Rivaroxaban Accord

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  ANNEX I 
 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT  
  
Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg film-coated tablets 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 2.5 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
Excipient with known effect  
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 27.90 mg lactose (as monohydrate), see section 4.4. 
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Film-coated tablet (tablet) 
 
Light yellow coloured, round, biconvex, approximately 6.00 mm in diameter, film coated tablets 
debossed with “IL4” on one side and plain on other side. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS  
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord, co-administered with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) alone or with ASA plus 
ticlopidine, is indicated for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adult patients after an acute 
coronary syndrome (ACS) with elevated cardiac biomarkers (see sections 4.3, 4.4 and 5.1). 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord, co-administered with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is indicated for the prevention 
of atherothrombotic events in adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or symptomatic 
peripheral artery disease (PAD) at high risk of ischaemic events. 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Posology  
 
The recommended dose is 2.5 mg twice daily. 
 
• ACS  

 
Patients taking Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg twice daily should also take a daily dose of 75-100 mg 
ASA or a daily dose of 75-100 mg ASA in addition to standard daily dose of ticlopidine. 
 
Treatment should be regularly evaluated in the individual patient weighing the risk for ischaemic 
events against the bleeding risks. Extension of treatment beyond 12 months should be done on an 
individual patient basis as experience up to 24 months is limited (see section 5.1). 
 
Treatment with rivaroxaban should be started as soon as possible after stabilisation of the ACS event 
(including revascularisation procedures); at the earliest 24 hours after admission to hospital and at the 
time when parenteral anticoagulation therapy would normally be discontinued. 
 
• CAD/PAD 

 



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Patients taking Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg twice daily should also take a daily dose of 75-100 mg 
ASA.  
 
Duration of treatment should be determined for each individual patient based on regular evaluations 
and should consider the risk for thrombotic events versus the bleeding risks.  
 
In patients with an acute thrombotic event or vascular procedure and a need for dual antiplatelet 
therapy, the continuation of Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg twice daily should be evaluated depending on 
the type of event or procedure and antiplatelet regimen. Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban 2.5 mg 
twice daily in combination with ASA plus ticlopidine has only been studied in patients with recent 
ACS (see section 4.1). Dual antiplatelet therapy has not been studied in combination with Rivaroxaban 
Accord 2.5 mg twice daily in patients with CAD/PAD (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).  
 
If a dose is missed the patient should continue with the regular dose as recommended at the next 
scheduled time. The dose should not be doubled to make up for a missed dose. 
 
Converting from Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) to rivaroxaban 
When converting patients from VKAs to rivaroxaban, International Normalised Ratio (INR) values 
could be falsely elevated after the intake of rivaroxaban. The INR is not valid to measure the 
anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban, and therefore should not be used (see section 4.5). 
 
Converting from rivaroxaban to Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) 
There is a potential for inadequate anticoagulation during the transition from rivaroxaban to VKA. 
Continuous adequate anticoagulation should be ensured during any transition to an alternate 
anticoagulant. It should be noted that rivaroxaban can contribute to an elevated INR. 
In patients converting from rivaroxaban to VKA, VKA should be given concurrently until the INR is 
≥ 2.0. 
For the first two days of the conversion period, standard initial dosing of VKA should be used 
followed by VKA dosing, as guided by INR testing. While patients are on both rivaroxaban and VKA 
the INR should not be tested earlier than 24 hours after the previous dose but prior to the next dose of 
rivaroxaban. Once Rivaroxaban Accord is discontinued INR testing may be done reliably at least 
24 hours after the last dose (see sections 4.5 and 5.2). 
 
Converting from parenteral anticoagulants to rivaroxaban 
For patients currently receiving a parenteral anticoagulant, discontinue the parenteral anticoagulant 
and start rivaroxaban 0 to 2 hours before the time that the next scheduled administration of the 
parenteral medicinal product (e.g. low molecular weight heparins) would be due or at the time of 
discontinuation of a continuously administered parenteral medicinal product (e.g. intravenous 
unfractionated heparin). 
 
Converting from rivaroxaban to parenteral anticoagulants 
Give the first dose of parenteral anticoagulant at the time the next rivaroxaban dose would be taken. 
 
Special populations 
 
Renal impairment 
Limited clinical data for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min) 
indicate that rivaroxaban plasma concentrations are significantly increased. Therefore, Rivaroxaban 
Accord is to be used with caution in these patients. Use is not recommended in patients with creatinine 
clearance < 15 ml/min (see sections 4.4 and 5.2). 
No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 
50-80 ml/min) or moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) (see section 5.2). 
 



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Hepatic impairment 
Rivaroxaban Accord is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy 
and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C (see 
sections 4.3 and 5.2). 
 
Elderly population 
No dose adjustment (see sections 4.4 and 5.2). 
The risk of bleeding increases with increasing age (see section 4.4). 
 
Body weight 
No dose adjustment (see sections 4.4 and 5.2). 
 
Gender 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2). 
 
Paediatric population 
The safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in children aged 0 to 18 years have not been established. No 
data are available. Therefore, Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended for use in children below 
18 years of age. 
 
Method of administration 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord is for oral use. 
The tablets are to be taken with or without food (see sections 4.5 and 5.2). 
 
For patients who are unable to swallow whole tablets, Rivaroxaban Accord tablet may be crushed and 
mixed with water or apple puree immediately prior to use and administered orally.  
The crushed Rivaroxaban Accord tablet may also be given through gastric tubes after confirmation of 
the correct gastric placement of the tube. The crushed tablet should be administered in a small amount 
of water via a gastric tube after which it should be flushed with water (see section 5.2 and 6.6). 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 
 
Active clinically significant bleeding. 
 
Lesion or condition, if considered to be a significant risk for major bleeding. This may include current 
or recent gastrointestinal ulceration, presence of malignant neoplasms at high risk of bleeding, recent 
brain or spinal injury, recent brain, spinal or ophthalmic surgery, recent intracranial haemorrhage, 
known or suspected oesophageal varices, arteriovenous malformations, vascular aneurysms or major 
intraspinal or intracerebral vascular abnormalities. 
 
Concomitant treatment with any other anticoagulants, e.g. unfractionated heparin (UFH), low 
molecular weight heparins (enoxaparin, dalteparin, etc.), heparin derivatives (fondaparinux, etc.), oral 
anticoagulants (warfarin, dabigatran etexilate, apixaban, etc.) except under specific circumstances of 
switching anticoagulant therapy (see section 4.2) or when UFH is given at doses necessary to maintain 
an open central venous or arterial catheter (see section 4.5). 
 
Concomitant treatment of ACS with antiplatelet therapy in patients with a prior stroke or a transient 
ischaemic attack (TIA) (see section 4.4). 
 
Concomitant treatment of CAD/PAD with ASA in patients with previous haemorrhagic or lacunar 
stroke, or any stroke within a month (see section 4.4).  
 
Hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic 
patients with Child Pugh B and C (see section 5.2). 



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Pregnancy and breast-feeding (see section 4.6). 
 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
In ACS patients, efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban 2.5 mg have been investigated in combination 
with the antiplatelet agents ASA alone or ASA plus clopidogrel/ticlopidine. Treatment in combination 
with other antiplatelet agents, e.g. prasugrel or ticagrelor, has not been studied and is not 
recommended. In patients at high risk of ischaemic events with CAD/PAD, efficacy and safety of 
rivaroxaban 2.5 mg have only been investigated in combination with ASA. 
 
Clinical surveillance in line with anticoagulation practice is recommended throughout the treatment 
period. 
 
Haemorrhagic risk 
 
As with other anticoagulants, patients taking Rivaroxaban Accord are to be carefully observed for 
signs of bleeding. It is recommended to be used with caution in conditions with increased risk of 
haemorrhage. Rivaroxaban Accord administration should be discontinued if severe haemorrhage 
occurs (see section 4.9). 
 
In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, gastrointestinal, genito urinary 
including abnormal vaginal or increased menstrual bleeding) and anaemia were seen more frequently 
during long term rivaroxaban treatment on top of single or dual anti-platelet therapy. Thus, in addition 
to adequate clinical surveillance, laboratory testing of haemoglobin/haematocrit could be of value to 
detect occult bleeding and quantify the clinical relevance of overt bleeding, as judged to be 
appropriate. 
 
Several sub-groups of patients, as detailed below, are at increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, the use 
of rivaroxaban in combination with dual antiplatelet therapy in patients at known increased risk for 
bleeding should be balanced against the benefit in terms of prevention of atherothrombotic events. In 
addition these patients are to be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding complications 
and anaemia after initiation of treatment (see section 4.8).  
Any unexplained fall in haemoglobin or blood pressure should lead to a search for a bleeding site. 
 
Although treatment with rivaroxaban does not require routine monitoring of exposure, rivaroxaban 
levels measured with a calibrated quantitative anti-factor Xa assay may be useful in exceptional 
situations where knowledge of rivaroxaban exposure may help to inform clinical decisions, e.g. 
overdose and emergency surgery (see sections 5.1 and 5.2). 
 
Renal impairment 
 
In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) rivaroxaban plasma levels 
may be significantly increased (1.6-fold on average) which may lead to an increased bleeding risk. 
Rivaroxaban Accord is to be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min. Use 
is not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). 
In patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) concomitantly 
receiving other medicinal products which increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations rivaroxaban is 
to be used with caution (see section 4.5). 
 
Interaction with other medicinal products 
 
The use of Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended in patients receiving concomitant systemic 
treatment with azole-antimycotics (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and 
posaconazole) or HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir). These active substances are strong inhibitors 
of both CYP3A4 and P-gp and therefore may increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations to a 



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clinically relevant degree (2.6-fold on average) which may lead to an increased bleeding risk (see 
section 4.5). 
 
Care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with medicinal products affecting haemostasis 
such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicinal products (NSAIDs), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and 
platelet aggregation inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin 
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). For patients at risk of ulcerative gastrointestinal disease 
an appropriate prophylactic treatment may be considered (see section 4.5). 
Patients on treatment with rivaroxaban and ASA or rivaroxaban and ASA plus clopidogrel/ticlopidine 
should only receive concomitant treatment with NSAIDs if the benefit outweighs the bleeding risk. 
 
Other haemorrhagic risk factors 
 
As with other antithrombotics, rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients with an increased bleeding 
risk such as: 
• congenital or acquired bleeding disorders 
• uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension 
• other gastrointestinal disease without active ulceration that can potentially lead to bleeding 

complications (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, oesophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal 
reflux disease) 

• vascular retinopathy 
• bronchiectasis or history of pulmonary bleeding 
 
It should be used with caution in ACS and CAD/PAD patients: 
• ≥ 75 years of age if co-administered with ASA alone or with ASA plus clopidogrel or 

ticlopidine. The benefit-risk of the treatment should be individually assessed on a regular basis.  
• with lower body weight (< 60 kg) if co-administered with ASA alone or with ASA plus 

clopidogrel or ticlopidine. 
• CAD patients with severe symptomatic heart failure. Study data indicate that such patients may 

benefit less from treatment with rivaroxaban (see section 5.1). 
 
Patients with prosthetic valves 
 
Rivaroxaban should not be used for thromboprophylaxis in patients having recently undergone 
transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been 
studied in patients with prosthetic heart valves; therefore, there are no data to support that rivaroxaban 
provides adequate anticoagulation in this patient population. Treatment with Rivaroxaban Accord is 
not recommended for these patients. 
Patients with prior stroke or TIA 
 
Patients with ACS  
Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg is contraindicated for the treatment of ACS in patients with a prior stroke or TIA 
(see section 4.3). Few ACS patients with a prior stroke or TIA have been studied but the limited 
efficacy data available indicate that these patients do not benefit from treatment. 
 
Patients with CAD/PAD  
CAD/PAD patients with previous haemorrhagic or lacunar stroke, or an ischaemic, non-lacunar stroke 
with in the previous month were not studied (see section 4.3).  
 
Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome  
 
Direct acting Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) including rivaroxaban are not recommended for patients 
with a history of thrombosis who are diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome. In particular for 
patients that are triple positive (for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and 
anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I antibodies), treatment with DOACs could be associated with increased rates 
of recurrent thrombotic events compared with vitamin K antagonist therapy. 
 



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Spinal/epidural anaesthesia or puncture 
 
When neuraxial anaesthesia (spinal/epidural anaesthesia) or spinal/epidural puncture is employed, 
patients treated with antithrombotic agents for prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk 
of developing an epidural or spinal haematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis. 
The risk of these events may be increased by the post-operative use of indwelling epidural catheters or 
the concomitant use of medicinal products affecting haemostasis. The risk may also be increased by 
traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture. Patients are to be frequently monitored for signs and 
symptoms of neurological impairment (e.g. numbness or weakness of the legs, bowel or bladder 
dysfunction). If neurological compromise is noted, urgent diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Prior 
to neuraxial intervention the physician should consider the potential benefit versus the risk in 
anticoagulated patients or in patients to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis. There is no clinical 
experience with the use of 2.5 mg with ASA alone or with ASA plus clopidogrel or ticlopidine in 
these situations. 
To reduce the potential risk of bleeding associated with the concurrent use of rivaroxaban and 
neuraxial (epidural/spinal) anaesthesia or spinal puncture, consider the pharmacokinetic profile of 
rivaroxaban. Placement or removal of an epidural catheter or lumbar puncture is best performed when 
the anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban is estimated to be low (see section 5.2). However, the exact 
timing to reach a sufficiently low anticoagulant effect in each patient is not known. 
Platelet aggregation inhibitors should be discontinued as suggested by the manufacturer’s prescribing 
information. 
 
Dosing recommendations before and after invasive procedures and surgical intervention 
 
If an invasive procedure or surgical intervention is required, Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg should be 
stopped at least 12 hours before the intervention, if possible and based on the clinical judgement of the 
physician. If a patient is to undergo elective surgery and anti-platelet effect is not desired, platelet 
aggregation inhibitors should be discontinued as directed by the manufacturer’s prescribing 
information. 
If the procedure cannot be delayed the increased risk of bleeding should be assessed against the 
urgency of the intervention. 
Rivaroxaban Accord should be restarted as soon as possible after the invasive procedure or surgical 
intervention provided the clinical situation allows and adequate haemostasis has been established as 
determined by the treating physician (see section 5.2). 
 
Elderly population 
 
Increasing age may increase haemorrhagic risk (see sections 5.1 and 5.2). 
 
Dermatological reactions 
 
Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis and DRESS 
syndrome, have been reported during post-marketing surveillance in association with the use of 
rivaroxaban (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the 
course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first weeks of 
treatment. Rivaroxaban should be discontinued at the first appearance of a severe skin rash (e.g. 
spreading, intense and/or blistering), or any other sign of hypersensitivity in conjunction with mucosal 
lesions. 
 
Information about excipients 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, 
total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product. 
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 
“sodium-free”. 
 



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4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors 
 
Co-administration of rivaroxaban with ketoconazole (400 mg once a day) or ritonavir (600 mg twice a 
day) led to a 2.6-fold / 2.5-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.7-fold / 1.6-fold increase in 
mean rivaroxaban Cmax, with significant increases in pharmacodynamic effects which may lead to an 
increased bleeding risk. Therefore, the use of rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients receiving 
concomitant systemic treatment with azole-antimycotics such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, 
voriconazole and posaconazole or HIV protease inhibitors. These active substances are strong 
inhibitors of both CYP3A4 and P-gp (see section 4.4). 
 
Active substances strongly inhibiting only one of the rivaroxaban elimination pathways, either 
CYP3A4 or P-gp, are expected to increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations to a lesser extent. 
Clarithromycin (500 mg twice a day), for instance, considered as a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and 
moderate P-gp inhibitor, led to a 1.5-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.4-fold increase in 
Cmax. The interaction with clarithromycin is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be 
potentially significant in high-risk patients. (For patients with renal impairment: see section 4.4). 
 
Erythromycin (500 mg three times a day), which inhibits CYP3A4 and P-gp moderately, led to a 
1.3-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax. The interaction with erythromycin is likely not 
clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in high-risk patients. 
In subjects with mild renal impairment erythromycin (500 mg three times a day) led to a 1.8-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and 1.6-fold increase in Cmax when compared to subjects with 
normal renal function. In subjects with moderate renal impairment, erythromycin led to a 2.0-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and 1.6-fold increase in Cmax when compared to subjects with 
normal renal function. The effect of erythromycin is additive to that of renal impairment (see 
section 4.4). 
 
Fluconazole (400 mg once daily), considered as a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, led to a 1.4-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.3-fold increase in mean Cmax. The interaction with 
fluconazole is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in 
high-risk patients. (For patients with renal impairment: see section 4.4). 
 
Given the limited clinical data available with dronedarone, co-administration with rivaroxaban should 
be avoided. 
 
Anticoagulants 
 
After combined administration of enoxaparin (40 mg single dose) with rivaroxaban (10 mg single 
dose) an additive effect on anti-factor Xa activity was observed without any additional effects on 
clotting tests (PT, aPTT). Enoxaparin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban. 
Due to the increased bleeding risk care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with any 
other anticoagulants (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). 
 
NSAIDs/platelet aggregation inhibitors 
 
No clinically relevant prolongation of bleeding time was observed after concomitant administration of 
rivaroxaban (15 mg) and 500 mg naproxen. Nevertheless, there may be individuals with a more 
pronounced pharmacodynamic response. 
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when 
rivaroxaban was co-administered with 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid. 
Clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose followed by 75 mg maintenance dose) did not show a 
pharmacokinetic interaction with rivaroxaban (15 mg) but a relevant increase in bleeding time was 
observed in a subset of patients which was not correlated to platelet aggregation, P-selectin or 
GPIIb/IIIa receptor levels. 



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Care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with NSAIDs (including acetylsalicylic acid) 
and platelet aggregation inhibitors because these medicinal products typically increase the bleeding 
risk (see section 4.4). 
 
