Rivaroxaban
SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA
SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA: Epidural or spinal hematomas have occurred in patients treated with rivaroxaban who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include:
- Use of indwelling epidural catheters
- Concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants
- A history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures
- A history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery.
- Optimal timing between the administration of rivaroxaban and neuraxial procedures is not known
Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary.
Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis.
- For patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) >50 mL/min, the recommended dose of rivaroxaban is 20 mg taken orally once daily with the evening meal.
- For patients with CrCl 15 to 50 mL/min, the recommended dose is 15 mg once daily with the evening meal.

# Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), and Reduction in the Risk of Recurrence of DVT and of PE
- The recommended dose of rivaroxaban for the initial treatment of acute DVT and/or PE is 15 mg taken orally twice daily with food for the first 21 days.
- After this initial treatment period, the recommended dose of rivaroxaban is 20 mg taken orally once daily with food, at approximately the same time each day.
- The recommended dose of rivaroxaban for reduction in the risk of recurrence of DVT or PE is 20 mg taken orally once daily with food at approximately the same time each day.

# Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery
- The recommended dose of rivaroxaban is 10 mg taken orally once daily with or without food.
- The initial dose should be taken 6 to 10 hours after surgery provided that hemostasis has been established.
- For patients undergoing hip replacement surgery, treatment duration of 35 days is recommended.
- For patients undergoing knee replacement surgery, treatment duration of 12 days is recommended.
- Dosing Information
Rivaroxaban has been approved by the EMA to reduce the risk of recurrent MI, stroke and death following an ACS event in troponin positive patients based upon the ATLAS II trial. Rivaroxaban is not approved by the US FDA to reduce the risk of recurrent MI, stroke and death following an ACS event.  In ATLAS II:
- Patients were randomized to 2.5 mg or 5 mg of rivaroxaban.
- Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg significantly reduced the risk of death from both cardiovascular causes (HR 0.66; p=0.002) and death from any cause (HR 0.68; p=0.002). (ATLAS ACS 2 - TIMI 51) 
- Dosing Information
- 10 mg orally daily for 35 days (MAGELLAN)
- Severe hypersensitivity reaction to rivaroxaban.
- Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including rivaroxaban, in the absence of adequate alternative anticoagulation increases the risk of thrombotic events.
- An increased rate of stroke was observed during the transition from rivaroxaban to warfarin in clinical trials in atrial fibrillation patients.
- If rivaroxaban is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant.

# Risk of Bleeding
- Rivaroxaban increases the risk of bleeding and can cause serious or fatal bleeding. In deciding whether to prescribe rivaroxaban to patients at increased risk of bleeding, the risk of thrombotic events should be weighed against the risk of bleeding.
- Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss and consider the need for blood replacement.
- Discontinue rivaroxaban in patients with active pathological hemorrhage. The terminal elimination half-life of rivaroxaban is 5 to 9 hours in healthy subjects aged 20 to 45 years.
- Concomitant use of other drugs that impair hemostasis increases the risk of bleeding. These include aspirin, P2Y12 platelet inhibitors, other antithrombotic agents, fibrinolytic therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Concomitant use of drugs that are combined P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole and ritonavir) increases rivaroxaban exposure and may increase bleeding risk.
- A specific antidote for rivaroxaban is not available. Because of high plasma protein binding, rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialyzable.
- Protamine sulfate and vitamin K are not expected to affect the anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban.
- Partial reversal of prothrombin time prolongation has been seen after administration of prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) in healthy volunteers.
- The use of other procoagulant reversal agents like activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) or recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has not been evaluated.

# Spinal/Epidural Anesthesia or Puncture
- When neuraxial anesthesia (spinal/epidural anesthesia) or spinal puncture is employed, patients treated with anticoagulant agents for prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk of developing an epidural or spinal hematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis.
- An epidural catheter should not be removed earlier than 18 hours after the last administration of rivaroxaban.
- The next rivaroxaban dose is not to be administered earlier than 6 hours after the removal of the catheter.
- If traumatic puncture occurs, the administration of rivaroxaban is to be delayed for 24 hours.

# Use in Patients with Renal Impairment
- Avoid the use of rivaroxaban in patients with CrCl <15 mL/min since drug exposure is increased.
- Periodically assess renal function as clinically indicated (i.e., more frequently in situations in which renal function may decline) and adjust therapy accordingly.
- Discontinue rivaroxaban in patients who develop acute renal failure while on rivaroxaban.
- Avoid the use of rivaroxaban in patients with CrCl <30 mL/min due to an expected increase in rivaroxaban exposure and pharmacodynamic effects in this patient population.
- Avoid the use of rivaroxaban in patients with CrCl <30 mL/min due to an expected increase in rivaroxaban exposure and pharmacodynamic effects in this patient population.
- Observe closely and promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss in patients with CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min.
- Patients who develop acute renal failure while on rivaroxaban should discontinue the treatment.

