be extended up to 12 months when clinically necessary. There is no data available in children to support a dose reduction after 6 months treatment. The benefit-risk of continued therapy after 3 months should be assessed on an individual basis taking into account the risk for recurrent thrombosis versus the potential bleeding risk.
• Children aged less than 2 years with catheter-related thrombosis
Therapy should be continued for at least 1 month. Treatment can be extended up to 3 months when clinically necessary. The benefit-risk of continued therapy after 1 month should be assessed on an individual basis taking into account the risk for recurrent thrombosis versus the potential bleeding risk.
Missed doses
• Once a day regimen
If taken once a day, a missed dose should be taken as soon as possible after it is noticed, but only on the same day. If this is not possible, the patient should skip the dose and continue with the next dose as prescribed. The patient should not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.
• Two times a day regimen
If taken twice a day, a missed morning dose should be taken immediately when it is noticed, and it may be taken together with the evening dose. A missed evening dose can only be taken during the same evening, the patient should not take two doses the next morning.
• Three times a day regimen
If taken three times a day, the three times daily administration schedule with approximately 8-hour intervals should simply be resumed at the next scheduled dose without compensating for the missed dose.
On the following day, the child should continue with the regular once, twice or three times daily regimen.
Converting from parenteral anticoagulants to Xarelto
For patients currently receiving a parenteral anticoagulant, start Xarelto 0 to 2 hours before the time of the next scheduled administration of the parenteral medicinal product (e.g. LMWH) or at the time of discontinuation of a continuously administered parenteral medicinal product (e.g. intravenous unfractionated heparin).
Converting from Xarelto to parenteral anticoagulants
Discontinue Xarelto and give the first dose of parenteral anticoagulant at the time that the next Xarelto dose would be taken.
Converting from Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) to Xarelto
VKA treatment should be stopped and Xarelto therapy should be initiated once the International Normalised Ratio (INR) is ≤ 2.5.
When converting patients from VKAs to Xarelto, INR values will be falsely elevated after the intake of Xarelto. The INR is not valid to measure the anticoagulant activity of Xarelto, and therefore should not be used (see section 4.5).
Converting from Xarelto to Vitamin K antagonists (VKA)
There is a potential for inadequate anticoagulation during the transition from Xarelto to VKA. Continuous adequate anticoagulation should be ensured during any transition to an alternate anticoagulant. It should be noted that Xarelto can contribute to an elevated INR.
Children who convert from Xarelto to VKA need to continue Xarelto for 48 hours after the first dose of VKA. After 2 days of co-administration an INR should be obtained prior to the next scheduled dose of Xarelto. Co-administration of Xarelto and VKA is advised to continue until the INR is ≥ 2.0. Once Xarelto is discontinued INR testing may be done reliably 24 hours after the last dose (see above and section 4.5).
Special populations
Renal impairment
• Children 1 year or older with mild renal impairment (glomerular filtration rate 50 - 80 mL/min/1.73 m2): no dose adjustment is required, based on data in adults and limited data in paediatric patients (see section 5.2).
• Children 1 year or older with moderate or severe renal impairment (glomerular filtration rate < 50 mL/min/1.73 m2): Xarelto is not recommended as no clinical data is available (see section 4.4).
• Children below 1 year: the renal function should only be determined using serum creatinine. Xarelto is not recommended in children younger than 1 year with serum creatinine results above 97.5th percentile (see Table 2), as no data are available (see section 4.4).
Table 2: Reference values of serum creatinine in children younger than 1 year of age (Boer et al, 2010)
Age
97.5th percentile of creatinine (µmol/L )
97.5th percentile of creatinine (mg/dL )
Day 1
81
0.92
Day 2
69
0.78
Day 3
62
0.70
Day 4
58
0.66
Day 5
55
0.62
Day 6
53
0.60
Day 7
51
0.58
Week 2
46
0.52
Week 3
41
0.46
Week 4
37
0.42
Month 2
33
0.37
Month 3
30
0.34
Month 4–6
30
0.34
Month 7–9
30
0.34
Month 10–12
32
0.36
Hepatic impairment
No clinical data is available in children with hepatic impairment.
Xarelto is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C (see section 4.3 and 5.2).
Body weight
For children the dose is determined based on body weight (see Posology above).