SSRIs/SNRIs 
 
As with other anticoagulants the possibility may exist that patients are at increased risk of bleeding in 
case of concomitant use with SSRIs or SNRIs due to their reported effect on platelets. When 
concomitantly used in the rivaroxaban clinical programme, numerically higher rates of major or 
non-major clinically relevant bleeding were observed in all treatment groups. 
 
Warfarin 
 
Converting patients from the vitamin K antagonist warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) to rivaroxaban (20 mg) or 
from rivaroxaban (20 mg) to warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) increased prothrombin time/INR (Neoplastin) 
more than additively (individual INR values up to 12 may be observed), whereas effects on aPTT, 
inhibition of factor Xa activity and endogenous thrombin potential were additive. 
If it is desired to test the pharmacodynamic effects of rivaroxaban during the conversion period, 
anti-factor Xa activity, PiCT, and Heptest can be used as these tests were not affected by warfarin. On 
the fourth day after the last dose of warfarin, all tests (including PT, aPTT, inhibition of factor Xa 
activity and ETP) reflected only the effect of rivaroxaban. 
If it is desired to test the pharmacodynamic effects of warfarin during the conversion period, INR 
measurement can be used at the Ctrough of rivaroxaban (24 hours after the previous intake of 
rivaroxaban) as this test is minimally affected by rivaroxaban at this time point. 
No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between warfarin and rivaroxaban. 
 
CYP3A4 inducers 
 
Co-administration of rivaroxaban with the strong CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin led to an approximate 
50 % decrease in mean rivaroxaban AUC, with parallel decreases in its pharmacodynamic effects. The 
concomitant use of rivaroxaban with other strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, 
phenobarbital or St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)) may also lead to reduced rivaroxaban 
plasma concentrations. Therefore, concomitant administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers should be 
avoided unless the patient is closely observed for signs and symptoms of thrombosis. 
 
Other concomitant therapies 
 
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when 
rivaroxaban was co-administered with midazolam (substrate of CYP3A4), digoxin (substrate of P-gp), 
atorvastatin (substrate of CYP3A4 and P-gp) or omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor). Rivaroxaban 
neither inhibits nor induces any major CYP isoforms like CYP3A4.  
No clinically relevant interaction with food was observed (see section 4.2). 
 
Laboratory parameters 
 
Clotting parameters (e.g. PT, aPTT, HepTest) are affected as expected by the mode of action of 
rivaroxaban (see section 5.1). 
 
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Pregnancy 
 
Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in pregnant women. Studies in animals 
have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Due to the potential reproductive toxicity, the 
intrinsic risk of bleeding and the evidence that rivaroxaban passes the placenta, rivaroxaban is 
contraindicated during pregnancy (see section 4.3). 
Women of child-bearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with rivaroxaban. 



10 

 
Breast-feeding 
 
Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in breast-feeding women. Data from 
animals indicate that rivaroxaban is secreted into milk. Therefore, rivaroxaban is contraindicated 
during breast-feeding (see section 4.3). A decision must be made whether to discontinue 
breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from therapy. 
 
Fertility 
 
No specific studies with rivaroxaban in humans have been conducted to evaluate effects on fertility. In 
a study on male and female fertility in rats no effects were seen (see section 5.3). 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Rivaroxaban has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Adverse reactions like 
syncope (frequency: uncommon) and dizziness (frequency: common) have been reported (see 
section 4.8). 
Patients experiencing these adverse reactions should not drive or use machines. 
 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
The safety of rivaroxaban has been evaluated in thirteen phase III studies including 53,103 patients 
exposed to rivaroxaban (see Table 1). 
 
Table 1: Number of patients studied, total daily dose and maximum treatment duration in 
phase III studies 
 
Indication  
 
 

Number of 
patients* 

Total daily dose Maximum 
treatment 
duration 

Prevention of venous thromboembolism 
(VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective 
hip or knee replacement surgery 

6,097 10 mg 39 days 

Prevention of VTE in medically ill patients 3,997 10 mg 39 days 
 

Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 
pulmonary embolism (PE) and prevention of 
recurrence 
 

6,790 Day 1-21: 30 mg 
Day 22 and onwards: 
20 mg 
After at least 6 months: 
10 mg or 20 mg 

21 months 

Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism 
in patients with non-valvular atrial 
fibrillation  

7,750  
 

20 mg  
 

41 months 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in 
patients after an ACS 
 

10,225 5 mg or 10 mg 
respectively, 
co-administered with 
either ASA or ASA 
plus clopidogrel or 
ticlopidine 

31 months 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in 
patients with CAD/PAD  

18,244  
 

5 mg co-administered 
with ASA or 10 mg 
alone  

47 months  
 

*Patients exposed to at least one dose of rivaroxaban 
 



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The most commonly reported adverse reactions in patients receiving rivaroxaban were bleedings (see 
section 4.4. and ‘Description of selected adverse reactions’ below) (Table 2). The most commonly 
reported bleedings were epistaxis (4.5 %) and gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage (3.8 %). 
 
Table 2: Bleeding* and anaemia events rates in patients exposed to rivaroxaban across the 
completed phase III studies 
 
Indication Any bleeding Anaemia 
Prevention of venous  
Thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients 
undergoing elective hip or knee replacement surgery 

6.8 % of patients 5.9 % of patients 

Prevention of venous thromboembolism in 
medically ill patients 

12.6 % of patients 2.1 % of patients 

Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of 
recurrence 

23 % of patients 1.6 % of patients 

Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in 
patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation 

28 per 100 patient 
years 

2.5 per 100 patient 
years 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients 
after an ACS 

22 per 100 patient 
years 

1.4 per 100 patient 
years 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients 
with CAD/PAD  

6.7 per 100 patient 
years  

0.15 per 100 patient 
years**  

* For all rivaroxaban studies all bleeding events are collected, reported and adjudicated.  
** In the COMPASS study, there is a low anaemia incidence as a selective approach to adverse event 
collection was applied  
 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
 
The frequencies of adverse reactions reported with rivaroxaban are summarised in table 3 below by 
system organ class (in MedDRA) and by frequency. 
 
Frequencies are defined as:  
very common (≥ 1/10) 
common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) 
uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100)  
rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000) 
very rare ( < 1/10,000)  
not known (cannot be estimated from the available data) 
 
Table 3: All adverse reactions reported in patients in phase III clinical trials or through post 
marketing use* 
 
Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
Blood and lymphatic system disorders 
Anaemia (incl. 
respective laboratory 
parameters) 

Thrombocytosis 
(incl. platelet 
count increased)A, 
Thrombocytopenia 

   

Immune system disorders 
 Allergic reaction, 

dermatitis allergic, 
Angioedema and 
allergic oedema 

 Anaphylactic 
reactions 
including 
anaphylactic 
shock 

 

Nervous system disorders 
Dizziness, headache  Cerebral and 

intracranial 
haemorrhage, 
syncope 

   



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Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
Eye disorders 
Eye haemorrhage (incl. 
conjunctival 
haemorrhage) 

    

Cardiac disorders 
 Tachycardia    
Vascular disorders 
Hypotension, 
haematoma 

    

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders 
Epistaxis, haemoptysis     
Gastrointestinal disorders 
Gingival bleeding, 
gastrointestinal tract 
haemorrhage (incl. rectal 
haemorrhage), 
gastrointestinal and 
abdominal pains, 
dyspepsia, nausea, 
constipationA, diarrhoea, 
vomitingA 

Dry mouth    

Hepatobiliary disorders 
Increase in 
transaminases 

Hepatic 
impairment, 
Increased 
bilirubin, 
increased blood 
alkaline 
phosphataseA, 
increased GGTA 

Jaundice, 
Bilirubin 
conjugated 
increased (with 
or without 
concomitant 
increase of ALT), 
Cholestasis, 
Hepatitis (incl. 
hepatocellular 
injury) 

  

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders 
Pruritus (incl. 
uncommon cases of 
generalised pruritus), 
rash, ecchymosis, 
cutaneous and 
subcutaneous 
haemorrhage 

Urticaria  Stevens-Johnson 
syndrome/ 
Toxic 
Epidermal 
Necrolysis , 
DRESS 
syndrome 

 

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders 
Pain in extremityA  Haemarthrosis  Muscle 

haemorrhage  
 Compartment 

syndrome 
secondary to a 
bleeding 

Renal and urinary disorders 
Urogenital tract 
haemorrhage (incl. 
haematuria and 
menorrhagiaB), renal 
impairment (incl. blood 
creatinine increased, 
blood urea increased) 

   Renal 
failure/acute 
renal failure 
secondary to a 
bleeding 
sufficient to 
cause 
hypoperfusion 



13 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
General disorders and administration site conditions 
FeverA, peripheral 
oedema, decreased 
general strength and 
energy (incl. fatigue and 
asthenia) 

Feeling unwell 
(incl. malaise) 

Localised 
oedemaA 

  

Investigations 
 Increased LDHA, 

increased lipaseA, 
increased 
amylaseA 

   

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications 
Postprocedural 
haemorrhage (incl. 
postoperative anaemia, 
and wound 
haemorrhage), 
contusion, wound 
secretionA 

 Vascular 
pseudoaneurysmC 

  

A: observed in prevention of VTE in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement 
surgery 
B: observed in treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence as very common in women 
< 55 years 
C: observed as uncommon in prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients after an ACS 
(following percutaneous coronary intervention) 
* A pre-specified selective approach to adverse event collection was applied. As incidence of 
adverse reactions did not increase and no new adverse reaction was identified, COMPASS study 
data were not included for frequency calculation in this table.  

 
Description of selected adverse reactions 
 
Due to the pharmacological mode of action, the use of rivaroxaban may be associated with an 
increased risk of occult or overt bleeding from any tissue or organ which may result in post 
haemorrhagic anaemia. The signs, symptoms, and severity (including fatal outcome) will vary 
according to the location and degree or extent of the bleeding and/or anaemia (see section 4.9 
“Management of bleeding”). In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, 
gastrointestinal, genito urinary including abnormal vaginal or increased menstrual bleeding) and 
anaemia were seen more frequently during long term rivaroxaban treatment compared with VKA 
treatment. Thus, in addition to adequate clinical surveillance, laboratory testing of 
haemoglobin/haematocrit could be of value to detect occult bleeding and quantify the clinical 
relevance of overt bleeding, as judged to be appropriate. The risk of bleedings may be increased in 
certain patient groups, e.g. those patients with uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension and/or on 
concomitant treatment affecting haemostasis (see section 4.4 “Haemorrhagic risk”). Menstrual 
bleeding may be intensified and/or prolonged. Haemorrhagic complications may present as weakness, 
paleness, dizziness, headache or unexplained swelling, dyspnoea and unexplained shock. In some 
cases as a consequence of anaemia, symptoms of cardiac ischaemia like chest pain or angina pectoris 
have been observed. 
Known complications secondary to severe bleeding such as compartment syndrome and renal failure 
due to hypoperfusion have been reported for rivaroxaban. Therefore, the possibility of haemorrhage is 
to be considered in evaluating the condition in any anticoagulated patient. 
 
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 



14 

professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
Rare cases of overdose up to 600 mg have been reported without bleeding complications or other 
adverse reactions. Due to limited absorption a ceiling effect with no further increase in average plasma 
exposure is expected at supratherapeutic doses of 50 mg rivaroxaban or above. 
A specific reversal agent (andexanet alfa) antagonising the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban is 
available (refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics of andexanet alfa).  
The use of activated charcoal to reduce absorption in case of rivaroxaban overdose may be considered.  
 
Management of bleeding 
 
Should a bleeding complication arise in a patient receiving rivaroxaban, the next rivaroxaban 
administration should be delayed or treatment should be discontinued as appropriate. Rivaroxaban has 
a half-life of approximately 5 to 13 hours (see section 5.2). Management should be individualised 
according to the severity and location of the haemorrhage. Appropriate symptomatic treatment could 
be used as needed, such as mechanical compression (e.g. for severe epistaxis), surgical haemostasis 
with bleeding control procedures, fluid replacement and haemodynamic support, blood products 
(packed red cells or fresh frozen plasma, depending on associated anaemia or coagulopathy) or 
platelets. 
If bleeding cannot be controlled by the above measures, either the administration of a specific factor 
Xa inhibitor reversal agent (andexanet alfa), which antagonises the pharmacodynamic effect of 
rivaroxaban, or a specific procoagulant reversal agent, such as prothrombin complex concentrate 
(PCC), activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) or recombinant factor VIIa (r-FVIIa), 
should be considered.  However, there is currently very limited clinical experience with the use of 
these medicinal products in individuals receiving rivaroxaban. The recommendation is also based on 
limited non-clinical data. Re-dosing of recombinant factor VIIa shall be considered and titrated 
depending on improvement of bleeding. 
Depending on local availability, a consultation with a coagulation expert should be considered in case 
of major bleedings (see section 5.1). 
 
Protamine sulphate and vitamin K are not expected to affect the anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban. 
There is limited experience with tranexamic acid and no experience with aminocaproic acid and 
aprotinin in individuals receiving rivaroxaban. There is neither scientific rationale for benefit nor 
experience with the use of the systemic haemostatic desmopressin in individuals receiving 
rivaroxaban. Due to the high plasma protein binding rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialysable. 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antithrombotic agents, direct factor Xa inhibitors, ATC code: B01AF01 
 
Mechanism of action 
 
Rivaroxaban is a highly selective direct factor Xa inhibitor with oral bioavailability. Inhibition of 
factor Xa interrupts the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade, inhibiting 
both thrombin formation and development of thrombi. Rivaroxaban does not inhibit thrombin 
(activated factor II) and no effects on platelets have been demonstrated. 
 
Pharmacodynamic effects 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


15 

Dose-dependent inhibition of factor Xa activity was observed in humans. Prothrombin time (PT) is 
influenced by rivaroxaban in a dose dependent way with a close correlation to plasma concentrations 
(r value equals 0.98) if Neoplastin is used for the assay. Other reagents would provide different results. 
The readout for PT is to be done in seconds, because the INR is only calibrated and validated for 
coumarins and cannot be used for any other anticoagulant. 
In a clinical pharmacology study on the reversal of rivaroxaban pharmacodynamics in healthy adult 
subjects (n=22), the effects of single doses (50 IU/kg) of two different types of PCCs, a 3-factor PCC 
(Factors II, IX and X) and a 4-factor PCC (Factors II, VII, IX and X) were assessed. The 3-factor PCC 
reduced mean Neoplastin PT values by approximately 1.0 second within 30 minutes, compared to 
reductions of approximately 3.5 seconds observed with the 4-factor PCC. In contrast, the 3-factor PCC 
had a greater and more rapid overall effect on reversing changes in endogenous thrombin generation 
than the 4-factor PCC (see section 4.9). 
The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and HepTest are also prolonged dose-dependently; 
however, they are not recommended to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban. There is no 
need for monitoring of coagulation parameters during treatment with rivaroxaban in clinical routine. 
However, if clinically indicated rivaroxaban levels can be measured by calibrated quantitative 
anti-factor Xa tests (see section 5.2). 
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
 
ACS  
The rivaroxaban clinical programme was designed to demonstrate the efficacy of rivaroxaban for the 
prevention of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke in subjects with a recent 
ACS (ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI], non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction 
[NSTEMI] or unstable angina [UA]). In the pivotal double-blind ATLAS ACS 2 TIMI 51 study, 
15,526 patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 fashion to one of three treatment groups: 
rivaroxaban 2.5 mg orally twice daily, 5 mg orally twice daily or to placebo twice daily 
co-administered with ASA alone or with ASA plus a thienopyridine (clopidogrel or ticlopidine). 
Patients with an ACS under the age of 55 had to have either diabetes mellitus or a previous MI. The 
median time on treatment was 13 months and overall treatment duration was up to almost 3 years. 
93.2% of patients received ASA concomitantly plus thienopyridine treatment and 6.8% ASA only. 
Among patients receiving dual antiplatelets therapy 98.8% received clopidogrel, 0.9% received 
ticlopidine and 0.3% received prasugrel. Patients received the first dose of rivaroxaban at a minimum 
of 24 hours and up to 7 days (mean 4.7 days) after admission to the hospital, but as soon as possible 
after stabilisation of the ACS event, including revascularisation procedures and when parenteral 
anticoagulation therapy would normally be discontinued. 
Both the 2.5 mg twice daily and the 5 mg twice daily regimens of rivaroxaban were effective in further 
reducing the incidence of CV events on a background of standard antiplatelet care. The 2.5 mg twice 
daily regimen reduced mortality, and there is evidence that the lower dose had lower bleeding risks, 
therefore rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily co-administered with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) alone or 
with ASA plus clopidogrel or ticlopidine is recommended for the prevention of atherothrombotic 
events in adult patients after an ACS with elevated cardiac biomarkers. 
Relative to placebo, rivaroxaban significantly reduced the primary composite endpoint of CV death, 
MI or stroke. The benefit was driven by a reduction in CV death and MI and appeared early with a 
constant treatment effect over the entire treatment period (see Table 4 and Figure 1). Also, the first 
secondary endpoint (all-cause death, MI or stroke) was reduced significantly. An additional 
retrospective analysis showed a nominally significant reduction in the incidence rates of stent 
thrombosis compared with placebo (see Table 4). The incidence rates for the principal safety outcome 
(non-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) TIMI major bleeding events) were higher in patients 
treated with rivaroxaban than in patients who received placebo (see Table 6). However, the incidence 
rates were balanced between rivaroxaban and placebo for the components of fatal bleeding events, 
hypotension requiring treatment with intravenous inotropic agents and surgical intervention for 
ongoing bleeding. 
In Table 5 the efficacy results of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are 
presented. The safety results in this subgroup of patients undergoing PCI were comparable to the 
overall safety results. 



16 

Patients with elevated biomarkers (troponin or CK-MB) and without a prior stroke/TIA constituted 
80 % of the study population. The results of this patient population were also consistent with the 
overall efficacy and safety results. 
 