# Use in Patients with Hepatic Impairment
- No clinical data are available for patients with severe hepatic impairment.
- Avoid use of rivaroxaban in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh B) and severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment or with any hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy since drug exposure and bleeding risk may be increased.

# Use with P-gp and Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors or Inducers
- Avoid concomitant use of rivaroxaban with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, ritonavir, indinavir, and conivaptan).
- Avoid concomitant use of rivaroxaban with drugs that are combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John's wort).

# Risk of Pregnancy-Related Hemorrhage
- In pregnant women, rivaroxaban should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the mother and fetus. rivaroxaban dosing in pregnancy has not been studied.
- The anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban cannot be monitored with standard laboratory testing nor readily reversed.
- Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms suggesting blood loss (e.g., a drop in hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, hypotension, or fetal distress).

# Patients with Prosthetic Heart Valves
- The safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been studied in patients with prosthetic heart valves. Therefore, use of rivaroxaban is not recommended in these patients.

# Acute PE in Hemodynamically Unstable Patients or Patients Who Require Thrombolysis or Pulmonary Embolectomy
- Initiation of rivaroxaban is not recommended acutely as an alternative to unfractionated heparin in patients with pulmonary embolism who present with hemodynamic instability or who may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy

# Hemorrhage
The most common adverse reactions with rivaroxaban were bleeding complications.

# Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
In the ROCKET AF trial, the most frequent adverse reactions associated with permanent drug discontinuation were bleeding events, with incidence rates of 4.3% for rivaroxaban vs. 3.1% for warfarin. The incidence of discontinuations for non-bleeding adverse events was similar in both treatment groups.
Table 1 shows the number of patients experiencing various types of bleeding events in the ROCKET AF trial.

# Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), and to Reduce the Risk of Recurrence of DVT and of PE
In the pooled analysis of the EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE clinical studies, the most frequent adverse reactions leading to permanent drug discontinuation were bleeding events, with rivaroxaban vs. enoxaparin/Vitamin K antagonist (VKA) incidence rates of 1.7% vs. 1.5%, respectively. The mean duration of treatment was 208 days for rivaroxaban-treated patients and 204 days for enoxaparin/VKA-treated patients.
Table 2 shows the number of patients experiencing major bleeding events in the pooled analysis of the EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE studies.
In the EINSTEIN Extension clinical study, the most frequent adverse reactions associated with permanent drug discontinuation were bleeding events, with incidence rates of 1.8% for rivaroxaban vs. 0.2% for placebo treatment groups. The mean duration of treatment was 190 days for both rivaroxaban and placebo treatment groups.
Table 3 shows the number of patients experiencing bleeding events in the EINSTEIN Extension study.

# Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery
In the RECORD clinical trials, the overall incidence rate of adverse reactions leading to permanent treatment discontinuation was 3.7% with rivaroxaban.
The rates of major bleeding events and any bleeding events observed in patients in the RECORD clinical trials are shown in Table 4.
Following rivaroxaban treatment, the majority of major bleeding complications (60%) occurred during the first week after surgery.

# Other Adverse Reactions
Non-hemorrhagic adverse reactions reported in 1% of rivaroxaban-treated patients in the EINSTEIN Extension study are shown in Table 5.
Non-hemorrhagic adverse reactions reported in 1% of rivaroxaban-treated patients in RECORD 13 studies are shown in Table 6.
Other clinical trial experience: In an investigational study of acute medically ill patients being treated with rivaroxaban 10 mg tablets, cases of pulmonary hemorrhage and pulmonary hemorrhage with bronchiectasis were observed.

# Blood and lymphatic system disorders
- Agranulocytosis

# Gastrointestinal disorders
- Retroperitoneal hemorrhage

# Hepatobiliary disorders
- Jaundice
- Cholestasis
- Cytolytic hepatitis

# Immune system disorders
- Hypersensitivity
- Anaphylactic reaction
- Anaphylactic shock
- Angioedema

# Nervous system disorders
- Cerebral hemorrhage
- Subdural hematoma
- Epidural hematoma
- Hemiparesis

# Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome

# Drugs that Inhibit Cytochrome P450 3A4 Enzymes and Drug Transport Systems
In drug interaction studies evaluating the concomitant use with drugs that are combined P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors the following increases in rivaroxaban exposure were observed.
- Similar increases in pharmacodynamic effects (i.e., factor Xa inhibition and PT prolongation) were also observed.
- Significant increases in rivaroxaban exposure may increase bleeding risk.
- Steady-state rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax increased by 160% and 70%, respectively.
- Similar increases in pharmacodynamic effects were also observed.
- Single-dose rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax increased by 150% and 60%, respectively.
- Similar increases in pharmacodynamic effects were also observed.
- Single-dose rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax increased by 50% and 40%, respectively.
- The smaller increases in exposure observed for clarithromycin compared to ketoconazole or ritonavir may be due to the relative difference in P-gp inhibition.
- Both the single-dose rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax increased by 30%.
- Single-dose rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax increased by 40% and 30%, respectively.