Gender
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2)
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of Xarelto in children aged 0 to < 18 years have not been established in indications other than treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of VTE recurrence. No or insufficient data are available for other indications (see also section 5.1). Therefore, Xarelto is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age in indications other than the treatment of VTE and prevention of VTE recurrence.
Method of administration
Xarelto is for oral use.
The oral suspension should be taken with feeding or with food (see section 5.2).
For details on preparation and administration of the oral suspension see section 6.6.
The oral suspension may be given through a nasogastric or gastric feeding tube (see sections 5.2 and 6.6).
Each dose should be immediately followed by the intake of one typical serving of liquid. This typical serving may include liquid volume used for feeding.
In case the patient immediately spits up the dose or vomits within 30 minutes after receiving the dose, a new dose should be given. However, if the patient vomits more than 30 minutes after the dose, the dose should not be re-administered and the next dose should be taken as scheduled.
If the oral suspension is not immediately available, when doses of 15 mg or 20 mg rivaroxaban are prescribed, these could be provided by crushing the 15 mg or 20 mg tablet and mixing it with water or apple puree immediately prior to use and administering it orally (see sections 5.2 and 6.6).
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Active clinically significant bleeding.
Lesion or condition, if considered to be a significant risk for major bleeding. This may include current or recent gastrointestinal ulceration, presence of malignant neoplasms at high risk of bleeding, recent brain or spinal injury, recent brain, spinal or ophthalmic surgery, recent intracranial haemorrhage, known or suspected oesophageal varices, arteriovenous malformations, vascular aneurysms or major intraspinal or intracerebral vascular abnormalities.
Concomitant treatment with any other anticoagulants, e.g. unfractionated heparin (UFH), low molecular weight heparins (enoxaparin, dalteparin, etc.), heparin derivatives (fondaparinux, etc.), oral anticoagulants (warfarin, dabigatran etexilate, apixaban, etc.) except under specific circumstances of switching anticoagulant therapy (see section 4.2) or when UFH is given at doses necessary to maintain an open central venous or arterial catheter (see section 4.5).
Hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C (see section 5.2).
Pregnancy and breast-feeding (see section 4.6).
Clinical surveillance in line with anticoagulation practice is recommended throughout the treatment period.
Dosing of rivaroxaban cannot be reliably determined in the following patient populations and was not studied. It is therefore not recommended in children less than 6 months of age who:
• at birth had less than 37 weeks of gestation, or
• have a body weight of less than 2.6 kg, or
• had less than 10 days of oral feeding.
Haemorrhagic risk
As with other anticoagulants, patients taking Xarelto are to be carefully observed for signs of bleeding. It is recommended to be used with caution in conditions with increased risk of haemorrhage. Xarelto administration should be discontinued if severe haemorrhage occurs (see section 4.9).
In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, gastrointestinal, genito urinary including abnormal vaginal or increased menstrual bleeding) and anaemia were seen more frequent during long term rivaroxaban treatment compared with VKA treatment. Thus, in addition to adequate clinical surveillance, laboratory testing of haemoglobin/haematocrit could be of value to detect occult bleeding and quantify the clinical relevance of overt bleeding, as judged to be appropriate.
Several sub-groups of patients, as detailed below, are at an increased risk of bleeding. These patients are to be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding complications and anaemia after initiation of treatment (see section 4.8).
Any unexplained fall in haemoglobin or blood pressure should lead to a search for a bleeding site.
Although treatment with rivaroxaban does not require routine monitoring of exposure, rivaroxaban levels measured with a calibrated quantitative anti-factor Xa assay may be useful in exceptional situations where knowledge of rivaroxaban exposure may help to inform clinical decisions, e.g. overdose and emergency surgery (see sections 5.1 and 5.2).
There is limited data in children with cerebral vein and sinus thrombosis who have a CNS infection (see section 5.1). The risk of bleeding should be carefully evaluated before and during therapy with rivaroxaban.
Renal impairment
Xarelto is not recommended in children 1 year or older with moderate or severe renal impairment (glomerular filtration rate < 50 mL/min/1.73 m2), as no clinical data is available.
Xarelto is not recommended in children younger than 1 year with serum creatinine results above 97.5th percentile, as no clinical data are available.
Interaction with other medicinal products
No clinical data is available in children receiving concomitant systemic treatment with strong inhibitors of both CYP3A4 and P-gp.
