Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a drug that prevents blood clots in the veins, arteries and heart. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication that reduces inflammation and pain. Although these two medications may seem harmless, their combination could be dangerous. Interactions between Xarelto and Ibuprofen are complex. If you’re taking either of these medications, it’s essential to understand how they interact with one another before combining them. This blog post will explain the interaction between them and provide tips on keeping yourself safe when taking both medications.
What is Xarelto?
Xarelto is a prescription anticoagulant medication. It prevents blood clots from forming or growing larger in the blood vessels. It is used to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Ibuprofen is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in body. It relieves pain from various conditions such as headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis.
What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. It is available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. Ibuprofen can also be used to reduce fever. NSAIDs work by blocking production of prostaglandins, hormones that play a role in pain and inflammation.
Ibuprofen is part of a class of drugs called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Other drugs in this class include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and celecoxib (Celebrex). All of these drugs work in similar ways to relieve pain and inflammation.
The Interaction between Xarelto and Ibuprofen
If you’re taking the blood thinner Xarelto (rivaroxaban), you may wonder if it’s safe to take ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain relievers. The answer is, it depends.
While taking Xarelto, you should avoid taking ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). That’s because these drugs can increase the level of Xarelto in your blood, making the medication less effective and increasing your risk of bleeding.
If you need pain relief, your doctor may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol). This drug doesn’t interact with Xarelto and is safe to take.
However, if you’re already taking ibuprofen or another NSAID regularly for another reason, talk to your doctor before stopping. They may able to switch you to a different pain reliever or adjust your dose of Xarelto.
What are the possible side effects of taking them together?
There are several possible side effects to taking them together. The most common side effect is an increased risk of bleeding. This is because both can thin the blood and make it more difficult for the body to clot. This can lead to minor bleeds, such as nosebleeds and bruising, or more serious ones, such as gastrointestinal or brain bleeds.
Other possible side effects include:
- An increased risk of kidney damage.
- An increased risk of stomach ulcers.
- An increased risk of heartburn.
If you experience any side effects, it is important to stop taking both and contact your doctor immediately.
Should you take Xarelto and Ibuprofen together?
A few things to consider before taking Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and ibuprofen together. Aspirin is an anti-platelet drug and ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). They both work to thin the blood, which can lead to increased bleeding. If you are taking Xarelto, you should avoid taking aspirin or NSAIDs.
Ibuprofen may increase the level of Xarelto in your body. This could make Xarelto less effective at preventing blood clots. If you take these drugs together, your doctor will closely monitor your condition and may adjust your dose of Xarelto.
If you need pain relief, talk to your doctor about other safe options to take with Xarelto.
Conclusion
You must understand the interaction between Xarelto and Ibuprofen before taking any medications. By understanding the risks associated with this particular drug combination, you can decide whether to take it. It is also important to talk to your doctor if you have any question about these drugs and how they might interact. Taking proactive steps toward ensuring your safety when taking medication can help keep yourself safe and healthy in the long run.
