You have been prescribed a tablet called Rivaroxaban to reduce the risk of blood clots also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), following your recent hip or knee, or foot and ankle surgery.
This leaflet will explain what Rivaroxaban is used for and how to use it. Staff will explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives - you will be asked for your consent prior to treatment.
Please ask for more information if you are unsure about any aspect of the proposed treatment.
Rivaroxaban is known as an anticoagulant which ‘thins’ the blood. It is used to prevent dangerous blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
After a cut or injury, it is normal to bleed. Proteins in the blood help to form a clot to stop us from bleeding too much. Sometimes a clot can form in the wrong place.
People who have had surgery or cannot move around as much as normal are at an increased risk of blood clots forming in the wrong place.
Blood clots in the veins, usually in the legs is known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
A Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a piece of blood clot that has broken off and travelled to the lungs. It can cause lung damage and even death in a small number of people.
Anyone can develop a DVT or PE but you are at higher risk if you:
- Smoke
- Are overweight
- Over 60 years old
- Have cancer
- Take HRT, oestrogen containing contraception or depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate
- Have ongoing medical conditions e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, chronic renal failure, congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Have had a previous blood clot or have a first degree relative (parent/ sibling) with a history of blood clots
- Are pregnant or had a baby in the last 6 weeks
- Major lower limb/orthopaedic surgery.
You can help to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot by drinking plenty of fluids and moving around as much as you can-safely.
Your risk of developing a blood clot is higher than usual because you have recently undergone hip or knee, or foot and ankle replacement surgery. Taking Rivaroxaban will reduce the risk of developing a blood clot.
Rivaroxaban is often used to prevent blood clots after hip/knee replacement, or foot and ankle surgery, and in patients with an irregular heartbeat. It is also sometimes given as a treatment to people who have had recent blood clots, in order to stop new ones forming.
Please talk to your surgical team or ward pharmacist if you have any concerns about taking Rivaroxaban. Any newly started medication will be checked by a pharmacist to ensure the medicine is right for you.
Two possible alternative treatments to Rivaroxaban are either:
- Aspirin tablets or
- Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) – a daily injection and may be associated with other complications which require regular blood tests to monitor.
These medicines also help thin the blood. Please talk to your surgical team or ward pharmacist if you have any concerns about taking Rivaroxaban. Any newly started medication will be checked by a pharmacist to ensure the medicine is right for you.
Rivaroxaban is available as a 10mg tablet and is taken by mouth (orally). You should take one tablet once a day (with or without food) at the same time each day to help you remember to take it. The tablet should be swallowed whole.
The whole course of treatment will be dispensed by RNOH Pharmacy.
If you have had a hip replacement, the usual treatment duration is
5 weeks (35 days).
If you have had a knee replacement, the usual treatment duration is
2 weeks (14 days).
If you have had foot and ankle surgery, the usual treatment duration is
up to 6 weeks (42 days).
Rivaroxaban can make bleeding last longer and be heavier.
Some common side effects include nausea, stomach-ache, indigestion, headache or dizziness.
For more information on side effects-please refer to the information leaflet inside the box of your Rivaroxaban tablets.
Please tell your doctor or go to the nearest A&E if you notice any:
- Coughing up blood or coffee ground vomit
- Pink/brown urine or red/black stools
- Excessive bleeding or swelling from your wound or other injury
- Menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding that is heavier than usual
- Unexplained bruising, bleeding gums or nose bleeds
- Sudden, severe headache.
There is a greater chance of developing blood clots if you do not take Rivaroxaban.
If you forget to take your tablet -- take it as soon as you remember. If unsure whether you have taken your tablet - please take it the next day to avoid the risks of doubling-up on this medicine. Do not take more than one dose in a single day.
If you have taken more than one dose in 24 hours – immediately seek same day advice from your doctor or call NHS 111.
Your GP will be notified of any changes to your medication during your hospital stay.
Alert all other healthcare professionals involved in your care e.g. nurse, pharmacist or dentist that you are taking Rivaroxaban.
Ensure that you carry the Patient Alert Card provided with your Rivaroxaban tablets with you at all times.
Your nearest A&E department - for any pain or swelling in one/both legs.
Call 999 immediately - for any shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing up blood.
Please refer to the patient information leaflet inside the box of Rivaroxaban tablets or ask to speak with your ward pharmacist before you are discharged.
Patient guide authors: Pooja Mavadia, Clinical Nurse Educator & Preceptorship Lead and Anuja Bathia, Principal Pharmacist, Medicines Governance & Digital Medicines
Ref 23-56 © RNOH
Date of next review: July 2028
Page last updated: 29 July 2026