Xarelto is not recommended in patients receiving concomitant systemic treatment with azole-antimycotics (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole) or HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir). These active substances are strong inhibitors of both CYP3A4 and P-gp and therefore may increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations to a clinically relevant degree (2.6 fold on average) which may lead to an increased bleeding risk (see section 4.5).
Care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with medicinal products affecting haemostasis such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicinal products (NSAIDs), acetylsalicylic acid and platelet aggregation inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). For patients at risk of ulcerative gastrointestinal disease an appropriate prophylactic treatment may be considered (see section 4.5).
Other haemorrhagic risk factors
As with other antithrombotics, rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients with an increased bleeding risk such as:
• congenital or acquired bleeding disorders
• uncontrolled arterial hypertension
• other gastrointestinal disease without active ulceration that can potentially lead to bleeding complications (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, oesophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• vascular retinopathy
• bronchiectasis or history of pulmonary bleeding
Patients with cancer
Patients with malignant disease may simultaneously be at higher risk of bleeding and thrombosis. The individual benefit of antithrombotic treatment should be weighed against risk for bleeding in patients with active cancer dependent on tumour location, antineoplastic therapy and stage of disease. Tumours located in the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract have been associated with an increased risk of bleeding during rivaroxaban therapy.
In patients with malignant neoplasms at high risk of bleeding, the use of rivaroxaban is contraindicated (see section 4.3).
Patients with prosthetic valves
Rivaroxaban should not be used for thromboprophylaxis in patients having recently undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Safety and efficacy of Xarelto have not been studied in patients with prosthetic heart valves; therefore, there are no data to support that this medicinal product provides adequate anticoagulation in this patient population. Treatment with Xarelto is not recommended for these patients.
Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) including rivaroxaban are not recommended for patients with a history of thrombosis who are diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome. In particular for patients that are triple positive (for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I antibodies), treatment with DOACs could be associated with increased rates of recurrent thrombotic events compared with vitamin K antagonist therapy.
Haemodynamically unstable PE patients or patients who require thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy
Xarelto is not recommended as an alternative to unfractionated heparin in patients with pulmonary embolism who are haemodynamically unstable or may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy since the safety and efficacy of Xarelto have not been established in these clinical situations.
Spinal/epidural anaesthesia or lumbar puncture
When neuraxial anaesthesia (spinal/epidural anaesthesia) or spinal/epidural puncture is employed, patients treated with antithrombotic agents for prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk of developing an epidural or spinal haematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis. The risk of these events may be increased by the post-operative use of indwelling epidural catheters or the concomitant use of medicinal products affecting haemostasis. The risk may also be increased by traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture. Patients are to be frequently monitored for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment (e.g. numbness or weakness of the legs, bowel or bladder dysfunction). If neurological compromise is noted, urgent diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Prior to neuraxial intervention the physician should consider the potential benefit versus the risk in anticoagulated patients or in patients to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis. There is no clinical experience with the use of rivaroxaban in these situations.
To reduce the potential risk of bleeding associated with the concurrent use of rivaroxaban and neuraxial (epidural/spinal) anaesthesia or lumbar puncture, consider the pharmacokinetic profile of rivaroxaban. Placement or removal of an epidural catheter or lumbar puncture is best performed when the anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban is estimated to be low. However, the exact timing to reach a sufficiently low anticoagulant effect in each patient is not known and should be weighed against the urgency of a diagnostic procedure.
No data is available on the timing of the placement or removal of neuraxial catheter in children while on Xarelto. In such cases, discontinue rivaroxaban and consider a short acting parenteral anticoagulant.
Dosing recommendations before and after invasive procedures and surgical intervention
If an invasive procedure or surgical intervention is required, Xarelto should be stopped at least 24 hours before the intervention, if possible and based on the clinical judgement of the physician.
If the procedure cannot be delayed the increased risk of bleeding should be assessed against the urgency of the intervention.
Xarelto should be restarted as soon as possible after the invasive procedure or surgical intervention provided the clinical situation allows and adequate haemostasis has been established as determined by the treating physician (see section 5.2).