Table 4: Efficacy results from phase III ATLAS ACS 2 TIMI 51 
Study population Patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome a) 

Treatment dose Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg, twice daily, 
N=5,114 n (%) 
Hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) p-value b) 

Placebo 
N=5,113  
n (%) 

Cardiovascular death, MI or stroke 313 (6.1%) 
0.84 (0.72, 0.97) p = 0.020* 

376 (7.4%) 

All-cause death, MI or stroke 320 (6.3%) 
0.83 (0.72, 0.97) p = 0.016* 

386 (7.5%) 

Cardiovascular death 94 (1.8%) 
0.66 (0.51, 0.86) p = 0.002** 

143 (2.8%) 

All-cause death 103 (2.0%) 
0.68 (0.53, 0.87) p = 0.002** 

153 (3.0%) 

MI 205 (4.0%) 
0.90 (0.75, 1.09) p = 0.270 

229 (4.5%) 

Stroke 46 (0.9%) 
1.13 (0.74, 1.73) p = 0.562 

41 (0.8%) 

Stent thrombosis 61 (1.2%) 
0.70 (0.51, 0.97) p = 0.033** 

87 (1.7%) 

a) modified intent to treat analysis set (intent to treat total analysis set for stent thrombosis) 
b) vs. placebo; Log-Rank p-value 
* statistically superior 
** nominally significant 
 
Table 5: Efficacy results from phase III ATLAS ACS 2 TIMI 51 in patients undergoing PCI 
Study population Patients with recent acute coronary syndrome undergoing 

PCI a) 
Treatment dose Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg, twice daily, 

N=3114 n (%) 
HR (95% CI) p-value b) 

Placebo 
N=3096 
 n (%) 

Cardiovascular death, MI or stroke 153 (4.9%) 
0.94 (0.75, 1.17) p = 0.572 

165 (5.3%) 

Cardiovascular death 24 (0.8%) 
0.54 (0.33, 0.89) p = 0.013** 

45 (1.5%) 

All-cause death 31 (1.0%) 
0.64 (0.41, 1.01) p = 0.053 

49 (1.6%) 

MI 115 (3.7%) 
1.03 (0.79, 1.33) p = 0.829 

113 (3.6%) 

Stroke 27 (0.9%) 
1.30 (0.74, 2.31) p = 0.360 

21 (0.7%) 

Stent thrombosis 47 (1.5%) 
0.66 (0.46, 0.95) p = 0.026** 

71 (2.3%) 

a) modified intent to treat analysis set (intent to treat total analysis set for stent thrombosis) 
b) vs. placebo; Log-Rank p-value 
** nominally significant 
 



17 

Table 6: Safety results from phase III ATLAS ACS 2 TIMI 51 
 
Study population Patients with recent acute coronary syndrome a) 
Treatment dose Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg, twice 

daily, N=5,115 n (%) 
HR (95% CI) p-value b) 

Placebo 
N=5,125 n (%) 

Non-CABG TIMI major 
bleeding event 

65 (1.3%) 
3.46 (2.08, 5.77) p = < 0.001* 

19 (0.4%) 

Fatal bleeding event 6 (0.1%) 
0.67 (0.24, 1.89) p = 0.450 

9 (0.2%) 

Symptomatic intracranial 
haemorrhage 

14 (0.3%) 
2.83 (1.02, 7.86) p = 0.037 

5 (0.1%) 

Hypotension requiring treatment 
with intravenous inotropic agents 

3 (0.1%) 3 (0.1%) 

Surgical intervention for 
ongoing bleeding 

7 (0.1%) 9 (0.2%) 

Transfusion of 4 or more units 
of blood over a 48 hour period 

19 (0.4%) 6 (0.1%) 

  
a) safety population, on treatment b) vs. placebo; Log-Rank p-value 
* statistically significant 
 
Figure 1: Time to first occurrence of primary efficacy endpoint (CV death, MI or stroke) 

 
 
CAD/PAD  
 
The phase III COMPASS study (27,395 patients, 78.0% male, 22.0% female) demonstrated the 
efficacy and safety of Rivaroxaban for the prevention of a composite of CV death, MI, stroke in 
patients with CAD or symptomatic PAD at high risk of ischaemic events. Patients were followed for a 
median of 23 months and maximum of 3.9 years.  
 
Subjects without a continuous need for treatment with a proton pump inhibitor were randomised to 
pantoprazole or placebo. All patients were then randomised 1:1:1 to rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice 
daily/ASA 100 mg once daily, to rivaroxaban 5 mg twice daily, or ASA 100 mg once daily alone, and 
their matching placebos.  
 



18 

CAD patients had multivessel CAD and/or prior MI. For patients < 65 years of age atherosclerosis 
involving at least two vascular beds or at least two additional cardiovascular risk factors were 
required.  
 
PAD patients had previous interventions such as bypass surgery or percutaneous transluminal 
angioplasty or limb or foot amputation for arterial vascular disease or intermittent claudication with 
ankle/arm blood pressure ratio < 0.90 and/ or significant peripheral artery stenosis or previous carotid 
revascularization or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis ≥ 50%.  
 
Exclusion criteria included the need for dual antiplatelet or other non-ASA antiplatelet or oral 
anticoagulant therapy and patients with high bleeding risk, or heart failure with ejection fraction 
< 30% or New York Heart Association class III or IV, or any ischaemic, non lacunar stroke within 
1 month or any history of haemorrhagic or lacunar stroke.  
 
Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily in combination with ASA 100 mg once daily was superior to ASA 
100 mg, in the reduction of the primary composite outcome of CV death, MI, stroke (see Table 7 and 
Figure 2).  
 
There was a significant increase of the primary safety outcome (modified ISTH major bleeding events) 
in patients treated with rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily in combination with ASA 100 mg once daily 
compared to patients who received ASA 100 mg (see Table 8).  
For the primary efficacy outcome, the observed benefit of rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily plus ASA 
100 mg once daily compared with ASA 100 mg once daily was HR=0.89 (95% CI 0.7-1.1) in patients 
≥ 75 years (incidence: 6.3% vs 7.0%) and HR=0.70 (95% CI 0.6-0.8) in patients <75 years (3.6% vs 
5.0%). For modified ISTH major bleeding, the observed risk increase was HR=2.12 (95% CI 1.5-3.0) 
in patients ≥75 years (5.2% vs 2.5%) and HR=1.53 (95% CI 1.2--1.9) in patients <75 years (2.6% vs 
1.7%). 
 
The use of pantoprazole 40 mg once daily in addition to antithrombotic study medication in patients 
with no clinical need for a proton pump inhibitor showed no benefit in the prevention of upper 
gastrointestinal events (i.e. composite of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, upper gastrointestinal 
ulceration, or upper gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation); the incidence rate of upper 
gastrointestinal events was 0.39/100 patient-years in the pantoprazole 40 mg once daily group and 
0.44/100 patient-years in the placebo once daily group. 
 
Table 7: Efficacy results from phase III COMPASS 
 
Study 
population  

Patients with CAD/PAD a)  
 

Treatment dose  
 

Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg 
bid in combination 
with ASA 100 mg od  
N=9152  

ASA 100 mg od  
 
 
N=9126  

 

 Patients 
with 
events  

KM %  
 

Patients 
with 
events  

KM %  
 

HR (95% 
CI)  

p-value b)  

 
Stroke, MI or CV 
death  

379 (4.1%)  
 

5.20%  
 

496 (5.4%)  
 

7.17%  
 

0.76 
(0.66;0.86)  

p = 0.00004*  
 

- Stroke  83 (0.9%)  
 

1.17%  
 

142 (1.6%)  
 

2.23%  
 

0.58 
(0.44;0.76)  

p = 0.00006  
 

- MI  178 (1.9%)  
 

2.46%  
 

205 (2.2%)  
 

2.94%  
 

0.86 
(0.70;1.05)  

p = 0.14458  
 

- CV death  160 (1.7%)  
 

2.19%  
 

203 (2.2%)  
 

2.88%  
 

0.78 
(0.64;0.96)  

p = 0.02053  
 

 
All-cause 313 (3.4%)  4.50%  378 (4.1%)  5.57%  0.82  



19 

mortality      (0.71;0.96)  
Acute limb 
ischaemia  

22 (0.2%)  
 

0.27%  
 

40 (0.4%)  
 

0.60%  
 

0.55 
(0.32;0.92)  

 

a) intention to treat analysis set, primary analyses  
b) vs. ASA 100 mg; Log-Rank p-value  
* The reduction in the primary efficacy outcome was statistically superior.  
bid: twice daily; CI: confidence interval; KM %: Kaplan-Meier estimates of cumulative incidence risk 
calculated at 900 days; CV: cardiovascular; MI: myocardial infarction; od: once daily  
 
Table 8: Safety results from phase III COMPASS 
Study population  Patients with CAD/PAD a) 
Treatment dose  Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg 

bid in combination 
with ASA 100 mg od, 

N=9152  
n (Cum. risk %) 

ASA 100 mg od  
 
 

N=9126  
n (Cum.risk %)  

Hazard Ratio  
(95 % CI)  

 
p-value b)  

 
Modified ISTH major bleeding  
 

288 (3.9%)  
 

170 (2.5%)  
 

1.70 (1.40;2.05)  
p < 0.00001  

- Fatal bleeding event  
 

15 (0.2%)  
 

10 (0.2%)  
 

1.49 (0.67;3.33)  
p = 0.32164  

- Symptomatic bleeding in 
critical organ (non-fatal)  

63 (0.9%)  
 

49 (0.7%)  
 

1.28 (0.88;1.86)  
p = 0.19679  

- Bleeding into the surgical 
site requiring reoperation 
(non-fatal, not in critical 
organ)  

10 (0.1%)  
 

8 (0.1%)  
 

1.24 (0.49;3.14)  
p = 0.65119  
 

- Bleeding leading to 
hospitalisation (non-fatal, not 
in critical organ, not requiring 
reoperation)  

208 (2.9%)  
 

109 (1.6%)  
 

1.91 (1.51;2.41)  
p < 0.00001  
 

- With overnight stay  172 (2.3%)  
 

90 (1.3%)  
 

1.91 (1.48;2.46)  
p < 0.00001  

- Without overnight stay  36 (0.5%)  
 

21 (0.3%)  
 

1.70 (0.99;2.92)  
p = 0.04983  

Major gastrointestinal bleeding  
 

140 (2.0%)  
 

65 (1.1%)  
 

2.15 (1.60;2.89)  
p < 0.00001  

Major intracranial bleeding  
 

28 (0.4%)  
 

24 (0.3%)  
 

1.16 (0.67;2.00)  
p = 0.59858  

a) intention-to-treat analysis set, primary analyses  
b) vs. ASA 100 mg; Log-Rank p-value  
bid: twice daily; CI: confidence interval; Cum. Risk: Cumulative incidence risk (Kaplan-Meier 
estimates) at 30 months; ISTH: International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis; od: once daily  
 



20 

Figure 2: Time to first occurrence of primary efficacy outcome (stroke, myocardial infarction, 
cardiovascular death) in COMPASS 
 
 

 
bid: twice daily; od: once daily; CI: confidence interval 
 
CAD with heart failure 
 
The COMMANDER HF study included 5,022 patients with heart failure and significant coronary 
artery disease (CAD) following a hospitalization of decompensated heart failure (HF) which were 
randomly assigned into one of the two treatment groups: rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily (N=2,507) or 
matching placebo (N=2,515), respectively. The overall median study treatment duration was 504 days. 
Patients must have had symptomatic HF for at least 3 months and left ventricular ejection fraction 
(LVEF) of ≤ 40% within one year of enrollment. At baseline, the median ejection fraction was 34% 
(IQR: 28%-38%) and 53% of subjects were NYHA Class III or IV. 
The primary efficacy analysis (i.e. composite of all-cause mortality, MI, or stroke) showed no 
statistically significant difference between the rivaroxaban 2.5 mg bid group and the placebo group 
with a HR=0.94 (95% CI 0.84 - 1.05), p=0.270. For all-cause mortality, there was no difference 
between rivaroxaban and placebo in the number of events (event rate per 100 patient-years; 11.41 vs. 
11.63, HR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.10; p=0.743). The event rates for MI per 100 patient-years 
(rivaroxaban vs placebo) were 2.08 vs 2.52 (HR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.63 to 1.08; p=0.165) and for stroke 
the event rates per 100 patient-years were 1.08 vs 1.62 (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.95; p=0.023). The 
principal safety outcome (i.e. composite of fatal bleeding or bleeding into a critical space with a 
potential for permanent disability), occurred in 18 (0.7%) patients in the rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice 
daily treatment group and in 23 (0.9%) patients in the placebo group, respectively (HR=0.80; 95% CI 
0.43 - 1.49; p=0.484). There was a statistically significant increase in ISTH major bleeding in the 
rivaroxaban group compared with placebo (event rate per 100 patient-years: 2.04 vs 1.21, HR 1.68; 
95% CI: 1.18 to 2.39; p=0.003). 
In patients with mild and moderate heart failure the treatment effects for the COMPASS study 
subgroup were similar to those of the entire study population (see section CAD/PAD). 
 



21 

Patients with high risk triple positive antiphospholipid syndrome  
 
In an investigator sponsored, randomised open-label multicenter study with blinded endpoint 
adjudication, rivaroxaban was compared to warfarin in patients with a history of thrombosis, 
diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome and at high risk for thromboembolic events (positive for all 
3 antiphospholipid tests: lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I 
antibodies). The trial was terminated prematurely after the enrolment of 120 patients due to an excess 
of events among patients in the rivaroxaban arm. Mean follow-up was 569 days. 59 patients were 
randomised to rivaroxaban 20 mg (15 mg for patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) <50 mL/min) 
and 61 to warfarin (INR 2.0- 3.0). Thromboembolic events occurred in 12% of patients randomised to 
rivaroxaban (4 ischaemic strokes and 3 myocardial infarctions). No events were reported in patients 
randomised to warfarin. Major bleeding occurred in 4 patients (7%) of the rivaroxaban group and 2 
patients (3%) of the warfarin group. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with the 
reference medicinal product containing rivaroxaban in one or more subsets of the paediatric 
population in the treatment of thromboembolic events. 
The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with the 
reference medicinal product containing rivaroxaban in all subsets of the paediatric population in the 
prevention of thromboembolic events (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use). 
 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Absorption 
 
Rivaroxaban is rapidly absorbed with maximum concentrations (Cmax) appearing 2 - 4 hours after 
tablet intake. 
Oral absorption of rivaroxaban is almost complete and oral bioavailability is high (80 - 100 %) for the 
2.5 mg and 10 mg tablet dose, irrespective of fasting/fed conditions. Intake with food does not affect 
rivaroxaban AUC or Cmax at the 2.5 mg and 10 mg dose. Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg and 10 mg tablets can be 
taken with or without food. 
Rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics are approximately linear up to about 15 mg once daily. At higher doses 
rivaroxaban displays dissolution limited absorption with decreased bioavailability and decreased 
absorption rate with increased dose. This is more marked in fasting state than in fed state. Variability 
in rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics is moderate with inter-individual variability (CV%) ranging from 
30% to 40%. 
Absorption of rivaroxaban is dependent on the site of its release in the gastrointestinal 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 rivaroxaban is released in 
the distal small intestine, or ascending colon. Therefore, administration of rivaroxaban distal to the 
stomach should be avoided since this can result in reduced absorption and related rivaroxaban 
exposure. 
Bioavailability (AUC and Cmax) was comparable for 20 mg rivaroxaban administered orally as a 
crushed tablet mixed in apple puree, or suspended in water and administered via a gastric tube 
followed by a liquid meal, compared to a whole tablet. Given the predictable, dose-proportional 
pharmacokinetic profile of rivaroxaban, the bioavailability results from this study are likely applicable 
to lower rivaroxaban doses. 
 
Distribution 
 
Plasma protein binding in humans is high at approximately 92% to 95%, with serum albumin being 
the main binding component. The volume of distribution is moderate with Vss being approximately 
50 litres. 
 



22 

Biotransformation and elimination 
 
Of the administered rivaroxaban dose, approximately 2/3 undergoes metabolic degradation, with half 
then being eliminated renally and the other half eliminated by the faecal route. The final 1/3 of the 
administered dose undergoes direct renal excretion as unchanged active substance in the urine, mainly 
via active renal secretion. 
Rivaroxaban is metabolised via CYP3A4, CYP2J2 and CYP-independent mechanisms. Oxidative 
degradation of the morpholinone moiety and hydrolysis of the amide bonds are the major sites of 
biotransformation. Based on in vitro investigations rivaroxaban is a substrate of the transporter 
proteins P-gp (P-glycoprotein) and Bcrp (breast cancer resistance protein). 
Unchanged rivaroxaban is the most important compound in human plasma, with no major or active 
circulating metabolites being present. With a systemic clearance of about 10 l/h, rivaroxaban can be 
classified as a low-clearance substance. After intravenous administration of a 1 mg dose the 
elimination half-life is about 4.5 hours. After oral administration the elimination becomes absorption 
rate limited. Elimination of rivaroxaban from plasma occurs with terminal half-lives of 5 to 9 hours in 
young individuals, and with terminal half-lives of 11 to 13 hours in the elderly. 
 
Special populations 
 
Gender 
There were no clinically relevant differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between 
male and female patients. 
 
Elderly population 
Elderly patients exhibited higher plasma concentrations than younger patients, with mean AUC values 
being approximately 1.5-fold higher, mainly due to reduced (apparent) total and renal clearance. No 
dose adjustment is necessary. 
 
Different weight categories 
Extremes in body weight (< 50 kg or > 120 kg) had only a small influence on rivaroxaban plasma 
concentrations (less than 25 %). No dose adjustment is necessary. 
 
Inter-ethnic differences 
No clinically relevant inter-ethnic differences among Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, 
Japanese or Chinese patients were observed regarding rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics and 
pharmacodynamics. 
 
