Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using xarelto as follows:
- Xarelto should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of brain and spinal surgeries, as Xarelto can result in spinal cord blood clot formation, resulting in excruciating pain in the back with numbness and weakness of bilateral lower extremities. In extreme cases, use of Xarelto can also result in permanent paralysis.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice, while you are taking Xarelto. Grapefruit juice inhibits the metabolism of Xarelto and this can lead to increased blood levels of Xarelto for longer duration, leading to toxicity and episodes of bleeding.
- Do not consume alcohol, while you are taking Xarelto, as alcohol can increase the effects of blood thinner and consequently, make the blood extra thin, thus resulting episodes of hemorrhage and bleeding.