Dermatological reactions
Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis and DRESS syndrome, have been reported during post-marketing surveillance in association with the use of rivaroxaban (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first weeks of treatment. Rivaroxaban should be discontinued at the first appearance of a severe skin rash (e.g. spreading, intense and/or blistering), or any other sign of hypersensitivity in conjunction with mucosal lesions.
Information about excipients
Xarelto granules for oral suspension contains 1.8 mg sodium benzoate (E 211) in each mL oral suspension. Sodium benzoate may increase jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in newborn infants (up to 4 weeks old). Increase in bilirubinaemia following its displacement from albumin may increase neonatal jaundice which may develop into kernicterus (non-conjugated bilirubin deposits in the brain tissue).
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per millilitre, that is to say essentially “sodium-free”.
The extent of interactions in the paediatric population is not known. The below mentioned interaction data was obtained in adults and the warnings in section 4.4 should be taken into account for the paediatric population.
CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors
Co-administration of rivaroxaban with ketoconazole (400 mg once a day) or ritonavir (600 mg twice a day) led to a 2.6 fold / 2.5 fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.7 fold / 1.6 fold increase in mean rivaroxaban Cmax, with significant increases in pharmacodynamic effects which may lead to an increased bleeding risk. Therefore, the use of Xarelto is not recommended in patients receiving concomitant systemic treatment with azole-antimycotics such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole or HIV protease inhibitors. These active substances are strong inhibitors of both CYP3A4 and P-gp (see section 4.4).
Active substances strongly inhibiting only one of the rivaroxaban elimination pathways, either CYP3A4 or P-gp, are expected to increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations to a lesser extent. Clarithromycin (500 mg twice a day), for instance, considered as a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and moderate P-gp inhibitor, led to a 1.5 fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.4 fold increase in Cmax. The interaction with clarithromycin is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in high-risk patients. (For patients with renal impairment: see section 4.4).
Erythromycin (500 mg three times a day), which inhibits CYP3A4 and P-gp moderately, led to a 1.3 fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax. The interaction with erythromycin is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in high-risk patients.
In subjects with mild renal impairment erythromycin (500 mg three times a day) led to a 1.8 fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and 1.6 fold increase in Cmax when compared to subjects with normal renal function. In subjects with moderate renal impairment, erythromycin led to a 2.0 fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and 1.6 fold increase in Cmax when compared to subjects with normal renal function. The effect of erythromycin is additive to that of renal impairment (see section 4.4).
Fluconazole (400 mg once daily), considered as a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, led to a 1.4 fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.3 fold increase in mean Cmax. The interaction with fluconazole is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in high-risk patients. (For patients with renal impairment: see section 4.4).
Given the limited clinical data available with dronedarone, co-administration with rivaroxaban should be avoided.
Anticoagulants
After combined administration of enoxaparin (40 mg single dose) with rivaroxaban (10 mg single dose) an additive effect on anti-factor Xa activity was observed without any additional effects on clotting tests (PT, aPTT). Enoxaparin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban.
Due to the increased bleeding risk care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with any other anticoagulants (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).
NSAIDs/platelet aggregation inhibitors
No clinically relevant prolongation of bleeding time was observed after concomitant administration of rivaroxaban (15 mg) and 500 mg naproxen. Nevertheless, there may be individuals with a more pronounced pharmacodynamic response.
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when rivaroxaban was co-administered with 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid.
Clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose followed by 75 mg maintenance dose) did not show a pharmacokinetic interaction with rivaroxaban (15 mg) but a relevant increase in bleeding time was observed in a subset of patients which was not correlated to platelet aggregation, P-selectin or GPIIb/IIIa receptor levels.
Care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with NSAIDs (including acetylsalicylic acid) and platelet aggregation inhibitors because these medicinal products typically increase the bleeding risk (see section 4.4).
SSRIs/SNRIs
As with other anticoagulants the possibility may exist that patients are at increased risk of bleeding in case of concomitant use with SSRIs or SNRIs due to their reported effect on platelets. When concomitantly used in the rivaroxaban clinical programme, numerically higher rates of major or non-major clinically relevant bleeding were observed in all treatment groups.
Warfarin
Converting patients from the vitamin K antagonist warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) to rivaroxaban (20 mg) or from rivaroxaban (20 mg) to warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) increased prothrombin time/INR (Neoplastin) more than additively (individual INR values up to 12 may be observed), whereas effects on aPTT, inhibition of factor Xa activity and endogenous thrombin potential were additive.
