In our previous post, we began taking a closer look at Xarelto, one of the more popular blood thinners currently prescribed by medical professionals, which hit the U.S. market back in the summer of 2011 after receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In today’s post, we’ll continue this discussion, exploring the side effects associated with the drug.

What type of side effects are associated with the use of Xarelto?

The side effects from Xarelto can effectively be divided into two categories: minor and major. As for the former, users could experience a host of complications not dissimilar from any other prescription medication, including headaches, itching or back pain.

As for the latter, Xarelto can cause either internal or external hemorrhaging, two rather frightening conditions that have been linked to the drug’s unintentionally acute effect on blood proteins, something that causes the blood to become exceptionally thin.

How exactly would a person be at risk of internal or external hemorrhaging?

To help illustrate the risk, consider a person undergoing surgery or in post-op recovery, where the risk of internal bleeding is already elevated. Consider also a person taking the blood thinner who is involved in a serious car accident.

In both of these situations, the inability of the blood to clot — thanks to the medication — will allow bleeding to continue unabated, and increase the probability of life-threatening events such as strokes, heart attacks and, of course, fatal hemorrhaging.

Are there any warning signs of internal bleeding?

In general, medical providers warn patients taking Xarelto to be on the lookout for the following warning signs as they can be symptomatic of internal bleeding:

Coughing up blood
Recurrent nosebleeds
Abnormal bruising
Excessive bleeding from the gums or other cuts

We will conclude this discussion in our next post, examining how the FDA has taken action against Xarelto and the growing number of lawsuits being filed in connection with its use.

If you have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one to what you believe was a dangerous prescription drug, please consider speaking with a skilled legal professional to learn more about your rights and your options.