Hepatic impairment 
Cirrhotic patients with mild hepatic impairment (classified as Child Pugh A) exhibited only minor 
changes in rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics (1.2-fold increase in rivaroxaban AUC on average), nearly 
comparable to their matched healthy control group. In cirrhotic patients with moderate hepatic 
impairment (classified as Child Pugh B), rivaroxaban mean AUC was significantly increased by 
2.3-fold compared to healthy volunteers. Unbound AUC was increased 2.6-fold. These patients also 
had reduced renal elimination of rivaroxaban, similar to patients with moderate renal impairment. 
There are no data in patients with severe hepatic impairment. 
The inhibition of factor Xa activity was increased by a factor of 2.6 in patients with moderate hepatic 
impairment as compared to healthy volunteers; prolongation of PT was similarly increased by a factor 
of 2.1. Patients with moderate hepatic impairment were more sensitive to rivaroxaban resulting in a 
steeper PK/PD relationship between concentration and PT. 
Rivaroxaban is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and 
clinically relevant bleeding risk, including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C (see 
section 4.3). 
 
Renal impairment 
There was an increase in rivaroxaban exposure correlated to decrease in renal function, as assessed via 
creatinine clearance measurements. In individuals with mild (creatinine clearance 50 - 80 ml/min), 
moderate (creatinine clearance 30 – 49 ml/min) and severe (creatinine clearance 15 – 29 ml/min) renal 



23 

impairment, rivaroxaban plasma concentrations (AUC) were increased 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6-fold 
respectively. Corresponding increases in pharmacodynamic effects were more pronounced. In 
individuals with mild, moderate and severe renal impairment the overall inhibition of factor Xa 
activity was increased by a factor of 1.5, 1.9 and 2.0 respectively as compared to healthy volunteers; 
prolongation of PT was similarly increased by a factor of 1.3, 2.2 and 2.4 respectively. There are no 
data in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min. 
Due to the high plasma protein binding rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialysable. 
Use is not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min. Rivaroxaban is to be used 
with caution in patients with creatinine clearance 15 – 29 ml/min (see section 4.4). 
 
Pharmacokinetic data in patients 
 
In patients receiving rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in 
patients with ACS the geometric mean concentration (90% prediction interval) 2-4 h and about 12 h 
after dose (roughly representing maximum and minimum concentrations during the dose interval) was 
47 (13-123) and 9.2 (4.4-18) mcg/l, respectively. 
 
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship 
 
The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship between rivaroxaban plasma 
concentration and several PD endpoints (factor Xa inhibition, PT, aPTT, Heptest) has been evaluated 
after administration of a wide range of doses (5 – 30 mg twice a day). The relationship between 
rivaroxaban concentration and factor Xa activity was best described by an Emax model. For PT, the 
linear intercept model generally described the data better. Depending on the different PT reagents 
used, the slope differed considerably. When Neoplastin PT was used, baseline PT was about 13 s and 
the slope was around 3 to 4 s/(100 mcgl). The results of the PK/PD analyses in Phase II and III were 
consistent with the data established in healthy subjects. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
Safety and efficacy have not been established for children and adolescents up to 18 years. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety 
pharmacology, single dose toxicity, phototoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential and juvenile 
toxicity. 
Effects observed in repeat-dose toxicity studies were mainly due to the exaggerated pharmacodynamic 
activity of rivaroxaban. In rats, increased IgG and IgA plasma levels were seen at clinically relevant 
exposure levels. 
In rats, no effects on male or female fertility were seen. Animal studies have shown reproductive 
toxicity related to the pharmacological mode of action of rivaroxaban (e.g. haemorrhagic 
complications). Embryo-foetal toxicity (post-implantation loss, retarded/progressed ossification, 
hepatic multiple light coloured spots) and an increased incidence of common malformations as well as 
placental changes were observed at clinically relevant plasma concentrations. In the pre-and postnatal 
study in rats, reduced viability of the offspring was observed at doses that were toxic to the dams. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Tablet core 
 
Lactose monohydrate 
Croscarmellose sodium (E468) 
Sodium laurilsulfate (E487) 



24 

Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460)  
Silica, colloidal anhydrous (E551) 
Magnesium stearate (E572) 
 
Film-coating 
 
Macrogol 4000 (E1521) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464)  
Titanium dioxide (E171) 
Iron oxide yellow (E172) 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
Not applicable. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
2 years. 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container 
 
Clear PVC/Aluminium blisters in cartons of 28, 56, 98, 100, 168 or 196 film-coated tablets or 
perforated unit dose blisters of 10 x 1 or 100 x 1 tablets.  
HDPE bottle fitted with white opaque child resistant polypropylene closure and induction sealing liner 
wad. Pack size 30 or 90 film-coated tablets. 
HDPE bottle fitted with white opaque continuous thread polypropylene screw closure and induction 
sealing liner wad. Pack size 500 film-coated tablets. 
 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and handling 
 
After confirming gastric placement of the tube, rivaroxaban tablets may be crushed and suspended in 
50 mL of water and administered via an nasogastric 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. Enteral feeding is not required following administration of the 2.5 mg or 
10 mg tablets. 
 
Crushed rivaroxaban tablets are stable in water and in apple sauce for up to 4 hours.  
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.  
 
 
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 



25 

 
 
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/001-011  
 
 
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 
 
 
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
 
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


26 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT  
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg film-coated tablets 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 10 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
Excipient with known effect  
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 27.90 mg lactose (as monohydrate), see section 4.4. 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Film-coated tablet (tablet) 
 
Light pink to pink coloured, round, biconvex, approximately 6.00 mm in diameter, film coated tablets 
debossed with “IL1” on one side and plain on other side. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS  
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee 
replacement surgery. 
 
Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE in adults. (See section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients.) 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Posology  
 
Prevention of VTE in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement surgery 
The recommended dose is 10 mg rivaroxaban taken orally once daily. The initial dose should be taken 
6 to 10 hours after surgery, provided that haemostasis has been established. 
 
The duration of treatment depends on the individual risk of the patient for venous thromboembolism 
which is determined by the type of orthopaedic surgery. 
• For patients undergoing major hip surgery, a treatment duration of 5 weeks is recommended. 
• For patients undergoing major knee surgery, a treatment duration of 2 weeks is recommended. 
 
If a dose is missed the patient should take Rivaroxaban Accord immediately and then continue the 
following day with once daily intake as before. 
 
Treatment of DVT, treatment of PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE  
The recommended dose for the initial treatment of acute DVT or PE is 15 mg twice daily for the first 
three weeks followed by 20 mg once daily for the continued treatment and prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE. 
Short duration of therapy (at least 3 months) should be considered in patients with DVT or PE 
provoked by major transient risk factors (i.e. recent major surgery or trauma). Longer duration of 
therapy should be considered in patients with provoked DVT or PE not related to major transient risk 
factors, unprovoked DVT or PE, or a history of recurrent DVT or PE. 



27 

 
When extended prevention of recurrent DVT and PE is indicated (following completion of at least 
6 months therapy for DVT or PE), the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily. In patients in whom 
the risk of recurrent DVT or PE is considered high, such as those with complicated comorbidities, or 
who have developed recurrent DVT or PE on extended prevention with Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg 
once daily, a dose of rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily should be considered. 
 
The duration of therapy and dose selection should be individualised after careful assessment of the 
treatment benefit against the risk for bleeding (see section 4.4). 
 Time period Dosing schedule Total daily dose 
Treatment and prevention 
of recurrent DVT and PE 

Day 1-21 15 mg twice daily 30 mg 
Day 22 onwards 20 mg once daily 20 mg 

Prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE 

Following completion of 
at least 6 months 
therapy for DVT or PE 

10 mg once daily 
or 20 mg once 
daily 

10 mg 
or 20 mg 

 
To support the dose switch from 15 mg to 20 mg after Day 21 a first 4 weeks treatment initiation pack 
of Rivaroxaban Accord for treatment of DVT/PE is available. 
 
If a dose is missed during the 15 mg twice daily treatment phase (day 1 - 21), the patient should take 
Rivaroxaban Accord immediately to ensure intake of 30 mg rivaroxaban per day. In this case 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. 
 
If a dose is missed during the once daily treatment phase, the patient should take Rivaroxaban Accord 
immediately, and continue on the following day with the once daily intake as recommended. The dose 
should not be doubled within the same day to make up for a missed dose. 
 
Converting from Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) to rivaroxaban 
For patients treated for DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence, VKA treatment should be stopped and 
Rivaroxaban Accord therapy should be initiated once the INR is ≤ 2.5.  
 
When converting patients from VKAs to rivaroxaban, International Normalised Ratio (INR) values 
will be falsely elevated after the intake of rivaroxaban. The INR is not valid to measure the 
anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban, and therefore should not be used (see section 4.5). 
 
Converting from rivaroxaban to Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) 
There is a potential for inadequate anticoagulation during the transition from rivaroxaban to VKA. 
Continuous adequate anticoagulation should be ensured during any transition to an alternate 
anticoagulant. It should be noted that rivaroxaban can contribute to an elevated INR. 
In patients converting from rivaroxaban to VKA, VKA should be given concurrently until the INR is 
≥ 2.0. 
For the first two days of the conversion period, standard initial dosing of VKA should be used 
followed by VKA dosing, as guided by INR testing. While patients are on both rivaroxaban and VKA 
the INR should not be tested earlier than 24 hours after the previous dose but prior to the next dose of 
rivaroxaban. Once Rivaroxaban Accord is discontinued INR testing may be done reliably at least 
24 hours after the last dose (see sections 4.5 and 5.2). 
 
Converting from parenteral anticoagulants to rivaroxaban 
For patients currently receiving a parenteral anticoagulant, discontinue the parenteral anticoagulant 
and start rivaroxaban 0 to 2 hours before the time that the next scheduled administration of the 
parenteral medicinal product (e.g. low molecular weight heparins) would be due or at the time of 
discontinuation of a continuously administered parenteral medicinal product (e.g. intravenous 
unfractionated heparin). 
 
Converting from rivaroxaban to parenteral anticoagulants 
Give the first dose of parenteral anticoagulant at the time the next rivaroxaban dose would be taken. 



28 

 
Special populations 
 
Renal impairment 
Limited clinical data for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min) 
indicate that rivaroxaban plasma concentrations are significantly increased. Therefore, Rivaroxaban 
Accord is to be used with caution in these patients. Use is not recommended in patients with creatinine 
clearance < 15 ml/min (see sections 4.4 and 5.2). 
 
- For the prevention of VTE in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement 

surgery, no dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine 
clearance 50-80 ml/min) or moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) 
(see section 5.2). 

 
- For the treatment of DVT, treatment of PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE, no dose 

adjustment from the recommended dose is necessary in patients with mild renal impairment 
(creatinine clearance 50-80 ml/min) (see section 5.2).  
In patients with moderate (creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) or severe (creatinine clearance 
15-29 ml/min) renal impairment: patients should be treated with 15 mg twice daily for the first 
3 weeks. Thereafter, when the recommended dose is 20 mg once daily, a reduction of the dose 
from 20 mg once daily to 15 mg once daily should be considered if the patient’s assessed risk 
for bleeding outweighs the risk for recurrent DVT and PE. The recommendation for the use of 
15 mg is based on PK modelling and has not been studied in this clinical setting (see 
sections 4.4, 5.1 and 5.2).  
When the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily, no dose adjustment from the recommended 
dose is necessary. 

 
Hepatic impairment 
Rivaroxaban Accord is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy 
and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C (see 
sections 4.3 and 5.2). 
 
Elderly population 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2) 
 
Body weight 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2) 
 
Gender 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2) 
 
Paediatric population 
The safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in children aged 0 to 18 years have not been established. No 
data are available. Therefore, Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended for use in children below 
18 years of age. 
 
Method of administration 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord is for oral use. 
The tablets can be taken with or without food (see sections 4.5 and 5.2). 
 
For patients who are unable to swallow whole tablets, Rivaroxaban Accord tablet may be crushed and 
mixed with water or apple puree immediately prior to use and administered orally.  
 
The crushed Rivaroxaban Accord tablet may also be given through gastric tubes after confirmation of 
the correct gastric placement of the tube. The crushed tablet should be administered in a small amount 
of water via a gastric tube after which it should be flushed with water (see section 5.2 and 6.6). 



29 

 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 
 
Active clinically significant bleeding. 
 
Lesion or condition, if considered to be a significant risk for major bleeding. This may include current 
or recent gastrointestinal ulceration, presence of malignant neoplasms at high risk of bleeding, recent 
brain or spinal injury, recent brain, spinal or ophthalmic surgery, recent intracranial haemorrhage, 
known or suspected oesophageal varices, arteriovenous malformations, vascular aneurysms or major 
intraspinal or intracerebral vascular abnormalities. 
 
Concomitant treatment with any other anticoagulants, e.g. unfractionated heparin (UFH), low 
molecular weight heparins (enoxaparin, dalteparin, etc.), heparin derivatives (fondaparinux, etc.), oral 
anticoagulants (warfarin, dabigatran etexilate, apixaban, etc.) except under specific circumstances of 
switching anticoagulant therapy (see section 4.2) or when UFH is given at doses necessary to maintain 
an open central venous or arterial catheter (see section 4.5). 
 
Hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic 
patients with Child Pugh B and C (see section 5.2). 
 
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (see section 4.6). 
 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Clinical surveillance in line with anticoagulation practice is recommended throughout the treatment 
period. 
 
Haemorrhagic risk 
 
As with other anticoagulants, patients taking Rivaroxaban Accord are to be carefully observed for 
signs of bleeding. It is recommended to be used with caution in conditions with increased risk of 
haemorrhage. Rivaroxaban Accord administration should be discontinued if severe haemorrhage 
occurs (see section 4.9). 
 
In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, gastrointestinal, genito urinary 
including abnormal vaginal or increased menstrual bleeding) and anaemia were seen more frequently 
during long term rivaroxaban treatment compared with VKA treatment. Thus, in addition to adequate 
clinical surveillance, laboratory testing of haemoglobin/haematocrit could be of value to detect occult 
bleeding and quantify the clinical relevance of overt bleeding, as judged to be appropriate. 
 
Several sub-groups of patients, as detailed below, are at increased risk of bleeding. These patients are 
to be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding complications and anaemia after 
initiation of treatment (see section 4.8). In patients receiving rivaroxaban for VTE prevention 
following elective hip or knee replacement surgery, this may be done by regular physical examination 
of the patients, close observation of the surgical wound drainage and periodic measurements of 
haemoglobin. Any unexplained fall in haemoglobin or blood pressure should lead to a search for a 
bleeding site. 
 
Although treatment with rivaroxaban does not require routine monitoring of exposure, rivaroxaban 
levels measured with a calibrated quantitative anti-factor Xa assay may be useful in exceptional 
situations where knowledge of rivaroxaban exposure may help to inform clinical decisions, e.g. 
overdose and emergency surgery (see sections 5.1 and 5.2). 
 
Renal impairment 
 



30 

In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) rivaroxaban plasma levels 
may be significantly increased (1.6-fold on average) which may lead to an increased bleeding risk. 
Rivaroxaban Accord is to be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min. Use 
is not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). 
In patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) concomitantly 
receiving other medicinal products which increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations Rivaroxaban 
Accord is to be used with caution (see section 4.5). 
 
Interaction with other medicinal products 
 
The use of Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended in patients receiving concomitant systemic 
treatment with azole-antimycotics (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and 
posaconazole) or HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir). These active substances are strong inhibitors 
of both CYP3A4 and P-gp and therefore may increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations to a 
clinically relevant degree (2.6-fold on average) which may lead to an increased bleeding risk (see 
section 4.5). 
 
Care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with medicinal products affecting haemostasis 
such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicinal products (NSAIDs), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and 
platelet aggregation inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin 
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). For patients at risk of ulcerative gastrointestinal disease 
an appropriate prophylactic treatment may be considered (see section 4.5). 
 
Other haemorrhagic risk factors 
 
As with other antithrombotics, rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients with an increased bleeding 
risk such as: 
• congenital or acquired bleeding disorders 
• uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension 
• other gastrointestinal disease without active ulceration that can potentially lead to bleeding 

complications (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, oesophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal 
reflux disease) 

• vascular retinopathy 
• bronchiectasis or history of pulmonary bleeding 
 
Patients with prosthetic valves 
 
Rivaroxaban should not be used for thromboprophylaxis in patients having recently undergone 
transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been 
studied in patients with prosthetic heart valves; therefore, there are no data to support that rivaroxaban 
provides adequate anticoagulation in this patient population. Treatment with Rivaroxaban Accord is 
not recommended for these patients. 
 
Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome  
 
Direct acting Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) including rivaroxaban are not recommended for patients 
with a history of thrombosis who are diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome. In particular for 
patients that are triple positive (for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta 
2-glycoprotein I antibodies), treatment with DOACs could be associated with increased rates of 
recurrent thrombotic events compared with vitamin K antagonist therapy. 
 
Hip fracture surgery 
 
Rivaroxaban has not been studied in interventional clinical studies in patients undergoing hip fracture 
surgery to evaluate efficacy and safety. 
 



31 

Haemodynamically unstable PE patients or patients who require thrombolysis or pulmonary 
embolectomy 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended as an alternative to unfractionated heparin in patients with 
pulmonary embolism who are haemodynamically unstable or may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary 
embolectomy since the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in these clinical 
situations. 
 
Spinal/epidural anaesthesia or puncture 
 
When neuraxial anaesthesia (spinal/epidural anaesthesia) or spinal/epidural puncture is employed, 
patients treated with antithrombotic agents for prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk 
of developing an epidural or spinal haematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis. 
The risk of these events may be increased by the post-operative use of indwelling epidural catheters or 
the concomitant use of medicinal products affecting haemostasis. The risk may also be increased by 
traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture. Patients are to be frequently monitored for signs and 
symptoms of neurological impairment (e.g. numbness or weakness of the legs, bowel or bladder 
dysfunction). If neurological compromise is noted, urgent diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Prior 
to neuraxial intervention the physician should consider the potential benefit versus the risk in 
anticoagulated patients or in patients to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis.  
To reduce the potential risk of bleeding associated with the concurrent use of rivaroxaban and 
neuraxial (epidural/spinal) anaesthesia or spinal puncture, consider the pharmacokinetic profile of 
rivaroxaban. Placement or removal of an epidural catheter or lumbar puncture is best performed when 
the anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban is estimated to be low (see section 5.2). 
At least 18 hours should elapse after the last administration of rivaroxaban before removal of an 
epidural catheter. Following removal of the catheter, at least 6 hours should elapse before the next 
rivaroxaban dose is administered. 
If traumatic puncture occurs the administration of rivaroxaban is to be delayed for 24 hours. 
 