If it is desired to test the pharmacodynamic effects of rivaroxaban during the conversion period, anti-factor Xa activity, PiCT, and Heptest can be used as these tests were not affected by warfarin. On the fourth day after the last dose of warfarin, all tests (including PT, aPTT, inhibition of factor Xa activity and ETP) reflected only the effect of rivaroxaban.
If it is desired to test the pharmacodynamic effects of warfarin during the conversion period, INR measurement can be used at the Ctrough of rivaroxaban (24 hours after the previous intake of rivaroxaban) as this test is minimally affected by rivaroxaban at this time point.
No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between warfarin and rivaroxaban.
CYP3A4 inducers
Co-administration of rivaroxaban with the strong CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin led to an approximate 50% decrease in mean rivaroxaban AUC, with parallel decreases in its pharmacodynamic effects. The concomitant use of rivaroxaban with other strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital or St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)) may also lead to reduced rivaroxaban plasma concentrations. Therefore, concomitant administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided unless the patient is closely observed for signs and symptoms of thrombosis.
Other concomitant therapies
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when rivaroxaban was co-administered with midazolam (substrate of CYP3A4), digoxin (substrate of P-gp), atorvastatin (substrate of CYP3A4 and P-gp) or omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor). Rivaroxaban neither inhibits nor induces any major CYP isoforms like CYP3A4.
Laboratory parameters
Clotting parameters (e.g. PT, aPTT, HepTest) are affected as expected by the mode of action of rivaroxaban (see section 5.1).
Pregnancy
Safety and efficacy of Xarelto have not been established in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Due to the potential reproductive toxicity, the intrinsic risk of bleeding and the evidence that rivaroxaban passes the placenta, Xarelto is contraindicated during pregnancy (see section 4.3).
Female adolescents of child-bearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with rivaroxaban.
Breast-feeding
Safety and efficacy of Xarelto have not been established in breast-feeding women. Data from animals indicate that rivaroxaban is secreted into milk. Therefore Xarelto is contraindicated during breast-feeding (see section 4.3). A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from therapy.
Fertility
No specific studies with rivaroxaban in humans have been conducted to evaluate effects on fertility. In a study on male and female fertility in rats no effects were seen (see section 5.3).
Xarelto has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Adverse reactions like syncope (frequency: uncommon) and dizziness (frequency: common) have been reported (see section 4.8). Patients experiencing these adverse reactions should not drive or use machines.
Summary of the safety profile
The safety of rivaroxaban has been evaluated in thirteen pivotal phase III studies (see Table 3).
Overall, 69,608 adult patients in nineteen phase III studies and 488 paediatric patients in two phase II and two phase III studies were exposed to rivaroxaban.
Table 3: Number of patients studied, total daily dose and maximum treatment duration in adult and paediatric phase III studies
Indication
Number of patients*
Total daily dose
Maximum treatment duration
Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement surgery
6,097
10 mg
39 days
Prevention of VTE in medically ill patients
3,997
10 mg
39 days
Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence
6,790
Day 1 - 21: 30 mg
Day 22 and onwards: 20 mg
After at least 6 months: 10 mg or 20 mg
21 months
Treatment of VTE and prevention of VTE recurrence in term neonates and children aged less than 18 years following initiation of standard anticoagulation treatment
329
Body weight-adjusted dose to achieve a similar exposure as that observed in adults treated for DVT with 20 mg rivaroxaban once daily
12 months
Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
7,750
20 mg
41 months
Prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
10,225
5 mg or 10 mg respectively, co-administered with either ASA or ASA plus clopidogrel or ticlopidine
31 months
Prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with CAD/PAD
18,244
5 mg co-administered with ASA or 10 mg alone
47 months
3,256**
5 mg co-administered with ASA
42 months
* Patients exposed to at least one dose of rivaroxaban
** From the VOYAGER PAD study
The most commonly reported adverse reactions in patients receiving rivaroxaban were bleedings (see section 4.4. and 'Description of selected adverse reactions' below) (Table 3). The most commonly reported bleedings were epistaxis (4.5%) and gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage (3.8%).