# Drugs that Induce Cytochrome P450 3A4 Enzymes and Drug Transport Systems
- In a drug interaction study, coadministration of rivaroxaban (20 mg single dose with food) with a drug that is a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducer (rifampicin titrated up to 600 mg once daily) led to an approximate decrease of 50% and 22% in AUC and Cmax, respectively.
- Similar decreases in pharmacodynamic effects were also observed.
- These decreases in exposure to rivaroxaban may decrease efficacy.

# Anticoagulants
In a drug interaction study, single doses of enoxaparin (40 mg subcutaneous) and rivaroxaban (10 mg) given concomitantly resulted in an additive effect on anti-factor Xa activity.
- Enoxaparin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban.
- In another study, single doses of warfarin (15 mg) and rivaroxaban (5 mg) resulted in an additive effect on factor Xa inhibition and PT.
- Warfarin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban.

# NSAIDs/Aspirin
- In ROCKET AF, concomitant aspirin use (almost exclusively at a dose of 100 mg or less) during the double-blind phase was identified as an independent risk factor for major bleeding.
- NSAIDs are known to increase bleeding, and bleeding risk may be increased when NSAIDs are used concomitantly with rivaroxaban.
- In a single-dose drug interaction study there were no pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions observed after concomitant administration of naproxen or aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) with rivaroxaban.

# Clopidogrel
- In two drug interaction studies where clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose followed by 75 mg daily maintenance dose) and rivaroxaban (15 mg single dose) were coadministered in healthy subjects, an increase in bleeding time to 45 minutes was observed in approximately 45% and 30% of subjects in these studies, respectively.
- The change in bleeding time was approximately twice the maximum increase seen with either drug alone.
- There was no change in the pharmacokinetics of either drug.

# Drug-Disease Interactions with Drugs that Inhibit Cytochrome P450 3A4 Enzymes and Drug Transport Systems
- In a pharmacokinetic trial, rivaroxaban was administered as a single dose in subjects with mild (CrCl = 50 to 79 mL/min) or moderate renal impairment (CrCl = 30 to 49 mL/min) receiving multiple doses of erythromycin (a combined P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor).
- Compared to rivaroxaban administered alone in subjects with normal renal function (CrCl >80 mL/min), subjects with mild and moderate renal impairment concomitantly receiving erythromycin reported a 76% and 99% increase in AUCinf and a 56% and 64% increase in Cmax, respectively.
- Similar trends in pharmacodynamic effects were also observed.

# Drugs that are Substrates of CYP3A4 and/or Drug Transport Systems
- In addition, there were no significant pharmacokinetic interactions observed in studies comparing concomitant rivaroxaban 20 mg and 7.5 mg single dose of midazolam (substrate of CYP3A4), 0.375 mg once-daily dose of digoxin (substrate of P-gp), or 20 mg once daily dose of atorvastatin (substrate of CYP3A4 and P-gp) in healthy volunteers.
- Use rivaroxaban with caution in pregnant patients because of the potential for pregnancy related hemorrhage and/or emergent delivery with an anticoagulant that is not readily reversible.
- The anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban cannot be reliably monitored with standard laboratory testing.
- Animal reproduction studies showed no increased risk of structural malformations, but increased post-implantation pregnancy loss occurred in rabbits.
- Rivaroxaban should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to mother and fetus.
- Rivaroxaban crosses the placenta in animals. Animal reproduction studies have shown pronounced maternal hemorrhagic complications in rats and an increased incidence of postimplantation pregnancy loss in rabbits.
- Rivaroxaban increased fetal toxicity (increased resorptions, decreased number of live fetuses, and decreased fetal body weight) when pregnant rabbits were given oral doses of 10 mg/kg rivaroxaban during the period of organogenesis.
- This dose corresponds to about 4 times the human exposure of unbound drug, based on AUC comparisons at the highest recommended human dose of 20 mg/day.
- Fetal body weights decreased when pregnant rats were given oral doses of 120 mg/kg. This dose corresponds to about 14 times the human exposure of unbound drug.
- Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from rivaroxaban, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue rovaroxaban, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
- In the EINSTEIN DVT, PE and Extension clinical studies approximately 37% were 65 years and over and about 16% were >75 years.
- In clinical trials the efficacy of rivaroxaban in the elderly (65 years or older) was similar to that seen in patients younger than 65 years.
- Both thrombotic and bleeding event rates were higher in these older patients, but the risk-benefit profile was favorable in all age groups
- In the ROCKET AF trial, patients with CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min were administered rivaroxaban 15 mg once daily resulting in serum concentrations of rivaroxaban and clinical outcomes similar to those in patients with better renal function administered rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily.
- Patients with CrCl 15 to 30 mL/min were not studied, but administration of rivaroxaban 15 mg once daily is also expected to result in serum concentrations of rivaroxaban similar to those in patients with normal renal function.