Dosing recommendations before and after invasive procedures and surgical intervention other than 
elective hip or knee replacement surgery 
 
If an invasive procedure or surgical intervention is required, Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg should be 
stopped at least 24 hours before the intervention, if possible and based on the clinical judgement of the 
physician. 
If the procedure cannot be delayed the increased risk of bleeding should be assessed against the 
urgency of the intervention. 
Rivaroxaban Accord should be restarted as soon as possible after the invasive procedure or surgical 
intervention provided the clinical situation allows and adequate haemostasis has been established as 
determined by the treating physician (see section 5.2). 
 
Elderly population 
 
Increasing age may increase haemorrhagic risk (see section 5.2). 
 
Dermatological reactions 
 
Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis and DRESS 
syndrome, have been reported during post-marketing surveillance in association with the use of 
rivaroxaban (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the 
course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first weeks of 
treatment. Rivaroxaban should be discontinued at the first appearance of a severe skin rash (e.g. 
spreading, intense and/or blistering), or any other sign of hypersensitivity in conjunction with mucosal 
lesions. 
 
Information about excipients 
 



32 

Rivaroxaban Accord contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, 
total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product. 
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 
“sodium-free”. 
 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors 
 
Co-administration of rivaroxaban with ketoconazole (400 mg once a day) or ritonavir (600 mg twice a 
day) led to a 2.6-fold / 2.5-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.7-fold / 1.6-fold increase in 
mean rivaroxaban Cmax, with significant increases in pharmacodynamic effects which may lead to an 
increased bleeding risk. Therefore, the use of rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients receiving 
concomitant systemic treatment with azole-antimycotics such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, 
voriconazole and posaconazole or HIV protease inhibitors. These active substances are strong 
inhibitors of both CYP3A4 and P-gp (see section 4.4). 
 
Active substances strongly inhibiting only one of the rivaroxaban elimination pathways, either 
CYP3A4 or P-gp, are expected to increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations to a lesser extent. 
Clarithromycin (500 mg twice a day), for instance, considered as a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and 
moderate P-gp inhibitor, led to a 1.5-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.4-fold increase in 
Cmax. The interaction with clarithromycin is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be 
potentially significant in high-risk patients. (For patients with renal impairment: see section 4.4). 
 
Erythromycin (500 mg three times a day), which inhibits CYP3A4 and P-gp moderately, led to a 
1.3-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax. The interaction with erythromycin is likely not 
clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in high-risk patients. 
In subjects with mild renal impairment erythromycin (500 mg three times a day) led to a 1.8-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and 1.6-fold increase in Cmax when compared to subjects with 
normal renal function. In subjects with moderate renal impairment, erythromycin led to a 2.0-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and 1.6-fold increase in Cmax when compared to subjects with 
normal renal function. The effect of erythromycin is additive to that of renal impairment (see 
section 4.4). 
 
Fluconazole (400 mg once daily), considered as a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, led to a 1.4-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.3-fold increase in mean Cmax. The interaction with 
fluconazole is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in 
high-risk patients. (For patients with renal impairment: see section 4.4). 
 
Given the limited clinical data available with dronedarone, co-administration with rivaroxaban should 
be avoided. 
 
Anticoagulants 
 
After combined administration of enoxaparin (40 mg single dose) with rivaroxaban (10 mg single 
dose) an additive effect on anti-factor Xa activity was observed without any additional effects on 
clotting tests (PT, aPTT). Enoxaparin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban. 
Due to the increased bleeding risk care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with any 
other anticoagulants (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). 
 
NSAIDs/platelet aggregation inhibitors 
 
No clinically relevant prolongation of bleeding time was observed after concomitant administration of 
rivaroxaban (15 mg) and 500 mg naproxen. Nevertheless, there may be individuals with a more 
pronounced pharmacodynamic response. 
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when 
rivaroxaban was co-administered with 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid. 



33 

Clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose followed by 75 mg maintenance dose) did not show a 
pharmacokinetic interaction with rivaroxaban (15 mg) but a relevant increase in bleeding time was 
observed in a subset of patients which was not correlated to platelet aggregation, P-selectin or 
GPIIb/IIIa receptor levels. 
Care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with NSAIDs (including acetylsalicylic acid) 
and platelet aggregation inhibitors because these medicinal products typically increase the bleeding 
risk (see section 4.4). 
 
SSRIs/SNRIs 
 
As with other anticoagulants the possibility may exist that patients are at increased risk of bleeding in 
case of concomitant use with SSRIs or SNRIs due to their reported effect on platelets. When 
concomitantly used in the rivaroxaban clinical programme, numerically higher rates of major or 
non-major clinically relevant bleeding were observed in all treatment groups. 
 
Warfarin 
 
Converting patients from the vitamin K antagonist warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) to rivaroxaban (20 mg) or 
from rivaroxaban (20 mg) to warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) increased prothrombin time/INR (Neoplastin) 
more than additively (individual INR values up to 12 may be observed), whereas effects on aPTT, 
inhibition of factor Xa activity and endogenous thrombin potential were additive. 
If it is desired to test the pharmacodynamic effects of rivaroxaban during the conversion period, 
anti-factor Xa activity, PiCT, and Heptest can be used as these tests were not affected by warfarin. On 
the fourth day after the last dose of warfarin, all tests (including PT, aPTT, inhibition of factor Xa 
activity and ETP) reflected only the effect of rivaroxaban. 
If it is desired to test the pharmacodynamic effects of warfarin during the conversion period, INR 
measurement can be used at the Ctrough of rivaroxaban (24 hours after the previous intake of 
rivaroxaban) as this test is minimally affected by rivaroxaban at this time point. 
No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between warfarin and rivaroxaban. 
 
CYP3A4 inducers 
 
Co-administration of rivaroxaban with the strong CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin led to an approximate 
50 % decrease in mean rivaroxaban AUC, with parallel decreases in its pharmacodynamic effects. The 
concomitant use of rivaroxaban with other strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, 
phenobarbital or St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)) may also lead to reduced rivaroxaban 
plasma concentrations. Therefore, concomitant administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers should be 
avoided unless the patient is closely observed for signs and symptoms of thrombosis. 
 
Other concomitant therapies 
 
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when 
rivaroxaban was co-administered with midazolam (substrate of CYP3A4), digoxin (substrate of P-gp), 
atorvastatin (substrate of CYP3A4 and P-gp) or omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor). Rivaroxaban 
neither inhibits nor induces any major CYP isoforms like CYP3A4. 
No clinically relevant interaction with food was observed (see section 4.2). 
 
Laboratory parameters 
 
Clotting parameters (e.g. PT, aPTT, HepTest) are affected as expected by the mode of action of 
rivaroxaban (see section 5.1). 
 
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Pregnancy 
 



34 

Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in pregnant women. Studies in animals 
have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Due to the potential reproductive toxicity, the 
intrinsic risk of bleeding and the evidence that rivaroxaban passes the placenta, rivaroxaban is 
contraindicated during pregnancy (see section 4.3). 
Women of child-bearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with rivaroxaban. 
 
Breast-feeding 
 
Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in breast-feeding women. Data from 
animals indicate that rivaroxaban is secreted into milk. Therefore, rivaroxaban is contraindicated 
during breast-feeding (see section 4.3). A decision must be made whether to discontinue 
breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from therapy. 
 
Fertility 
 
No specific studies with rivaroxaban in humans have been conducted to evaluate effects on fertility. In 
a study on male and female fertility in rats no effects were seen (see section 5.3). 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Rivaroxaban has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Adverse reactions like 
syncope (frequency: uncommon) and dizziness (frequency: common) have been reported (see 
section 4.8). 
Patients experiencing these adverse reactions should not drive or use machines. 
 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
The safety of rivaroxaban has been evaluated in thirteen phase III studies including 53,103 patients 
exposed to rivaroxaban (see Table 1). 
 
Table 1: Number of patients studied, total daily dose and maximum treatment duration in phase 
III studies 
 
Indication  
 
 

Number of 
patients* 

Total daily dose Maximum 
treatment 
duration 

Prevention of venous thromboembolism 
(VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective 
hip or knee replacement surgery 

6,097 10 mg 39 days 

Prevention of VTE in medically ill patients 3,997 10 mg 39 days 
 

Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of 
recurrence 
 

6,790 Day 1 - 21: 30 mg 
Day 22 and onwards: 
20 mg 
After at least 6 months: 
10 mg or 20 mg 

21 months 

Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism 
in patients with non-valvular atrial 
fibrillation  

7,750  
 

20 mg  
 

41 months 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in 
patients after an acute coronary syndrome 
(ACS)  
 

10,225 5 mg or 10 mg 
respectively, 
co-administered with 
either ASA or ASA 
plus clopidogrel or 
ticlopidine 

31 months 



35 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in 
patients with CAD/PAD  

18,244  
 

5 mg co-administered 
with ASA or 10 mg 
alone  

47 months  

*Patients exposed to at least one dose of rivaroxaban 
 
The most commonly reported adverse reactions in patients receiving rivaroxaban were bleedings (see 
section 4.4. and ‘Description of selected adverse reactions’ below) (Table 2). The most commonly 
reported bleedings were epistaxis (4.5 %) and gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage (3.8 %). 
 
Table 2: Bleeding* and anaemia events rates in patients exposed to rivaroxaban across the 
completed phase III studies 
Indication Any bleeding Anaemia 
Prevention of venous 
thromboembolism (VTE) in adult 
patients undergoing elective hip or 
knee replacement surgery 

6.8% of patients 5.9% of patients 

Prevention of venous 
thromboembolism in medically ill 
patients 

12.6% of patients 2.1% of patients 

Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention 
of recurrence 

23% of patients 1.6% of patients 

Prevention of stroke and systemic 
embolism in patients with 
non-valvular atrial fibrillation 

28 per 100 patient years 2.5 per 100 patient 
years 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events 
in patients after an ACS 

22 per 100 patient years 1.4 per 100 patient 
years 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events 
in patients with CAD/PAD  

6.7 per 100 patient years  
 

0.15 per 100 patient 
years**  

* For all rivaroxaban studies all bleeding events are collected, reported and adjudicated.  
** In the COMPASS study, there is a low anaemia incidence as a selective approach to adverse event 
collection was applied  
 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
 
The frequencies of adverse reactions reported with rivaroxaban are summarised in table 3 below by 
system organ class (in MedDRA) and by frequency. 
 
Frequencies are defined as:  
very common (≥ 1/10) 
common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) 
uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100)  
rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000) 
very rare ( < 1/10,000)  
not known (cannot be estimated from the available data) 
 
Table 3: All adverse reactions reported in patients in phase III clinical trials or through post 
marketing use* 
Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
Blood and lymphatic system disorders 
Anaemia (incl. 
respective laboratory 
parameters) 

Thrombocytosis 
(incl. platelet 
count increased)A, 
Thrombocytopenia 

   

Immune system disorders 
 Allergic reaction, 

dermatitis allergic, 
Angioedema and 
allergic oedema 

 Anaphylactic 
reactions 
including 
anaphylactic 

 



36 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
shock 

Nervous system disorders 
Dizziness, headache  Cerebral and 

intracranial 
haemorrhage, 
syncope 

   

Eye disorders 
Eye haemorrhage 
(incl. conjunctival 
haemorrhage) 

    

Cardiac disorders 
 Tachycardia    
Vascular disorders 
Hypotension, 
haematoma 

    

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders 
Epistaxis, 
haemoptysis 

    

Gastrointestinal disorders 
Gingival bleeding, 
gastrointestinal tract 
haemorrhage (incl. 
rectal haemorrhage), 
gastrointestinal and 
abdominal pains, 
dyspepsia, nausea, 
constipationA, 
diarrhoea, vomitingA 

Dry mouth    

Hepatobiliary disorders 
Increase in 
transaminases 

Hepatic 
impairment, 
Increased 
bilirubin, 
increased blood 
alkaline 
phosphataseA, 
increased GGTA 

Jaundice, 
Bilirubin 
conjugated 
increased (with 
or without 
concomitant 
increase of ALT), 
Cholestasis, 
Hepatitis (incl. 
hepatocellular 
injury) 

  

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders 
Pruritus (incl. 
uncommon cases of 
generalised pruritus), 
rash, ecchymosis, 
cutaneous and 
subcutaneous 
haemorrhage 

Urticaria  Stevens-Johnson 
syndrome/ Toxic 
Epidermal 
Necrolysis , 
DRESS 
syndrome 

 

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders 
Pain in extremityA  Haemarthrosis  Muscle 

haemorrhage  
 Compartment 

syndrome 
secondary to a 
bleeding 

Renal and urinary disorders 
Urogenital tract    Renal 



37 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
haemorrhage (incl. 
haematuria and 
menorrhagiaB), renal 
impairment (incl. 
blood creatinine 
increased, blood urea 
increased) 

failure/acute 
renal failure 
secondary to a 
bleeding 
sufficient to 
cause 
hypoperfusion 

General disorders and administration site conditions 
FeverA, peripheral 
oedema, decreased 
general strength and 
energy (incl. fatigue 
and asthenia) 

Feeling unwell 
(incl. malaise) 

Localised 
oedemaA 

  

Investigations 
 Increased LDHA, 

increased lipaseA, 
increased 
amylaseA 

   

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications 
Postprocedural 
haemorrhage (incl. 
postoperative 
anaemia, and wound 
haemorrhage), 
contusion, wound 
secretionA 

 Vascular 
pseudoaneurysmC 

  

 
A: observed in prevention of VTE in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement 
surgery 
B: observed in treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence as very common in women 
< 55 years 
C: observed as uncommon in prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients after an ACS 
(following percutaneous coronary intervention) 
* A pre-specified selective approach to adverse event collection was applied. As incidence of adverse 
reactions did not increase and no new adverse reaction was identified, COMPASS study data were not 
included for frequency calculation in this table.  
 
Description of selected adverse reactions 
 
Due to the pharmacological mode of action, the use of rivaroxaban may be associated with an 
increased risk of occult or overt bleeding from any tissue or organ which may result in post 
haemorrhagic anaemia. The signs, symptoms, and severity (including fatal outcome) will vary 
according to the location and degree or extent of the bleeding and/or anaemia (see section 4.9 
“Management of bleeding”). In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, 
gastrointestinal, genito urinary including abnormal vaginal or increased menstrual bleeding) and 
anaemia were seen more frequently during long term rivaroxaban treatment compared with VKA 
treatment. Thus, in addition to adequate clinical surveillance, laboratory testing of 
haemoglobin/haematocrit could be of value to detect occult bleeding and quantify the clinical 
relevance of overt bleeding, as judged to be appropriate. The risk of bleedings may be increased in 
certain patient groups, e.g. those patients with uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension and/or on 
concomitant treatment affecting haemostasis (see section 4.4 “Haemorrhagic risk”). Menstrual 
bleeding may be intensified and/or prolonged. Haemorrhagic complications may present as weakness, 
paleness, dizziness, headache or unexplained swelling, dyspnoea and unexplained shock. In some 
cases as a consequence of anaemia, symptoms of cardiac ischaemia like chest pain or angina pectoris 
have been observed. 



38 

Known complications secondary to severe bleeding such as compartment syndrome and renal failure 
due to hypoperfusion have been reported for rivaroxaban. Therefore, the possibility of haemorrhage is 
to be considered in evaluating the condition in any anticoagulated patient. 
 
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
Rare cases of overdose up to 600 mg have been reported without bleeding complications or other 
adverse reactions. Due to limited absorption a ceiling effect with no further increase in average plasma 
exposure is expected at supratherapeutic doses of 50 mg rivaroxaban or above. 
A specific reversal agent (andexanet alfa) antagonising the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban is 
available (refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics of andexanet alfa). The use of activated 
charcoal to reduce absorption in case of rivaroxaban overdose may be considered.  
 
Management of bleeding 
 
Should a bleeding complication arise in a patient receiving rivaroxaban, the next rivaroxaban 
administration should be delayed or treatment should be discontinued as appropriate. Rivaroxaban has 
a half-life of approximately 5 to 13 hours (see section 5.2). Management should be individualised 
according to the severity and location of the haemorrhage. Appropriate symptomatic treatment could 
be used as needed, such as mechanical compression (e.g. for severe epistaxis), surgical haemostasis 
with bleeding control procedures, fluid replacement and haemodynamic support, blood products 
(packed red cells or fresh frozen plasma, depending on associated anaemia or coagulopathy) or 
platelets. 
If bleeding cannot be controlled by the above measures, either the administration of a specific factor 
Xa inhibitor reversal agent (andexanet alfa), which antagonises the pharmacodynamic effect of 
rivaroxaban, or a specific procoagulant reversal agent, such as prothrombin complex concentrate 
(PCC), activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) or recombinant factor VIIa (r-FVIIa), 
should be considered. However, there is currently very limited clinical experience with the use of 
these medicinal products in individuals receiving rivaroxaban. The recommendation is also based on 
limited non-clinical data. Re-dosing of recombinant factor VIIa shall be considered and titrated 
depending on improvement of bleeding. 
Depending on local availability, a consultation with a coagulation expert should be considered in case 
of major bleedings (see section 5.1). 
 
Protamine sulphate and vitamin K are not expected to affect the anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban. 
There is limited experience with tranexamic acid and no experience with aminocaproic acid and 
aprotinin in individuals receiving rivaroxaban. There is neither scientific rationale for benefit nor 
experience with the use of the systemic haemostatic desmopressin in individuals receiving 
rivaroxaban. Due to the high plasma protein binding rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialysable. 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antithrombotic agents, direct factor Xa inhibitors, ATC code: B01AF01 
 
Mechanism of action 
 

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39 

Rivaroxaban is a highly selective direct factor Xa inhibitor with oral bioavailability. Inhibition of 
factor Xa interrupts the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade, inhibiting 
both thrombin formation and development of thrombi. Rivaroxaban does not inhibit thrombin 
(activated factor II) and no effects on platelets have been demonstrated. 
 
