Is taking Xarelto the only treatment option for pulmonary embolism?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 43-year-old male. I have been taking Xarelto for about a year and a half due to a pulmonary embolism that I had. They were very small. I have done every test, including the factor 5, and the conclusion was my constant driving. My biggest fear is obviously getting another blood clot, which I know you can get while taking Xarelto.

Obviously, with every ache and pain, I think that I have another one. Sometimes, I do get mild cramping in my legs, but it comes and goes. My biggest question is if I were to get another blood clot. Is basically the only thing that can be done just continuing to take Xarelto?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Xarelto is the brand name for the generic drug Rivaroxaban. It blocks the activity of certain clotting factors in the blood.

It is used to prevent or treat deep vein thrombosis, in which blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs. This can lead to pulmonary embolism in certain cases, as in yours, and can be fatal.

Your current medication, comprising Xarelto daily, is a form of prophylaxis to prevent the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis. The dose is lower than that when you are being treated for deep vein thrombosis.

There are other anticoagulants that can be used, but Xarelto is preferred.

If you were to get another episode of deep vein thrombosis, the treatment would differ. Deep vein thrombosis is associated with prolonged periods of inactivity, inherited clotting disorders, surgery, and certain cancers. Since in your case it is due to driving for prolonged periods, you could reduce that and try and walk around every 15 to 20 minutes.

If you smoke, then you should stop that as well.

Thank you.