# Treatment of DVT and/or PE, and Reduction in the Risk of Recurrence of DVT and of PE
- In the EINSTEIN trials, patients with CrCl values <30 mL/min at screening were excluded from the studies.
- Avoid the use of rivaroxaban in patients with CrCl <30 mL/min.

# Prophylaxis of DVT Following Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery
- The combined analysis of the RECORD 13 clinical efficacy studies did not show an increase in bleeding risk for patients with CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min and reported a possible increase in total venous thromboemboli in this population.
- Observe closely and promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss in patients with CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min. Avoid the use of rivaroxaban in patients with CrCl <30 mL/min.
- The safety or PK of rivaroxaban in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) has not been evaluated.
- Avoid the use of rivaroxaban in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh B) and severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment or with any hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy.
- The 15 mg and 20 mg rivaroxaban tablets should be taken with food, while the 10 mg tablet can be taken with or without food .
- In the nonvalvular atrial fibrillation efficacy study rivaroxaban was taken with the evening meal.

# Switching to and from rivaroxaban
- Switching from warfarin to rivaroxaban - When switching patients from warfarin to rivaroxaban, discontinue warfarin and start rivaroxaban as soon as the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is below 3.0 to avoid periods of inadequate anticoagulation.
- Switching from rivaroxaban to warfarin - No clinical trial data are available to guide converting patients from rivaroxaban to warfarin. rivaroxaban affects INR, so INR measurements made during coadministration with warfarin may not be useful for determining the appropriate dose of warfarin. One approach is to discontinue rivaroxaban and begin both a parenteral anticoagulant and warfarin at the time the next dose of rivaroxaban would have been taken.
- Switching from rivaroxaban to anticoagulants other than warfarin - For patients currently taking rivaroxaban and transitioning to an anticoagulant with rapid onset, discontinue rivaroxaban and give the first dose of the other anticoagulant (oral or parenteral) at the time that the next rivaroxaban dose would have been taken.
- Switching from anticoagulants other than warfarin to rivaroxaban - For patients currently receiving an anticoagulant other than warfarin, start rivaroxaban 0 to 2 hours prior to the next scheduled evening administration of the drug (e.g., low molecular weight heparin or non-warfarin oral anticoagulant) and omit administration of the other anticoagulant. For unfractionated heparin being administered by continuous infusion, stop the infusion and start rivaroxaban at the same time.

# Discontinuation for Surgery and other Interventions
- If anticoagulation must be discontinued to reduce the risk of bleeding with surgical or other procedures, rivaroxaban should be stopped at least 24 hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- In deciding whether a procedure should be delayed until 24 hours after the last dose of rivaroxaban, the increased risk of bleeding should be weighed against the urgency of intervention.
- Rivaroxaban should be restarted after the surgical or other procedures as soon as adequate hemostasis has been established, noting that the time to onset of therapeutic effect is short.
- If oral medication cannot be taken during or after surgical intervention, consider administering a parenteral anticoagulant.

# Missed Dose
- If a dose of rivaroxaban is not taken at the scheduled time, administer the dose as soon as possible on the same day as follows:
- For patients receiving 15 mg twice daily: The patient should take rivaroxaban immediately to ensure intake of 30 mg rivaroxaban per day. In this particular instance, two 15 mg tablets may be taken at once. The patient should continue with the regular 15 mg twice daily intake as recommended on the following day.
- For patients receiving 20 mg, 15 mg or 10 mg once daily: The patient should take the missed rivaroxaban dose immediately.