Pharmacodynamic effects 
 
Dose-dependent inhibition of factor Xa activity was observed in humans. Prothrombin time (PT) is 
influenced by rivaroxaban in a dose dependent way with a close correlation to plasma concentrations 
(r value equals 0.98) if Neoplastin is used for the assay. Other reagents would provide different results. 
The readout for PT is to be done in seconds, because the INR is only calibrated and validated for 
coumarins and cannot be used for any other anticoagulant. In patients undergoing major orthopaedic 
surgery, the 5/95 percentiles for PT (Neoplastin) 2 – 4 hours after tablet intake (i.e. at the time of 
maximum effect) ranged from 13 to 25 s (baseline values before surgery 12 to 15 s). 
In a clinical pharmacology study on the reversal of rivaroxaban pharmacodynamics in healthy adult 
subjects (n=22), the effects of single doses (50 IU/kg) of two different types of PCCs, a 3-factor PCC 
(Factors II, IX and X) and a 4-factor PCC (Factors II, VII, IX and X) were assessed. The 3-factor PCC 
reduced mean Neoplastin PT values by approximately 1.0 second within 30 minutes, compared to 
reductions of approximately 3.5 seconds observed with the 4-factor PCC. In contrast, the 3-factor PCC 
had a greater and more rapid overall effect on reversing changes in endogenous thrombin generation 
than the 4-factor PCC (see section 4.9). 
The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and HepTest are also prolonged dose-dependently; 
however, they are not recommended to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban. There is no 
need for monitoring of coagulation parameters during treatment with rivaroxaban in clinical routine. 
However, if clinically indicated rivaroxaban levels can be measured by calibrated quantitative 
anti-factor Xa tests (see section 5.2). 
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
 
Prevention of VTE in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement surgery  
The rivaroxaban clinical programme was designed to demonstrate the efficacy of rivaroxaban for the 
prevention of VTE, i.e. proximal and distal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism 
(PE) in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery of the lower limbs. Over 9,500 patients (7,050 
in total hip replacement surgery and 2,531 in total knee replacement surgery) were studied in 
controlled randomised double-blind phase III clinical studies, the RECORD-programme. 
Rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily (od) started no sooner than 6 hours post-operatively was compared 
with enoxaparin 40 mg once daily started 12 hours pre-operatively. 
In all three phase III studies (see table 4), rivaroxaban significantly reduced the rate of total VTE (any 
venographically detected or symptomatic DVT, non-fatal PE and death) and major VTE (proximal 
DVT, non-fatal PE and VTE-related death), the pre-specified primary and major secondary efficacy 
endpoints. Furthermore, in all three studies the rate of symptomatic VTE (symptomatic DVT, nonfatal 
PE, VTE-related death) was lower in rivaroxaban treated patients compared to patients treated with 
enoxaparin. 
The main safety endpoint, major bleeding, showed comparable rates for patients treated with 
rivaroxaban 10 mg compared to enoxaparin 40 mg. 
 
Table 4: Efficacy and safety results from phase III clinical studies 
 

 RECORD 1 RECORD 2 RECORD 3 
Study 
population 

4,541 patients undergoing 
total hip replacement surgery 

2,509 patients undergoing 
total hip replacement surgery 

2,531 patients undergoing total 
knee replacement surgery 

Treatment 
dose and 
duration 
after 
surgery 

Rivaroxaban 
10 mg od 

35 ± 4 days 

Enoxaparin 
40 mg od 

35 ± 4 days 

p Rivaroxaban 
10 mg od 

35 ± 4 days 

Enoxaparin 
40 mg od 

12 ± 2 days 

p Rivaroxaban 
10 mg od 

12 ± 2 days 

Enoxaparin        
40 mg od 
12 ± 2 
days 

p 

Total VTE 18 (1.1 %) 58 (3.7 %) < 0.001 17 (2.0 %) 81 (9.3 %) < 0.001 79 (9.6 %) 166 < 0.001 



40 

(18.9 %)  
Major VTE 4 (0.2 %) 33 (2.0 %) < 0.001 6 (0.6 %) 49 (5.1 %) < 0.001 9 (1.0 %) 24 

(2.6 %)      
0.01 

Symptomatic 
VTE 

6 (0.4 %) 11 (0.7 %) 3 (0.4 %) 15 (1.7 %) 8 (1.0 %) 24 (2.7 %) 

Major 
bleedings 

6 (0.3 %) 2 (0.1 %) 1 (0.1 %) 1 (0.1 %) 7 (0.6 %) 6 (0.5 %) 

 
The analysis of the pooled results of the phase III studies corroborated the data obtained in the 
individual studies regarding reduction of total VTE, major VTE and symptomatic VTE with 
rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily compared to enoxaparin 40 mg once daily. 
 
In addition to the phase III RECORD programme, a post-authorization, non-interventional, open-label 
cohort study (XAMOS) has been conducted in 17,413 patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery 
of the hip or knee, to compare rivaroxaban with other pharmacological thromboprophylaxis 
(standard-of-care) under real-life setting. Symptomatic VTE occurred in 57 (0.6 %) patients in the 
rivaroxaban group (n=8,778) and 88 (1.0 %) of patients in the standard-of-care group (n=8,635; HR 
0.63; 95% CI 0.43-0.91); safety population). Major bleeding occurred in 35 (0.4%) and 29 (0.3%) of 
patients in the rivaroxaban and standard-of-care groups (HR 1.10; 95% CI 0.67-1.80). Thus, the results 
were consistent with the results of the pivotal randomised studies. 
 
Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE 
The rivaroxaban clinical programme was designed to demonstrate the efficacy of rivaroxaban in the 
initial and continued treatment of acute DVT and PE and prevention of recurrence. 
Over 12,800 patients were studied in four randomised controlled phase III clinical studies (Einstein 
DVT, Einstein PE, Einstein Extension and Einstein Choice) and additionally a predefined pooled 
analysis of the Einstein DVT and Einstein PE studies was conducted. The overall combined treatment 
duration in all studies was up to 21 months. 
 
In Einstein DVT 3,449 patients with acute DVT were studied for the treatment of DVT and the 
prevention of recurrent DVT and PE (patients who presented with symptomatic PE were excluded 
from this study). The treatment duration was for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the clinical 
judgement of the investigator. 
For the initial 3 week treatment of acute DVT 15 mg rivaroxaban was administered twice daily. This 
was followed by 20 mg rivaroxaban once daily. 
 
In Einstein PE, 4,832 patients with acute PE were studied for the treatment of PE and the prevention of 
recurrent DVT and PE. The treatment duration was for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the clinical 
judgement of the investigator.  
For the initial treatment of acute PE 15 mg rivaroxaban was administered twice daily for three weeks. 
This was followed by 20 mg rivaroxaban once daily. 
 
In both the Einstein DVT and the Einstein PE study, the comparator treatment regimen consisted of 
enoxaparin administered for at least 5 days in combination with vitamin K antagonist treatment until 
the PT/INR was in therapeutic range (≥ 2.0). Treatment was continued with a vitamin K antagonist 
dose-adjusted to maintain the PT/INR values within the therapeutic range of 2.0 to 3.0. 
 
In Einstein Extension 1,197 patients with DVT or PE were studied for the prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE. The treatment duration was for an additional 6 or 12 months in patients who had 
completed 6 to 12 months of treatment for venous thromboembolism depending on the clinical 
judgment of the investigator. Rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily was compared with placebo. 
 
Einstein DVT, PE and Extension used the same pre-defined primary and secondary efficacy outcomes. 
The primary efficacy outcome was symptomatic recurrent VTE defined as the composite of recurrent 
DVT or fatal or non-fatal PE. The secondary efficacy outcome was defined as the composite of 
recurrent DVT, non-fatal PE and all-cause mortality. 
 



41 

In Einstein Choice, 3,396 patients with confirmed symptomatic DVT and/or PE who completed 
6-12 months of anticoagulant treatment were studied for the prevention of fatal PE or non-fatal 
symptomatic recurrent DVT or PE. Patients with an indication for continued therapeutic-dosed 
anticoagulation were excluded from the study. The treatment duration was up to 12 months depending 
on the individual randomisation date (median: 351 days). rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily and 
rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily were compared with 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid once daily. 
The primary efficacy outcome was symptomatic recurrent VTE defined as the composite of recurrent 
DVT or fatal or non-fatal PE. 
In the Einstein DVT study (see Table 5) rivaroxaban was demonstrated to be non-inferior to 
enoxaparin/VKA for the primary efficacy outcome (p < 0.0001 (test for non-inferiority); Hazard Ratio 
HR: 0.680 (0.443 - 1.042), p=0.076 (test for superiority)). The prespecified net clinical benefit 
(primary efficacy outcome plus major bleeding events) was reported with a HR of 0.67 ((95 % CI: 
0.47 - 0.95), nominal p value p=0.027) in favour of rivaroxaban. INR values were within the 
therapeutic range a mean of 60.3 % of the time for the mean treatment duration of 189 days, and 
55.4 %, 60.1 %, and 62.8 % of the time in the 3-, 6-, and 12-month intended treatment duration 
groups, respectively. In the enoxaparin/VKA group, there was no clear relation between the level of 
mean centre TTR (Time in Target INR Range of 2.0 - 3.0) in the equally sized tertiles and the 
incidence of the recurrent VTE (P=0.932 for interaction). Within the highest tertile according to 
centre, the HR with rivaroxaban versus warfarin was 0.69 (95 % CI: 0.35 - 1.35). 
 
The incidence rates for the primary safety outcome (major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding 
events) as well as the secondary safety outcome (major bleeding events) were similar for both 
treatment groups. 
 
Table 5: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein DVT 
Study population   3,449 patients with symptomatic acute deep vein thrombosis 
Treatment dose and duration Rivaroxabana) 

3, 6 or 12 months 
N=1,731 

Enoxaparin/VKAb) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=1,718 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 36 
(2.1 %) 

51 
(3.0 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 20 
(1.2 %) 

18 
(1.0 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 14 
(0.8 %) 

28 
(1.6 %) 

Symptomatic PE and DVT 1 
(0.1 %) 

0 

Fatal PE/death where PE 
cannot be ruled out 

4 
(0.2 %) 

6 
(0.3 %) 

Major or clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

139 
(8.1 %) 

138 
(8.1 %) 

Major bleeding events 14 
(0.8 %) 

20 
(1.2 %) 

a) Rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 mg once daily 
b) Enoxaparin for at least 5 days, overlapped with and followed by VKA 
* p < 0.0001 (non-inferiority to a prespecified HR of 2.0); HR: 0.680 (0.443 - 1.042), p=0.076 
(superiority) 
 
In the Einstein PE study (see Table 6) rivaroxaban was demonstrated to be non-inferior to 
enoxaparin/VKA for the primary efficacy outcome (p=0.0026 (test for non-inferiority); HR: 1.123 
(0.749 – 1.684)). The prespecified net clinical benefit (primary efficacy outcome plus major bleeding 
events) was reported with a HR of 0.849 ((95% CI: 0.633 - 1.139), nominal p value p= 0.275). INR 
values were within the therapeutic range a mean of 63 % of the time for the mean treatment duration 
of 215 days, and 57 %, 62 %, and 65 % of the time in the 3-, 6-, and 12-month intended treatment 
duration groups, respectively. In the enoxaparin/VKA group, there was no clear relation between the 
level of mean centre TTR (Time in Target INR Range of 2.0 - 3.0) in the equally sized tertiles and the 



42 

incidence of the recurrent VTE (p=0.082 for interaction). Within the highest tertile according to 
centre, the HR with rivaroxaban versus warfarin was 0.642 (95% CI: 0.277 - 1.484). 
 
The incidence rates for the primary safety outcome (major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding 
events) were slightly lower in the rivaroxaban treatment group (10.3 % (249/2412)) than in the 
enoxaparin/VKA treatment group (11.4 % (274/2405)). The incidence of the secondary safety 
outcome (major bleeding events) was lower in the rivaroxaban group (1.1 % (26/2412)) than in the 
enoxaparin/VKA group (2.2 % (52/2405)) with a HR 0.493 (95 % CI: 0.308 - 0.789). 
 
Table 6: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein PE 
Study population   4,832 patients with an acute symptomatic PE 
Treatment dose and duration Rivaroxabana) 

3, 6 or 12 months 
N=2,419 

Enoxaparin/VKAb) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=2,413 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 50 
(2.1 %) 

44 
(1.8 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 23 
(1.0 %) 

20 
(0.8 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 18 
(0.7 %) 

17 
(0.7 %) 

Symptomatic PE and DVT 0 2 
(< 0.1 %) 

Fatal PE/death where PE 
cannot be ruled out 

11 
(0.5 %) 

7 
(0.3 %) 

Major or clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

249 
(10.3 %) 

274 
(11.4 %) 

Major bleeding events 26 
(1.1 %) 

52 
(2.2 %) 

a) Rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 mg once daily 
b) Enoxaparin for at least 5 days, overlapped with and followed by VKA 
* p < 0.0026 (non-inferiority to a prespecified HR of 2.0); HR: 1.123 (0.749-1.684) 
 
A prespecified pooled analysis of the outcome of the Einstein DVT and PE studies was conducted (see 
Table 7). 
 
Table 7: Efficacy and safety results from pooled analysis of phase III Einstein DVT and 
Einstein PE 
Study population 8,281 patients with an acute symptomatic DVT or PE 
Treatment dose and duration Rivaroxabana) 

3, 6 or 12 months 
N=4,150 

Enoxaparin/VKAb) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=4,131 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 86 
(2.1 %) 

95 
(2.3 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 
 

43 
(1.0 %) 

38 
(0.9 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 
 

32 
(0.8 %) 

45 
(1.1 %) 

Symptomatic PE and DVT 
 

1 
(< 0.1 %) 

2 
(< 0.1 %) 

Fatal PE/death where PE 
cannot be ruled out 

15 
(0.4 %) 

13 
(0.3 %) 

Major or clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

388 
(9.4 %) 

412 
(10.0 %) 

Major bleeding events 
 

40 
(1.0 %) 

72 
(1.7 %) 

a) Rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 mg once daily 



43 

b) Enoxaparin for at least 5 days, overlapped with and followed by VKA 
* p < 0.0001 (non-inferiority to a prespecified HR of 1.75); HR: 0.886 (0.661-1.186) 
 
The prespecified net clinical benefit (primary efficacy outcome plus major bleeding events) of the 
pooled analysis was reported with a HR of 0.771 ((95% CI: 0.614-0.967), nominal p value p= 0.0244). 
 
In the Einstein Extension study (see Table 8) rivaroxaban was superior to placebo for the primary and 
secondary efficacy outcomes. For the primary safety outcome (major bleeding events) there was a 
non-significant numerically higher incidence rate for patients treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg once 
daily compared to placebo. The secondary safety outcome (major or clinically relevant non-major 
bleeding events) showed higher rates for patients treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily compared 
to placebo. 
 
Table 8: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein Extension 
Study population 1,197 patients continued treatment and prevention of 

recurrent venous thromboembolism 
Treatment dose and duration Rivaroxabana) 

6 or 12 months 
N=602 

Placebo 
6 or 12 months 
N=594 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 8 
(1.3 %) 

42 
(7.1 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 
 

2 
(0.3 %) 

13 
(2.2 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 5 
(0.8 %) 

31 
(5.2 %) 

Fatal PE/death where PE 
cannot be ruled out 

1 
(0.2 %) 

1 
(0.2 %) 

Major bleeding events 
 

4 
(0.7 %) 

0 
(0.0 %) 

Clinically relevant non-major 
bleeding 

32 
(5.4 %) 

7 
(1.2 %) 

a) Rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily 
* p < 0.0001 (superiority), HR: 0.185 (0.087-0.393) 
 
In the Einstein Choice study (see Table 9) rivaroxaban 20 mg and 10 mg were both superior to 100 mg 
acetylsalicylic acid for the primary efficacy outcome. The principal safety outcome (major bleeding 
events) was similar for patients treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg and 10 mg once daily compared to 
100 mg acetylsalicylic acid. 
 
Table 9: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein Choice 

Study population 3,396 patients continued prevention of recurrent venous 
thromboembolism 

Treatment dose Rivaroxaban 
20 mg od 
N=1,107 

Rivaroxaban 
10 mg od 
N=1,127 

ASA 100 mg 
od N=1,131 

Treatment duration 
median [interquartile 
range] 

349 [189-362] days 353 [190-362] days 350 [186-362] days 

Symptomatic recurrent 
VTE 

17 
(1.5 %)
* 

13 
(1.2 %)*
* 

50 
(4.4 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent 
PE 

6 
(0.5 %) 

6 
(0.5 %) 

19 
(1.7 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent 
DVT 

9 
(0.8 %) 

8 
(0.7 %) 

30 
(2.7 %) 

Fatal PE/death where PE 2 0 2 
cannot be ruled out (0.2 %) (0.0 %) (0.2 %) 



44 

Symptomatic  recurrent 
VTE, MI, stroke, or 
non-CNS systemic 
embolism 

19 
(1.7 %) 

18 
(1.6 %) 

56 
(5.0 %) 

Major bleeding events 6 
(0.5 %) 

5 
(0.4 %) 

3 
(0.3 %) 

Clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

30 22 20 
(2.7 %) (2.0 %) (1.8 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent 
VTE or major bleeding 
(net clinical benefit) 

23 
(2.1 %)+ 

17 
(1.5 %)++ 

53 
(4.7 %) 

* p < 0.001(superiority) rivaroxaban 20 mg od vs ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.34 (0.20-0.59) 
**  p < 0.001 (superiority) rivaroxaban 10 mg od vs ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.26 (0.14-0.47) 
+  Rivaroxaban 20 mg od vs. ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.44 (0.27-0.71), p=0.0009 (nominal) 
++ Rivaroxaban 10 mg od vs. ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.32 (0.18-0.55), p < 0.0001 (nominal) 

 
In addition to the phase III EINSTEIN programme, a prospective, non-interventional, open-label 
cohort study (XALIA) with central outcome adjudication including recurrent VTE, major bleeding and 
death has been conducted. 5,142 patients with acute DVT were enrolled to investigate the long-term 
safety of rivaroxaban compared with standard-of-care anticoagulation therapy in clinical practice. 
Rates of major bleeding, recurrent VTE and all-cause mortality for rivaroxaban were 0.7 %, 1.4 % and 
0.5 %, respectively. There were differences in patient baseline characteristics including age, cancer 
and renal impairment. A pre-specified propensity score stratified analysis was used to adjust for 
measured baseline differences but residual confounding may, in spite of this, influence the results. 
Adjusted HRs comparing rivaroxaban and standard-of-care for major bleeding, recurrent VTE and 
all-cause mortality were 0.77 (95 % CI 0.40-1.50), 0.91 (95 % CI 0.54-1.54) and 0.51 (95 % CI 
0.24-1.07), respectively. These results in clinical practice are consistent with the established safety 
profile in this indication. 
 
