Adding XARELTO®to low-dose aspirin
Beginning a new medication can feel like a big commitment. But with a few tips and ongoing support, it’s possible to start on the right track—for yourself and for those who care about you. First things first, be sure to fill your XARELTO® prescription if you haven’t yet. Keep reading to learn more about XARELTO®, how to take it, and what to do if you miss a dose.
What is XARELTO®?
XARELTO® belongs to a group of medicines called direct oral anticoagulants, or DOACs for short. Like other DOACs, XARELTO® has few drug interactions, no known dietary restrictions, and you don’t need to have frequent blood tests to see if XARELTO® is working.
How does XARELTO® work with aspirin?
Both XARELTO® and aspirin help prevent serious blood clots from forming and growing—but they work in different ways:
- XARELTO® works by slowing down the blood’s clotting process. It does this by selectively targeting just one critical factor needed for blood to clot—Factor Xa.
- Aspirin is an antiplatelet blood thinner that works by helping to keep platelets (which are pieces of blood cells) from sticking together and forming blood clots.
XARELTO® for People With CAD
XARELTO®, when taken with low-dose aspirin, helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people with CAD.
almost 96% Did not have
a cardiovascular
event*
a cardiovascular
event*
In a clinical trial,
people with CAD taking XARELTO® 2.5 mg twice daily, in combination with low-dose aspirin once daily, did not have a heart attack or stroke, or die from a cardiovascular event.*
*The rate of the first event like a stroke, heart attack, or cardiovascular death was 4.2% for people taking XARELTO® plus aspirin vs 5.6% for aspirin alone. Patients were followed for an average of 23 months.
Remember, all blood thinners come with a risk of bleeding. Around 3% of people taking XARELTO® 2.5 mg twice daily in combination with low-dose aspirin experienced a major bleeding event, such as bleeding into the brain. That represents about a 1% increase in bleeding versus people taking only low-dose aspirin.