# Administration Options
- For patients who are unable to swallow whole tablets, 15 mg or 20 mg rivaroxaban tablets may be crushed and mixed with applesauce immediately prior to use and administered orally.
- After the administration of a crushed rivaroxaban 15 mg or 20 mg tablet, the dose should be immediately followed by food.
- After confirming gastric placement of the tube, 15 mg or 20 mg rivaroxaban tablets may be crushed and suspended in 50 mL of water and administered via an NG tube or gastric feeding tube.
- Since rivaroxaban absorption is dependent on the site of drug release, avoid administration of rivaroxaban distal to the stomach which can result in reduced absorption and thereby, reduced drug exposure.
- After the administration of a crushed rivaroxaban 15 mg or 20 mg tablet, the dose should then be immediately followed by enteral feeding.
- Crushed 15 mg or 20 mg rivaroxaban tablets are stable in water and in applesauce for up to 4 hours.
- An in vitro compatibility study indicated that there is no adsorption of rivaroxaban from a water suspension of a crushed rivaroxaban tablet to PVC or silicone nasogastric (NG) tubing
- Discontinue rivaroxaban and initiate appropriate therapy if bleeding complications associated with overdosage occur.
- A specific antidote for rivaroxaban is not available.
- Rivaroxaban systemic exposure is not further increased at single doses >50 mg due to limited absorption.
- The use of activated charcoal to reduce absorption in case of rivaroxaban overdose may be considered.
- Due to the high plasma protein binding, rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialyzable.
- Partial reversal of laboratory anticoagulation parameters may be achieved with use of plasma products.
- Rivaroxaban inhibits free factor Xa and prothrombinase activity.
- Rivaroxaban has no direct effect on platelet aggregation, but indirectly inhibits platelet aggregation induced by thrombin.
- By inhibiting factor Xa, rivaroxaban decreases thrombin generation.
Rivaroxaban, a FXa inhibitor,  with the chemical name 5-Chloro-N-({(5S)-2-oxo-3--1,3-oxazolidin-5-yl}methyl)-2-thiophenecarboxamide. The molecular formula of rivaroxaban is C19H18ClN3O5S and the molecular weight is 435.89.
Rivaroxaban is a pure (S)-enantiomer. It is an odorless, non-hygroscopic, white to yellowish powder. Rivaroxaban is only slightly soluble in organic solvents (e.g., acetone, polyethylene glycol 400) and is practically insoluble in water and aqueous media.
The absolute bioavailability of rivaroxaban is dose-dependent. For the 10 mg dose, it is estimated to be 80% to 100% and is not affected by food. rivaroxaban 10 mg tablets can be taken with or without food. For the 20 mg dose in the fasted state, the absolute bioavailability is approximately 66%. Coadministration of rivaroxaban with food increases the bioavailability of the 20 mg dose (mean AUC and Cmax increasing by 39% and 76% respectively with food). rivaroxaban 15 mg and 20 mg tablets should be taken with food .
The maximum concentrations (Cmax) of rivaroxaban appear 2 to 4 hours after tablet intake. The pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban were not affected by drugs altering gastric pH. Coadministration of rivaroxaban (30 mg single dose) with the H2-receptor antagonist ranitidine (150 mg twice daily), the antacid aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (10 mL) or rivaroxaban (20 mg single dose) with the PPI omeprazole (40 mg once daily) did not show an effect on the bioavailability and exposure of rivaroxaban.
Absorption of rivaroxaban is dependent on the site of drug release in the GI tract. A 29% and 56% decrease in AUC and Cmax compared to tablet was reported when rivaroxaban granulate is released in the proximal small intestine. Exposure is further reduced when drug is released in the distal small intestine, or ascending colon. Avoid administration of rivaroxaban distal to the stomach which can result in reduced absorption and related drug exposure.
In a study with 44 healthy subjects, both mean AUC and Cmax values for 20 mg rivaroxaban administered orally as a crushed tablet mixed in applesauce were comparable to that after the whole tablet. However, for the crushed tablet suspended in water and administered via an NG tube followed by a liquid meal, only mean AUC was comparable to that after the whole tablet, and Cmax was 18% lower.
Plasma protein binding of rivaroxaban in human plasma is approximately 92% to 95%, with albumin being the main binding component. The steady-state volume of distribution in healthy subjects is approximately 50 L.
Approximately 51% of an orally administered -rivaroxaban dose was recovered as inactive metabolites in urine (30%) and feces (21%). Oxidative degradation catalyzed by CYP3A4/5 and CYP2J2 and hydrolysis are the major sites of biotransformation. Unchanged rivaroxaban was the predominant moiety in plasma with no major or active circulating metabolites.
Following oral administration, approximately one-third of the absorbed dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, with the remaining two-thirds excreted as inactive metabolites in both the urine and feces. In a Phase 1 study, following the administration of a -rivaroxaban dose, 66% of the radioactive dose was recovered in urine (36% as unchanged drug) and 28% was recovered in feces (7% as unchanged drug). Unchanged drug is excreted into urine, mainly via active tubular secretion and to a lesser extent via glomerular filtration (approximate 5:1 ratio). Rivaroxaban is a substrate of the efflux transporter proteins P-gp and ABCG2 (also abbreviated Bcrp). Rivaroxaban's affinity for influx transporter proteins is unknown.
Rivaroxaban is a low-clearance drug, with a systemic clearance of approximately 10 L/hr in healthy volunteers following intravenous administration. The terminal elimination half-life of rivaroxaban is 5 to 9 hours in healthy subjects aged 20 to 45 years.
- The systemic exposures (AUCs) of unbound rivaroxaban in male and female mice at the highest dose tested (60 mg/kg/day) were 1- and 2-times, respectively, the human exposure of unbound drug at the human dose of 20 mg/day.
- Systemic exposures of unbound drug in male and female rats at the highest dose tested (60 mg/kg/day) were 2- and 4-times, respectively, the human exposure.
- Rivaroxaban was not mutagenic in bacteria (Ames-Test) or clastogenic in V79 Chinese hamster lung cells in vitro or in the mouse micronucleus test in vivo.
- No impairment of fertility was observed in male or female rats when given up to 200 mg/kg/day of rivaroxaban orally.
- This dose resulted in exposure levels, based on the unbound AUC, at least 13 times the exposure in humans given 20 mg rivaroxaban daily.
The evidence for the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban was derived from ROCKET AF, a multi-national, double-blind study comparing rivaroxaban (at a dose of 20 mg once daily with the evening meal in patients with CrCl >50 mL/min and 15 mg once daily with the evening meal in patients with CrCl 30 to <50 mL/min) to warfarin (titrated to INR 2.0 to 3.0) to reduce the risk of stroke and non-central nervous system (CNS) systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients had to have one or more of the following additional risk factors for stroke:
- A prior stroke (ischemic or unknown type),transient ischemic attack (TIA) or nonCNS systemic embolism, or
- 2 or more of the following risk factors:
Age 75 years,
Hypertension,
Heart failure or left ventricular ejection fraction 35%, or
Diabetes mellitus
- Age 75 years,
- Hypertension,
- Heart failure or left ventricular ejection fraction 35%, or
- Diabetes mellitus
ROCKET AF was a non-inferiority study designed to demonstrate that rivaroxaban preserved more than 50% of warfarin's effect on stroke and non-CNS systemic embolism as established by previous placebo-controlled studies of warfarin in atrial fibrillation.
A total of 14264 patients were randomized and followed on study treatment for a median of 590 days. The mean age was 71 years and the mean CHADS2 score was 3.5. The population was 60% male, 83% Caucasian, 13% Asian and 1.3% Black. There was a history of stroke, TIA, or non-CNS systemic embolism in 55% of patients, and 38% of patients had not taken a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) within 6 weeks at time of screening. Concomitant diseases of patients in this study included hypertension 91%, diabetes 40%, congestive heart failure 63%, and prior myocardial infarction 17%. At baseline, 37% of patients were on aspirin (almost exclusively at a dose of 100 mg or less) and few patients were on clopidogrel. Patients were enrolled in Eastern Europe (39%); North America (19%); Asia, Australia, and New Zealand (15%); Western Europe (15%); and Latin America (13%). Patients randomized to warfarin had a mean percentage of time in the INR target range of 2.0 to 3.0 of 55%, lower during the first few months of the study.
In ROCKET AF, rivaroxaban was demonstrated non-inferior to warfarin for the primary composite endpoint of time to first occurrence of stroke (any type) or non-CNS systemic embolism , but superiority to warfarin was not demonstrated. There is insufficient experience to determine how rivaroxaban and warfarin compare when warfarin therapy is well-controlled.
Table 9 displays the overall results for the primary composite endpoint and its components.
Figure 1 is a plot of the time from randomization to the occurrence of the first primary endpoint event in the two treatment arms.
The efficacy of rivaroxaban was generally consistent across major subgroups.
The protocol for ROCKET AF did not stipulate anticoagulation after study drug discontinuation, but warfarin patients who completed the study were generally maintained on warfarin. rivaroxaban patients were generally switched to warfarin without a period of coadministration of warfarin and rivaroxaban, so that they were not adequately anticoagulated after stopping rivaroxaban until attaining a therapeutic INR. During the 28 days following the end of the study, there were 22 strokes in the 4637 patients taking rivaroxaban vs. 6 in the 4691 patients taking warfarin.
Few patients in ROCKET AF underwent electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. The utility of rivaroxaban for preventing post-cardioversion stroke and systemic embolism is unknown.

# Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), and Reduction in the Risk of Recurrence of DVT and of PE
Rivaroxaban for the treatment of DVT and/or PE and for the reduction in the risk of recurrence of DVT and of PE was studied in EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE, multi-national, open-label, non-inferiority studies comparing rivaroxaban (at an initial dose of 15 mg twice daily with food for the first three weeks, followed by rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily with food) to enoxaparin 1 mg/kg twice daily for at least five days with VKA and then continued with VKA only after the target INR (2.03.0) was reached. Patients who required thrombectomy, insertion of a caval filter, or use of a fibrinolytic agent and patients with creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, significant liver disease, or active bleeding were excluded from the studies. The intended treatment duration was 3, 6, or 12 months based on investigator's assessment prior to randomization.
A total of 8281 (3449 in EINSTEIN DVT and 4832 in EINSTEIN PE) patients were randomized and followed on study treatment for a mean of 208 days in the rivaroxaban group and 204 days in the enoxaparin/VKA group. The mean age was approximately 57 years. The population was 55% male, 70% Caucasian, 9% Asian and about 3% Black. About 73% and 92% of rivaroxaban-treated patients in the EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE studies, respectively, received initial parenteral anticoagulant treatment for a median duration of 2 days. Enoxaparin/VKA-treated patients in the EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE studies received initial parenteral anticoagulant treatment for a median duration of 8 days. Aspirin was taken as on treatment concomitant antithrombotic medication by approximately 12% of patients in both treatment groups. Patients randomized to VKA had an unadjusted mean percentage of time in the INR target range of 2.0 to 3.0 of 58% in EINSTEIN DVT study and 60% in EINSTEIN PE study, with the lower values occurring during the first month of the study.
In the EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE studies, 49% of patients had an idiopathic DVT/PE at baseline. Other risk factors included previous episode of DVT/PE (19%), recent surgery or trauma (18%), immobilization (16%), use of estrogen-containing drug (8%), known thrombophilicconditions (6%), or active cancer (5%).
In the EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE studies, rivaroxaban was demonstrated to be non-inferior to enoxaparin/VKA for the primary composite endpoint of time to first occurrence of recurrent DVT or non-fatal or fatal PE . In each study the conclusion of non-inferiority was based on the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for the hazard ratio being less than 2.0.
Table 10 displays the overall results for the primary composite endpoint and its components for EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE studies.
Figures 2 and 3 are plots of the time from randomization to the occurrence of the first primary efficacy endpoint event in the two treatment groups in EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE studies, respectively.
Rivaroxaban for reduction in the risk of recurrence of DVT and of PE was studied in the EINSTEIN Extension study, a multi-national, double-blind, superiority study comparing rivaroxaban (20 mg once daily with food) to placebo in patients who had completed 6 to 14 months of treatment for DVT and/or PE following the acute event. The intended treatment duration was 6 or 12 months based on investigator's assessment prior to randomization.
A total of 1196 patients were randomized and followed on study treatment for a mean of 190 days for both rivaroxaban and placebo treatment groups. The mean age was approximately 58 years. The population was 58% male, 78% Caucasian, 8% Asian and about 2% Black. Aspirin was taken as on-treatment concomitant antithrombotic medication by approximately 12% of patients in both treatment groups. In the EINSTEIN Extension study about 60% of patients had a history of proximal index DVT without PE event and 29% of patients had a PE without symptomatic DVT event. About 59% of patients had an idiopathic DVT/PE. Other risk factors included previous episode of DVT/PE (16%), immobilization (14%), known thrombophilic conditions (8%), or active cancer (5%).
In the EINSTEIN Extension study rivaroxaban was demonstrated to be superior to placebo for the primary composite endpoint of time to first occurrence of recurrent DVT or non-fatal or fatal PE .
Table 11 displays the overall results for the primary composite endpoint and its components.
Figure 4 is a plot of the time from randomization to the occurrence of the first primary efficacy endpoint event in the two treatment groups.

# Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery
Rivaroxaban was studied in 9011 patients (4487 rivaroxaban-treated, 4524 enoxaparin-treated patients) in the RECORD 1, 2, and 3 studies.
The two randomized, double-blind, clinical studies (RECORD 1 and 2) in patients undergoing elective total hip replacement surgery compared rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily starting at least 6 to 8 hours (about 90% of patients dosed 6 to 10 hours) after wound closure versus enoxaparin 40 mg once daily started 12 hours preoperatively. In RECORD 1 and 2, a total of 6727 patients were randomized and 6579 received study drug. The mean age  was 63  12.2 (range 18 to 93) years with 49% of patients 65 years and 55% of patients were female. More than 82% of patients were White, 7% were Asian, and less than 2% were Black. The studies excluded patients undergoing staged bilateral total hip replacement, patients with severe renal impairment defined as an estimated creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, or patients with significant liver disease (hepatitis or cirrhosis). In RECORD 1, the mean exposure duration ( SD) to active rivaroxaban and enoxaparin was 33.3  7.0 and 33.6  8.3 days, respectively. In RECORD 2, the mean exposure duration to active rivaroxaban and enoxaparin was 33.5  6.9 and 12.4  2.9 days, respectively. After Day 13, oral placebo was continued in the enoxaparin group for the remainder of the double-blind study duration. The efficacy data for RECORD 1 and 2 are provided in Table 12.
One randomized, double-blind, clinical study (RECORD 3) in patients undergoing elective total knee replacement surgery compared rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily started at least 6 to 8 hours (about 90% of patients dosed 6 to 10 hours) after wound closure versus enoxaparin. In RECORD 3, the enoxaparin regimen was 40 mg once daily started 12 hours preoperatively. The mean age ( SD) of patients in the study was 68  9.0 (range 28 to 91) years with 66% of patients 65 years. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of patients were female. Eighty-one percent (81%) of patients were White, less than 7% were Asian, and less than 2% were Black. The study excluded patients with severe renal impairment defined as an estimated creatinine clearance <30 mL/min or patients with significant liver disease (hepatitis or cirrhosis). The mean exposure duration ( SD) to active rivaroxaban and enoxaparin was 11.9  2.3 and 12.5  3.0 days, respectively. The efficacy data are provided in Table 13.
- 10 mg tablets are round, light red, biconvex film-coated tablets marked with a triangle pointing down above a "10" on one side, and "Xa" on the other side. The tablets are supplied in the packages listed:
- 15 mg tablets are round, red, biconvex film-coated tablets with a triangle pointing down above a "15" marked on one side and "Xa" on the other side. The tablets are supplied in the packages listed:
- 20 mg tablets are triangle-shaped, dark red film-coated tablets with a triangle pointing down above a "20" marked on one side and "Xa" on the other side. The tablets are supplied in the packages listed:
- Advise patients to take rivaroxaban only as directed.
- Remind patients to not discontinue rivaroxaban without first talking to their healthcare professional.
- Advise patients with atrial fibrillation to take rivaroxaban once daily with the evening meal.
- Advise patients with DVT and/or PE to take rivaroxaban 15 mg or 20 mg tablets with food at approximately the same time every day.
- Advise patients who cannot swallow the tablet whole to crush rivaroxaban and combine with a small amount of applesauce followed by food.
- For patients requiring an NG tube or gastric feeding tube, instruct the patient or caregiver to crush the rivaroxaban tablet and mix it with a small amount of water before administering via the tube.
- If a dose is missed, advise the patient to take rivaroxaban as soon as possible on the same day and continue on the following day with their recommended daily dose regimen.