Patients with high risk triple positive antiphospholipid syndrome  
 
In an investigator sponsored, randomised open-label multicenter study with blinded endpoint 
adjudication, rivaroxaban was compared to warfarin in patients with a history of thrombosis, 
diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome and at high risk for thromboembolic events (positive for all 
3 antiphospholipid tests: lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I 
antibodies). The trial was terminated prematurely after the enrolment of 120 patients due to an excess 
of events among patients in the rivaroxaban arm. Mean follow-up was 569 days. 59 patients were 
randomised to rivaroxaban 20 mg (15 mg for patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) <50 mL/min) 
and 61 to warfarin (INR 2.0- 3.0). Thromboembolic events occurred in 12% of patients randomised to 
rivaroxaban (4 ischaemic strokes and 3 myocardial infarctions). No events were reported in patients 
randomised to warfarin. Major bleeding occurred in 4 patients (7%) of the rivaroxaban group and 2 
patients (3%) of the warfarin group. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with the 
reference medicinal product containing rivaroxaban in one or more subsets of the paediatric 
population in the treatment of thromboembolic events. 
The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with the 
reference medicinal product containing rivaroxaban in all subsets of the paediatric population in the 
prevention of thromboembolic events (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use). 
 



45 

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Absorption 
 
Rivaroxaban is rapidly absorbed with maximum concentrations (Cmax) appearing 2-4 hours after tablet 
intake. 
Oral absorption of rivaroxaban is almost complete and oral bioavailability is high (80-100%) for the 
2.5 mg and 10 mg tablet dose, irrespective of fasting/fed conditions. Intake with food does not affect 
rivaroxaban AUC or Cmax at the 2.5 mg and 10 mg dose. Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg and 10 mg tablets can 
be taken with or without food. Rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics are approximately linear up to about 
15 mg once daily. At higher doses rivaroxaban displays dissolution limited absorption with decreased 
bioavailability and decreased absorption rate with increased dose. This is more marked in fasting state 
than in fed state. Variability in rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics is moderate with inter-individual 
variability (CV %) ranging from 30 % to 40 %, apart from on the day of surgery and the following day 
when variability in exposure is high (70 %). 
Absorption of rivaroxaban is dependent on the site of its release in the gastrointestinal 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 rivaroxaban is released in 
the distal small intestine, or ascending colon. Therefore, administration of rivaroxaban distal to the 
stomach should be avoided since this can result in reduced absorption and related rivaroxaban 
exposure. 
Bioavailability (AUC and Cmax) was comparable for 20 mg rivaroxaban administered orally as a 
crushed tablet mixed in apple puree, or suspended in water and administered via a gastric tube 
followed by a liquid meal, compared to a whole tablet. Given the predictable, dose-proportional 
pharmacokinetic profile of rivaroxaban, the bioavailability results from this study are likely applicable 
to lower rivaroxaban doses. 
 
Distribution 
 
Plasma protein binding in humans is high at approximately 92 % to 95 %, with serum albumin being 
the main binding component. The volume of distribution is moderate with Vss being approximately 
50 litres. 
 
Biotransformation and elimination 
 
Of the administered rivaroxaban dose, approximately 2/3 undergoes metabolic degradation, with half 
then being eliminated renally and the other half eliminated by the faecal route. The final 1/3 of the 
administered dose undergoes direct renal excretion as unchanged active substance in the urine, mainly 
via active renal secretion. 
Rivaroxaban is metabolised via CYP3A4, CYP2J2 and CYP-independent mechanisms. Oxidative 
degradation of the morpholinone moiety and hydrolysis of the amide bonds are the major sites of 
biotransformation. Based on in vitro investigations rivaroxaban is a substrate of the transporter 
proteins P-gp (P-glycoprotein) and Bcrp (breast cancer resistance protein). 
Unchanged rivaroxaban is the most important compound in human plasma, with no major or active 
circulating metabolites being present. With a systemic clearance of about 10 l/h, rivaroxaban can be 
classified as a low-clearance substance. After intravenous administration of a 1 mg dose the 
elimination half-life is about 4.5 hours. After oral administration the elimination becomes absorption 
rate limited. Elimination of rivaroxaban from plasma occurs with terminal half-lives of 5 to 9 hours in 
young individuals, and with terminal half-lives of 11 to 13 hours in the elderly. 
 
Special populations 
 
Gender 
There were no clinically relevant differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between 
male and female patients. 
 
Elderly population 



46 

Elderly patients exhibited higher plasma concentrations than younger patients, with mean AUC values 
being approximately 1.5-fold higher, mainly due to reduced (apparent) total and renal clearance. No 
dose adjustment is necessary. 
 
Different weight categories 
Extremes in body weight (< 50 kg or > 120 kg) had only a small influence on rivaroxaban plasma 
concentrations (less than 25 %). No dose adjustment is necessary. 
 
Inter-ethnic differences 
No clinically relevant inter-ethnic differences among Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, 
Japanese or Chinese patients were observed regarding rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics and 
pharmacodynamics. 
 
Hepatic impairment 
Cirrhotic patients with mild hepatic impairment (classified as Child Pugh A) exhibited only minor 
changes in rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics (1.2-fold increase in rivaroxaban AUC on average), nearly 
comparable to their matched healthy control group. In cirrhotic patients with moderate hepatic 
impairment (classified as Child Pugh B), rivaroxaban mean AUC was significantly increased by 
2.3-fold compared to healthy volunteers. Unbound AUC was increased 2.6--fold. These patients also 
had reduced renal elimination of rivaroxaban, similar to patients with moderate renal impairment. 
There are no data in patients with severe hepatic impairment. 
The inhibition of factor Xa activity was increased by a factor of 2.6 in patients with moderate hepatic 
impairment as compared to healthy volunteers; prolongation of PT was similarly increased by a factor 
of 2.1. Patients with moderate hepatic impairment were more sensitive to rivaroxaban resulting in a 
steeper PK/PD relationship between concentration and PT. 
Rivaroxaban is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and 
clinically relevant bleeding risk, including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C (see 
section 4.3). 
 
Renal impairment 
There was an increase in rivaroxaban exposure correlated to decrease in renal function, as assessed via 
creatinine clearance measurements. In individuals with mild (creatinine clearance 50-80 ml/min), 
moderate (creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) and severe (creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min) renal 
impairment, rivaroxaban plasma concentrations (AUC) were increased 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6-fold 
respectively. Corresponding increases in pharmacodynamic effects were more pronounced. In 
individuals with mild, moderate and severe renal impairment the overall inhibition of factor Xa 
activity was increased by a factor of 1.5, 1.9 and 2.0 respectively as compared to healthy volunteers; 
prolongation of PT was similarly increased by a factor of 1.3, 2.2 and 2.4 respectively. There are no 
data in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min. 
Due to the high plasma protein binding rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialysable. 
Use is not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min. Rivaroxaban is to be used 
with caution in patients with creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min (see section 4.4). 
 
Pharmacokinetic data in patients 
 
In patients receiving rivaroxaban for prevention of VTE 10 mg once daily the geometric mean 
concentration (90 % prediction interval) 2-4 h and about 24 h after dose (roughly representing 
maximum and minimum concentrations during the dose interval) was 101 (7-273) and 14 
(4-51) mcg/l, respectively. 
 
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship 
 
The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship between rivaroxaban plasma 
concentration and several PD endpoints (factor Xa inhibition, PT, aPTT, Heptest) has been evaluated 
after administration of a wide range of doses (5-30 mg twice a day). The relationship between 
rivaroxaban concentration and factor Xa activity was best described by an Emax model. For PT, the 
linear intercept model generally described the data better. Depending on the different PT reagents 



47 

used, the slope differed considerably. When Neoplastin PT was used, baseline PT was about 13 s and 
the slope was around 3 to 4 s/(100 mcg/l). The results of the PK/PD analyses in Phase II and III were 
consistent with the data established in healthy subjects. In patients, baseline factor Xa and PT were 
influenced by the surgery resulting in a difference in the concentration-PT slope between the day 
postsurgery and steady state. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
Safety and efficacy have not been established for children and adolescents up to 18 years. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety 
pharmacology, single dose toxicity, phototoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential and juvenile 
toxicity. 
Effects observed in repeat-dose toxicity studies were mainly due to the exaggerated pharmacodynamic 
activity of rivaroxaban. In rats, increased IgG and IgA plasma levels were seen at clinically relevant 
exposure levels. 
In rats, no effects on male or female fertility were seen. Animal studies have shown reproductive 
toxicity related to the pharmacological mode of action of rivaroxaban (e.g. haemorrhagic 
complications). Embryo-foetal toxicity (post-implantation loss, retarded/progressed ossification, 
hepatic multiple light coloured spots) and an increased incidence of common malformations as well as 
placental changes were observed at clinically relevant plasma concentrations. In the pre-and postnatal 
study in rats, reduced viability of the offspring was observed at doses that were toxic to the dams. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Tablet core 
 
Lactose monohydrate 
Croscarmellose sodium (E468) 
Sodium laurilsulfate (E487) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460) 
Silica, colloidal anhydrous (E551) 
Magnesium stearate (E572) 
 
Film-coating 
 
Macrogol 4000 (E1521) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Titanium dioxide (E171) 
Iron oxide red (E172) 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
Not applicable. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
2 years. 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. 
 



48 

6.5 Nature and contents of container 
Clear PVC/Aluminium blisters in cartons of 5, 10, 14, 28, 30, 98 or 100 film-coated tablets or 
perforated unit dose blisters of 10 x 1 or 100 x 1 tablets.  
HDPE bottle fitted with white opaque child resistant polypropylene closure and induction sealing liner 
wad. Pack size 30 or 90 film-coated tablets. 
HDPE bottle fitted with white opaque continuous thread polypropylene screw closure and induction 
sealing liner wad. Pack size 500 film-coated tablets. 
 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and handling 
 
After confirming gastric placement of the tube, rivaroxaban tablets may be crushed and suspended in 
50 mL of water and administered via an nasogastric 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. Enteral feeding is not required following administration of the 2.5 mg or 
10 mg tablets. 
 
Crushed rivaroxaban tablets are stable in water and in apple sauce for up to 4 hours.  
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.  
 
 
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
 
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/012-023  
 
 
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 
 
 
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
 
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


49 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT  
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg film-coated tablets 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
Each film-coated tablet contains 15 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
Excipient with known effect  
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 20.920 mg lactose (as monohydrate), see section 4.4. 
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Film-coated tablet (tablet) 
 
Red coloured, round, biconvex, approximately 5.00 mm in diameter, film coated tablets debossed with 
‘‘IL’’ on one side and ‘‘2’’ on other side. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS  
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with 
one or more risk factors, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes 
mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack. 
 
Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE in adults. (See section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients.) 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Posology  
 
Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism 
The recommended dose is 20 mg once daily, which is also the recommended maximum dose. 
 
Therapy with Rivaroxaban Accord should be continued long term provided the benefit of prevention 
of stroke and systemic embolism outweighs the risk of bleeding (see section 4.4). 
 
If a dose is missed the patient should take Rivaroxaban Accord immediately and continue on the 
following day with the once daily intake as recommended. The dose should not be doubled within the 
same day to make up for a missed dose. 
 
Treatment of DVT, treatment of PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE  
The recommended dose for the initial treatment of acute DVT or PE is 15 mg twice daily for the first 
three weeks followed by 20 mg once daily for the continued treatment and prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE. 
 
Short duration of therapy (at least 3 months) should be considered in patients with DVT or PE 
provoked by major transient risk factors (i.e. recent major surgery or trauma). Longer duration of 
therapy should be considered in patients with provoked DVT or PE not related to major transient risk 
factors, unprovoked DVT or PE, or a history of recurrent DVT or PE. 
 



50 

When extended prevention of recurrent DVT and PE is indicated (following completion of at least 
6 months therapy for DVT or PE), the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily. In patients in whom 
the risk of recurrent DVT or PE is considered high, such as those with complicated comorbidities, or 
who have developed recurrent DVT or PE on extended prevention with rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily, 
a dose of rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily should be considered. 
 
The duration of therapy and dose selection should be individualised after careful assessment of the 
treatment benefit against the risk for bleeding (see section 4.4). 
 
 Time period Dosing schedule Total daily dose 
Treatment and 
prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE 

Day 1-21 15 mg twice daily 30 mg 
Day 22 onwards 20 mg once daily 20 mg 

Prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE 

Following  
completion of at 
least 6 months 
therapy for DVT or 
PE 

10 mg once daily 
or 20 mg once 
daily 

10 mg 
or 20 mg 

 
To support the dose switch from 15 mg to 20 mg after Day 21 a first 4 weeks treatment initiation pack 
of Rivaroxaban Accord for treatment of DVT/PE is available. 
 
If a dose is missed during the 15 mg twice daily treatment phase (day 1-21), the patient should take 
Rivaroxaban Accord immediately to ensure intake of 30 mg rivaroxaban per day. In this case 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. 
 
If a dose is missed during the once daily treatment phase, the patient should take Rivaroxaban Accord 
immediately, and continue on the following day with the once daily intake as recommended. The dose 
should not be doubled within the same day to make up for a missed dose. 
 
Converting from Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) to rivaroxaban 
For patients treated for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism, VKA treatment should be 
stopped and Rivaroxaban Accord therapy should be initiated when the International Normalised Ratio 
(INR) is ≤ 3.0. 
For patients treated for DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence, VKA treatment should be stopped and 
Rivaroxaban Accord therapy should be initiated once the INR is ≤ 2.5.  
When converting patients from VKAs to rivaroxaban, INR values will be falsely elevated after the 
intake of rivaroxaban. The INR is not valid to measure the anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban, and 
therefore should not be used (see section 4.5). 
 
Converting from rivaroxaban to Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) 
There is a potential for inadequate anticoagulation during the transition from rivaroxaban to VKA. 
Continuous adequate anticoagulation should be ensured during any transition to an alternate 
anticoagulant. It should be noted that rivaroxaban can contribute to an elevated INR. 
In patients converting from rivaroxaban to VKA, VKA should be given concurrently until the INR is 
≥ 2.0. 
For the first two days of the conversion period, standard initial dosing of VKA should be used 
followed by VKA dosing, as guided by INR testing. While patients are on both rivaroxaban and VKA 
the INR should not be tested earlier than 24 hours after the previous dose but prior to the next dose of 
rivaroxaban. Once Rivaroxaban Accord is discontinued INR testing may be done reliably at least 
24 hours after the last dose (see sections 4.5 and 5.2). 
 
Converting from parenteral anticoagulants to rivaroxaban 
For patients currently receiving a parenteral anticoagulant, discontinue the parenteral anticoagulant 
and start rivaroxaban 0 to 2 hours before the time that the next scheduled administration of the 
parenteral medicinal product (e.g. low molecular weight heparins) would be due or at the time of 



51 

discontinuation of a continuously administered parenteral medicinal product (e.g. intravenous 
unfractionated heparin). 
Converting from rivaroxaban to parenteral anticoagulants 
Give the first dose of parenteral anticoagulant at the time the next rivaroxaban dose would be taken. 
 
Special populations 
 
Renal impairment 
Limited clinical data for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min) 
indicate that rivaroxaban plasma concentrations are significantly increased. Therefore, Rivaroxaban 
Accord is to be used with caution in these patients. Use is not recommended in patients with creatinine 
clearance < 15 ml/min (see sections 4.4 and 5.2). 
In patients with moderate (creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) or severe (creatinine clearance 
15-29 ml/min) renal impairment the following dose recommendations apply: 
 
- For the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial 

fibrillation, the recommended dose is 15 mg once daily (see section 5.2). 
 
- For the treatment of DVT, treatment of PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE, patients 

should be treated with 15 mg twice daily for the first 3 weeks. Thereafter, when the 
recommended dose is 20 mg once daily, a reduction of the dose from 20 mg once daily to 
15 mg once daily should be considered if the patient’s assessed risk for bleeding outweighs 
the risk for recurrent DVT and PE. The recommendation for the use of 15 mg is based on PK 
modelling and has not been studied in this clinical setting (see sections 4.4, 5.1 and 5.2). 
When the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily, no dose adjustment from the recommended 
dose is necessary. 

 
No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 
50-80 ml/min) (see section 5.2). 
 
Hepatic impairment 
Rivaroxaban Accord is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy 
and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C (see 
sections 4.3 and 5.2). 
 
Elderly population 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2) 
 
Body weight 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2) 
 
Gender 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2) 
 
Paediatric population 
The safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in children aged 0 to 18 years have not been established. No 
data are available. Therefore, Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended for use in children below 
18 years of age. 
 