Table 4: Bleeding* and anaemia events rates in patients exposed to rivaroxaban across the completed adult and paediatric phase III studies
Indication
Any bleeding
Anaemia
Prevention of VTE in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement surgery
6.8% of patients
5.9% of patients
Prevention of VTE in medically ill patients
12.6% of patients
2.1% of patients
Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence
23% of patients
1.6% of patients
Treatment of VTE and prevention of VTE recurrence in term neonates and children aged less than 18 years following initiation of standard anticoagulation treatment
39.5% of patients
4.6% of patients
Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
28 per 100 patient years
2.5 per 100 patient years
Prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients after an ACS
22 per 100 patient years
1.4 per 100 patient years
Prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with CAD/PAD
6.7 per 100 patient years
0.15 per 100 patient years**
8.38 per 100 patient years #
0.74 per 100 patient years*** #
* For all rivaroxaban studies all bleeding events are collected, reported and adjudicated.
** In the COMPASS study, there is a low anaemia incidence as a selective approach to adverse event collection was applied.
*** A selective approach to adverse event collection was applied
# From the VOYAGER PAD study
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The frequencies of adverse reactions reported with Xarelto in adult and paediatric patients are summarised in Table 5 below by system organ class (in MedDRA) and by frequency.
Frequencies are defined as:
very common (≥ 1/10)
common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100) rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000)
very rare (< 1/10,000)
not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
Table 5: All adverse reactions reported in adult patients in phase III clinical studies or through post-marketing use* and in two phase II and two phase III studies in paediatric patients
Common
Uncommon
Rare
Very rare
Not known
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Anaemia (incl. respective laboratory parameters)
Thrombocytosis (incl. platelet count increased)A, thrombocytopenia
Immune system disorders
Allergic reaction, dermatitis allergic, angioedema and allergic oedema
Anaphylactic reactions including anaphylactic shock
Nervous system disorders
Dizziness, headache
Cerebral and intracranial haemorrhage, syncope
Eye disorders
Eye haemorrhage (incl. conjunctival haemorrhage)
Cardiac disorders
Tachycardia
Vascular disorders
Hypotension, haematoma
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Epistaxis, haemoptysis
Eosinophilic pneumonia
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gingival bleeding, gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage (incl. rectal haemorrhage), gastrointestinal and abdominal pains, dyspepsia, nausea, constipationA, diarrhoea, vomitingA
Dry mouth
Hepatobiliary disorders
Increase in transaminases
Hepatic impairment, increased bilirubin, increased blood alkaline phosphataseA, increased GGTA
Jaundice, bilirubin conjugated increased (with or without concomitant increase of ALT), cholestasis, hepatitis (incl. hepatocellular injury)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Pruritus (incl. uncommon cases of generalised pruritus), rash, ecchymosis, cutaneous and subcutaneous haemorrhage
Urticaria
Stevens-Johnson syndrome/ Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis , DRESS syndrome
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Pain in extremityA
Haemarthrosis
Muscle haemorrhage
Compartment syndrome secondary to a bleeding
Renal and urinary disorders
Urogenital tract haemorrhage (incl. haematuria and menorrhagiaB), renal impairment (incl. blood creatinine increased, blood urea increased)
Renal failure/acute renal failure secondary to a bleeding sufficient to cause hypoperfusion, Anticoagulant-related nephropathy
General disorders and administration site conditions
FeverA, peripheral oedema, decreased general strength and energy (incl. fatigue and asthenia)
Feeling unwell (incl. malaise)
Localised oedemaA
Investigations
Increased LDHA, increased lipaseA, increased amylaseA
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Postprocedural haemorrhage (incl. postoperative anaemia, and wound haemorrhage), contusion, wound secretionA
Vascular pseudoaneurysmC
A: observed in prevention of VTE in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement surgery
B: observed in treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence as very common in women < 55 years
C: observed as uncommon in prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients after an ACS (following percutaneous coronary intervention)
* A pre-specified selective approach to adverse event collection was applied in selected phase III studies. The incidence of adverse reactions did not increase and no new adverse drug reaction was identified after analysis of these studies..