# Bleeding Risks
- Advise patients to report any unusual bleeding or bruising to their physician.
- Inform patients that it might take them longer than usual to stop bleeding, and that they may bruise and/or bleed more easily when they are treated with rivaroxaban.
- If patients have had neuraxial anesthesia or spinal puncture, and particularly, if they are taking concomitant NSAIDs or platelet inhibitors, advise patients to watch for signs and symptoms of spinal or epidural hematoma, such as tingling, numbness (especially in the lower limbs) and muscular weakness. If any of these symptoms occur, advise the patient to contact his or her physician immediately.

# Invasive or Surgical Procedures
- Instruct patients to inform their healthcare professional that they are taking rivaroxaban before any invasive procedure (including dental procedures) is scheduled.

# Concomitant Medication and Herbals
- Advise patients to inform their physicians and dentists if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs or herbals, so their healthcare professionals can evaluate potential interactions.

# Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Related Hemorrhage
- Advise patients to inform their physician immediately if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment with rivaroxaban.
- Advise pregnant women receiving rivaroxaban to immediately report to their physician any bleeding or symptoms of blood loss.

# Nursing
- Advise patients to discuss with their physician if they are nursing or intend to nurse during anticoagulant treatment.

# Females of Reproductive Potential
- Advise patients who can become pregnant to discuss pregnancy planning with their physician.
-  Jessica L. Mega, Eugene Braunwald, Stephen D. Wiviott, Jean-Pierre Bassand, Deepak L. Bhatt, Christoph Bode, Paul Burton, Marc Cohen, Nancy Cook-Bruns, Keith A. A. Fox, Shinya Goto, Sabina A. Murphy, Alexei N. Plotnikov, David Schneider, Xiang Sun, Freek W. A. Verheugt & C. Michael Gibson (2012). "Rivaroxaban in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome". The New England journal of medicine. 366 (1): 919. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1112277. PMID 22077192. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link) .mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}
-  Alexander T. Cohen, Theodore E. Spiro, Harry R. Buller, Lloyd Haskell, Dayi Hu, Russell Hull, Alexandre Mebazaa, Geno Merli, Sebastian Schellong, Alex C. Spyropoulos & Victor Tapson (2013). "Rivaroxaban for thromboprophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients". The New England journal of medicine. 368 (6): 513523. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1111096. PMID 23388003. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link)