Description of selected adverse reactions
Due to the pharmacological mode of action, the use of Xarelto may be associated with an increased risk of occult or overt bleeding from any tissue or organ which may result in post haemorrhagic anaemia. The signs, symptoms, and severity (including fatal outcome) will vary according to the location and degree or extent of the bleeding and/or anaemia (see section 4.9 “Management of bleeding”). In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, gastrointestinal, genito urinary including abnormal vaginal or increased menstrual bleeding) and anaemia were seen more frequently during long term rivaroxaban treatment compared with VKA treatment. Thus, in addition to adequate clinical surveillance, laboratory testing of haemoglobin/haematocrit could be of value to detect occult bleeding and quantify the clinical relevance of overt bleeding, as judged to be appropriate. The risk of bleedings may be increased in certain patient groups, e.g. those patients with uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension and/or on concomitant treatment affecting haemostasis (see section 4.4 “Haemorrhagic risk”). Menstrual bleeding may be intensified and/or prolonged. Haemorrhagic complications may present as weakness, paleness, dizziness, headache or unexplained swelling, dyspnoea and unexplained shock. In some cases as a consequence of anaemia, symptoms of cardiac ischaemia like chest pain or angina pectoris have been observed.
Known complications secondary to severe bleeding such as compartment syndrome and renal failure due to hypoperfusion, or anticoagulant-related nephropathy have been reported for Xarelto. Therefore, the possibility of haemorrhage is to be considered in evaluating the condition in any anticoagulated patient.
Paediatric patients
Treatment of VTE and prevention of VTE recurrence
The safety assessment in children and adolescents is based on the safety data from two phase II and one phase III open-label active controlled studies in paediatric patients aged birth to less than 18 years. The safety findings were generally similar between rivaroxaban and comparator in the various paediatric age groups. Overall, the safety profile in the 412 children and adolescents treated with rivaroxaban was similar to that observed in the adult population and consistent across age subgroups, although assessment is limited by the small number of patients.
In paediatric patients, headache (very common, 16.7%), fever (very common, 11.7%), epistaxis (very common, 11.2%), vomiting (very common, 10.7%), tachycardia (common, 1.5%), increase in bilirubin (common, 1.5%) and bilirubin conjugated increased (uncommon, 0.7%) were reported more frequently as compared to adults. Consistent with adult population, menorrhagia was observed in 6.6% (common) of female adolescents after menarche. Thrombocytopenia as observed in the post-marketing experience in adult population was common (4.6%) in paediatric clinical studies. The adverse drug reactions in paediatric patients were primarily mild to moderate in severity.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme, Website: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
In adults, rare cases of overdose up to 1,960 mg have been reported. In case of overdose, the patient should be observed carefully for bleeding complications or other adverse reactions (see section "Management of bleeding"). There is limited data available in children. Due to limited absorption a ceiling effect with no further increase in average plasma exposure is expected at supratherapeutic doses of 50 mg rivaroxaban or above in adults, however no data is available at supratherapeutic doses in children.
A specific reversal agent antagonising the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban is not established in children.
The use of activated charcoal to reduce absorption in case of rivaroxaban overdose may be considered. Due to the high plasma protein binding rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialysable.
Management of bleeding
Should a bleeding complication arise in a patient receiving rivaroxaban, the next rivaroxaban administration should be delayed or treatment should be discontinued as appropriate. Rivaroxaban has a half-life of approximately 5 to 13 hours in adults. The half-life in children estimated using population pharmacokinetic (popPK) modelling approaches is shorter (see section 5.2). Management should be individualised according to the severity and location of the haemorrhage. Appropriate symptomatic treatment could be used as needed, such as mechanical compression (e.g. for severe epistaxis), surgical haemostasis with bleeding control procedures, fluid replacement and haemodynamic support, blood products (packed red cells or fresh frozen plasma, depending on associated anaemia or coagulopathy) or platelets.
If bleeding cannot be controlled by the above measures, administration of a specific procoagulant agent should be considered, such as prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) or recombinant factor VIIa (r-FVIIa). However, there is currently very limited clinical experience with the use of these medicinal products in adults and in children receiving rivaroxaban (see section 5.1).
Protamine sulphate and vitamin K are not expected to affect the anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban. There is limited experience with tranexamic acid and no experience with aminocaproic acid and aprotinin in adults receiving rivaroxaban. There is no experience on the use of these agents in children receiving rivaroxaban. There is neither scientific rationale for benefit nor experience with the use of the systemic haemostatic desmopressin in individuals receiving rivaroxaban.
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