52 

Patients undergoing cardioversion 
Rivaroxaban Accord can be initiated or continued in patients who may require cardioversion.  
For transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) guided cardioversion in patients not previously treated 
with anticoagulants, Rivaroxaban Accord treatment should be started at least 4 hours before 
cardioversion to ensure adequate anticoagulation (see sections 5.1 and 5.2). For all patients, 
confirmation should be sought prior to cardioversion that the patient has taken Rivaroxaban Accord as 
prescribed. Decisions on initiation and duration of treatment should take established guideline 
recommendations for anticoagulant treatment in patients undergoing cardioversion into account. 
Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who undergo PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) 
with stent placement 
There is limited experience of a reduced dose of 15 mg rivaroxaban once daily (or 10 mg rivaroxaban 
once daily for patients with moderate renal impairment [creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min]) in 
addition to a P2Y12 inhibitor for a maximum of 12 months in patients with non-valvular atrial 
fibrillation who require oral anticoagulation and undergo PCI with stent placement (see sections 4.4 
and 5.1). 
 
Method of administration 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord is for oral use. 
The tablets are to be taken with food (see section 5.2). 
For patients who are unable to swallow whole tablets, Rivaroxaban Accord tablet may be crushed and 
mixed with water or apple puree immediately prior to use and administered orally. After the 
administration of crushed Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg or 20 mg film-coated tablets, the dose should be 
immediately followed by food. 
The crushed Rivaroxaban Accord tablet may also be given through gastric tubes after confirmation of 
the correct gastric placement of the tube. The crushed tablet should be administered in a small amount 
of water via a gastric tube after which it should be flushed with water. After the administration of 
crushed Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg or 20 mg film-coated tablets, the dose should then be immediately 
followed by enteral feeding (see section 5.2 and 6.6). 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 
 
Active clinically significant bleeding. 
 
Lesion or condition, if considered to be a significant risk for major bleeding. This may include current 
or recent gastrointestinal ulceration, presence of malignant neoplasms at high risk of bleeding, recent 
brain or spinal injury, recent brain, spinal or ophthalmic surgery, recent intracranial haemorrhage, 
known or suspected oesophageal varices, arteriovenous malformations, vascular aneurysms or major 
intraspinal or intracerebral vascular abnormalities. 
 
Concomitant treatment with any other anticoagulants, e.g. unfractionated heparin (UFH), low 
molecular weight heparins (enoxaparin, dalteparin, etc.), heparin derivatives (fondaparinux, etc.), oral 
anticoagulants (warfarin, dabigatran etexilate, apixaban, etc.) except under specific circumstances of 
switching anticoagulant therapy (see section 4.2) or when UFH is given at doses necessary to maintain 
an open central venous or arterial catheter (see section 4.5). 
 
Hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic 
patients with Child Pugh B and C (see section 5.2). 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding (see section 4.6). 
 



53 

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Clinical surveillance in line with anticoagulation practice is recommended throughout the treatment 
period. 
 
Haemorrhagic risk 
 
As with other anticoagulants, patients taking Rivaroxaban Accord are to be carefully observed for 
signs of bleeding. It is recommended to be used with caution in conditions with increased risk of 
haemorrhage. Rivaroxaban Accord administration should be discontinued if severe haemorrhage 
occurs (see section 4.9). 
 
In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, gastrointestinal, genito urinary 
including abnormal vaginal or increased menstrual bleeding) and anaemia were seen more frequently 
during long term rivaroxaban treatment compared with VKA treatment. Thus, in addition to adequate 
clinical surveillance, laboratory testing of haemoglobin/haematocrit could be of value to detect occult 
bleeding and quantify the clinical relevance of overt bleeding, as judged to be appropriate. 
 
Several sub-groups of patients, as detailed below, are at increased risk of bleeding. These patients are 
to be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding complications and anaemia after 
initiation of treatment (see section 4.8).  
Any unexplained fall in haemoglobin or blood pressure should lead to a search for a bleeding site. 
 
Although treatment with rivaroxaban does not require routine monitoring of exposure, rivaroxaban 
levels measured with a calibrated quantitative anti-factor Xa assay may be useful in exceptional 
situations where knowledge of rivaroxaban exposure may help to inform clinical decisions, e.g. 
overdose and emergency surgery (see sections 5.1 and 5.2). 
 
Renal impairment 
 
In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) rivaroxaban plasma levels 
may be significantly increased (1.6-fold on average) which may lead to an increased bleeding risk. 
Rivaroxaban Accord is to be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min. Use 
is not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). 
Rivaroxaban Accord should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment concomitantly 
receiving other medicinal products which increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations (see 
section 4.5). 
 
Interaction with other medicinal products 
 
The use of Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended in patients receiving concomitant systemic 
treatment with azole-antimycotics (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and 
posaconazole) or HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir). These active substances are strong inhibitors 
of both CYP3A4 and P-gp and therefore may increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations to a 
clinically relevant degree (2.6-fold on average) which may lead to an increased bleeding risk (see 
section 4.5). 
 
Care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with medicinal products affecting haemostasis 
such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicinal products (NSAIDs), acetylsalicylic acid and 
platelet aggregation inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin 
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). For patients at risk of ulcerative gastrointestinal disease 
an appropriate prophylactic treatment may be considered (see section 4.5). 
 
Other haemorrhagic risk factors 
 
As with other antithrombotics, rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients with an increased bleeding 
risk such as: 



54 

• congenital or acquired bleeding disorders 
• uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension 
• other gastrointestinal disease without active ulceration that can potentially lead to bleeding 

complications (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, oesophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal 
reflux disease) 

• vascular retinopathy 
• bronchiectasis or history of pulmonary bleeding 
 
Patients with prosthetic valves 
 
Rivaroxaban should not be used for thromboprophylaxis in patients having recently undergone 
transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been 
studied in patients with prosthetic heart valves; therefore, there are no data to support that rivaroxaban 
provides adequate anticoagulation in this patient population. Treatment with Rivaroxaban Accord is 
not recommended for these patients. 
Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who undergo PCI with stent placement 
 
Clinical data are available from an interventional study with the primary objective to assess safety in 
patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who undergo PCI with stent placement. Data on efficacy 
in this population are limited (see sections 4.2 and 5.1). No data are available for such patients with a 
history of stroke/ transient ischaemic attack (TIA). 
 
Haemodynamically unstable PE patients or patients who require thrombolysis or pulmonary 
embolectomy 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended as an alternative to unfractionated heparin in patients with 
pulmonary embolism who are haemodynamically unstable or may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary 
embolectomy since the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in these clinical 
situations. 
 
Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome  
 
Direct acting Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) including rivaroxaban are not recommended for patients 
with a history of thrombosis who are diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome. In particular for 
patients that are triple positive (for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta 
2-glycoprotein I antibodies), treatment with DOACs could be associated with increased rates of 
recurrent thrombotic events compared with vitamin K antagonist therapy. 
 
Spinal/epidural anaesthesia or puncture 
 
When neuraxial anaesthesia (spinal/epidural anaesthesia) or spinal/epidural puncture is employed, 
patients treated with antithrombotic agents for prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk 
of developing an epidural or spinal haematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis. 
The risk of these events may be increased by the post-operative use of indwelling epidural catheters or 
the concomitant use of medicinal products affecting haemostasis. The risk may also be increased by 
traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture. Patients are to be frequently monitored for signs and 
symptoms of neurological impairment (e.g. numbness or weakness of the legs, bowel or bladder 
dysfunction). If neurological compromise is noted, urgent diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Prior 
to neuraxial intervention the physician should consider the potential benefit versus the risk in 
anticoagulated patients or in patients to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis. There is no clinical 
experience with the use of 15 mg rivaroxaban in these situations. 
To reduce the potential risk of bleeding associated with the concurrent use of rivaroxaban and 
neuraxial (epidural/spinal) anaesthesia or spinal puncture, consider the pharmacokinetic profile of 
rivaroxaban. Placement or removal of an epidural catheter or lumbar puncture is best performed when 
the anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban is estimated to be low. However, the exact timing to reach a 
sufficiently low anticoagulant effect in each patient is not known. 



55 

For the removal of an epidural catheter and based on the general PK characteristics at least 2x 
half-life, i.e. at least 18 hours in young patients and 26 hours in elderly patients should elapse after the 
last administration of rivaroxaban (see section 5.2). Following removal of the catheter, at least 6 hours 
should elapse before the next rivaroxaban dose is administered. 
If traumatic puncture occurs the administration of rivaroxaban is to be delayed for 24 hours. 
 
Dosing recommendations before and after invasive procedures and surgical intervention 
 
If an invasive procedure or surgical intervention is required, Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg should be 
stopped at least 24 hours before the intervention, if possible and based on the clinical judgement of the 
physician. 
If the procedure cannot be delayed the increased risk of bleeding should be assessed against the 
urgency of the intervention. 
Rivaroxaban Accord should be restarted as soon as possible after the invasive procedure or surgical 
intervention provided the clinical situation allows and adequate haemostasis has been established as 
determined by the treating physician (see section 5.2). 
 
Elderly population 
 
Increasing age may increase haemorrhagic risk (see section 5.2). 
 
Dermatological reactions 
 
Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis and DRESS 
syndrome, have been reported during post-marketing surveillance in association with the use of 
rivaroxaban (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the 
course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first weeks of 
treatment. Rivaroxaban should be discontinued at the first appearance of a severe skin rash (e.g. 
spreading, intense and/or blistering), or any other sign of hypersensitivity in conjunction with mucosal 
lesions. 
 
Information about excipients 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, 
total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.  
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 
“sodium-free”. 
 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors 
 
Co-administration of rivaroxaban with ketoconazole (400 mg once a day) or ritonavir (600 mg twice a 
day) led to a 2.6-fold / 2.5-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.7-fold / 1.6-fold increase in 
mean rivaroxaban Cmax, with significant increases in pharmacodynamic effects which may lead to an 
increased bleeding risk. Therefore, the use of rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients receiving 
concomitant systemic treatment with azole-antimycotics such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, 
voriconazole and posaconazole or HIV protease inhibitors. These active substances are strong 
inhibitors of both CYP3A4 and P-gp (see section 4.4). 
 
Active substances strongly inhibiting only one of the rivaroxaban elimination pathways, either 
CYP3A4 or P-gp, are expected to increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations to a lesser extent. 
Clarithromycin (500 mg twice a day), for instance, considered as a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and 
moderate P-gp inhibitor, led to a 1.5-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.4-fold increase in 
Cmax. The interaction with clarithromycin is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be 
potentially significant in high-risk patients. (For patients with renal impairment: see section 4.4). 
 



56 

Erythromycin (500 mg three times a day), which inhibits CYP3A4 and P-gp moderately, led to a 
1.3-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax. The interaction with erythromycin is likely not 
clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in high-risk patients. 
In subjects with mild renal impairment erythromycin (500 mg three times a day) led to a 1.8-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and 1.6-fold increase in Cmax when compared to subjects with 
normal renal function. In subjects with moderate renal impairment, erythromycin led to a 2.0-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and 1.6-fold increase in Cmax when compared to subjects with 
normal renal function. The effect of erythromycin is additive to that of renal impairment (see 
section 4.4). 
 
Fluconazole (400 mg once daily), considered as a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, led to a 1.4-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.3-fold increase in mean Cmax. The interaction with 
fluconazole is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in 
high-risk patients. (For patients with renal impairment: see section 4.4). 
 
Given the limited clinical data available with dronedarone, co-administration with rivaroxaban should 
be avoided. 
 
Anticoagulants 
 
After combined administration of enoxaparin (40 mg single dose) with rivaroxaban (10 mg single 
dose) an additive effect on anti-factor Xa activity was observed without any additional effects on 
clotting tests (PT, aPTT). Enoxaparin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban. 
Due to the increased bleeding risk care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with any 
other anticoagulants (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). 
 
NSAIDs/platelet aggregation inhibitors 
 
No clinically relevant prolongation of bleeding time was observed after concomitant administration of 
rivaroxaban (15 mg) and 500 mg naproxen. Nevertheless, there may be individuals with a more 
pronounced pharmacodynamic response. 
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when 
rivaroxaban was co-administered with 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid. 
Clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose followed by 75 mg maintenance dose) did not show a 
pharmacokinetic interaction with rivaroxaban (15 mg) but a relevant increase in bleeding time was 
observed in a subset of patients which was not correlated to platelet aggregation, P-selectin or 
GPIIb/IIIa receptor levels. 
Care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with NSAIDs (including acetylsalicylic acid) 
and platelet aggregation inhibitors because these medicinal products typically increase the bleeding 
risk (see section 4.4). 
 
SSRIs/SNRIs 
 
As with other anticoagulants the possibility may exist that patients are at increased risk of bleeding in 
case of concomitant use with SSRIs or SNRIs due to their reported effect on platelets. When 
concomitantly used in the rivaroxaban clinical programme, numerically higher rates of major or 
non-major clinically relevant bleeding were observed in all treatment groups. 
 
Warfarin 
 
Converting patients from the vitamin K antagonist warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) to rivaroxaban (20 mg) or 
from rivaroxaban (20 mg) to warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) increased prothrombin time/INR (Neoplastin) 
more than additively (individual INR values up to 12 may be observed), whereas effects on aPTT, 
inhibition of factor Xa activity and endogenous thrombin potential were additive. 
If it is desired to test the pharmacodynamic effects of rivaroxaban during the conversion period, 
anti-factor Xa activity, PiCT, and Heptest can be used as these tests were not affected by warfarin. On 



57 

the fourth day after the last dose of warfarin, all tests (including PT, aPTT, inhibition of factor Xa 
activity and ETP) reflected only the effect of rivaroxaban. 
If it is desired to test the pharmacodynamic effects of warfarin during the conversion period, INR 
measurement can be used at the Ctrough of rivaroxaban (24 hours after the previous intake of 
rivaroxaban) as this test is minimally affected by rivaroxaban at this time point. 
No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between warfarin and rivaroxaban. 
 
CYP3A4 inducers 
 
Co-administration of rivaroxaban with the strong CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin led to an approximate 
50 % decrease in mean rivaroxaban AUC, with parallel decreases in its pharmacodynamic effects. The 
concomitant use of rivaroxaban with other strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, 
phenobarbital or St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)) may also lead to reduced rivaroxaban 
plasma concentrations. Therefore, concomitant administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers should be 
avoided unless the patient is closely observed for signs and symptoms of thrombosis. 
 
Other concomitant therapies 
 
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when 
rivaroxaban was co-administered with midazolam (substrate of CYP3A4), digoxin (substrate of P-gp), 
atorvastatin (substrate of CYP3A4 and P-gp) or omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor). Rivaroxaban 
neither inhibits nor induces any major CYP isoforms like CYP3A4. 
 
Laboratory parameters 
 
Clotting parameters (e.g. PT, aPTT, HepTest) are affected as expected by the mode of action of 
rivaroxaban (see section 5.1). 
 
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Pregnancy 
 
Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in pregnant women. Studies in animals 
have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Due to the potential reproductive toxicity, the 
intrinsic risk of bleeding and the evidence that rivaroxaban passes the placenta, Rivaroxaban Accord is 
contraindicated during pregnancy (see section 4.3). 
Women of child-bearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with rivaroxaban. 
 
Breast-feeding 
 
Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in breast-feeding women. Data from 
animals indicate that rivaroxaban is secreted into milk. Therefore, Rivaroxaban Accord is 
contraindicated during breast-feeding (see section 4.3). A decision must be made whether to 
discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from therapy. 
 
Fertility 
 
No specific studies with rivaroxaban in humans have been conducted to evaluate effects on fertility. In 
a study on male and female fertility in rats no effects were seen (see section 5.3). 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Rivaroxaban has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Adverse reactions like 
syncope (frequency: uncommon) and dizziness (frequency: common) have been reported (see 
section 4.8). 
Patients experiencing these adverse reactions should not drive or use machines. 
 



58 

4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
The safety of rivaroxaban has been evaluated in thirteen phase III studies including 53,103 patients 
exposed to rivaroxaban (see Table 1). 
 
Table 1: Number of patients studied, total daily dose and maximum treatment duration in phase 
III studies 
Indication  
 
 

Number of 
patients* 

Total daily dose Maximum 
treatment 
duration 

Prevention of venous thromboembolism 
(VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective 
hip or knee replacement surgery 

6,097 10 mg 39 days 

Prevention of venous thromboembolism in 
medically ill patients 

3,997 10 mg 39 days 
 

Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of 
recurrence 
 

6,790 Day 1-21: 30 mg 
Day 22 and onwards: 
20 mg 
After at least 
6 months: 10 mg or 
20 mg 

21 months 

Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism 
in patients with non-valvular atrial 
fibrillation  

7,750  
 

20 mg  
 

41 months 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in 
patients after an (ACS)  
 

10,225 5 mg or 10 mg 
respectively, 
co-administered with 
either ASA or ASA 
plus clopidogrel or 
ticlopidine 

31 months 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in 
patients with CAD/PAD  
 

18,244  
 

5 mg co-administered 
with ASA or 10 mg 
alone  

47 months  
 

 
*Patients exposed to at least one dose of rivaroxaban 
 
The most commonly reported adverse reactions in patients receiving rivaroxaban were bleedings (see 
section 4.4. and ‘Description of selected adverse reactions’ below) (Table 2). The most commonly 
reported bleedings were epistaxis (4.5 %) and gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage (3.8 %). 
 
Table 2: Bleeding* and anaemia events rates in patients exposed to rivaroxaban across the 
completed phase III studies 
Indication Any bleeding Anaemia 
Prevention of venous 
thromboembolism (VTE) in adult 
patients undergoing elective hip or 
knee replacement surgery  

6.8 % of patients 5.9 % of patients 

Prevention of venous 
thromboembolism in medically ill 
patients  

12.6 % of 
patients 

2.1 % of patients 

Treatment of DVT, PE and 
prevention of recurrence 

23 % of patients 1.6 % of patients 

Prevention of stroke and systemic 
embolism in patients with 
non-valvular atrial fibrillation 

28 per 100 
patient years 

2.5 per 100 patient 
years 



59 

Prevention of atherothrombotic 
events in patients after an ACS 

22 per 100 
patient years 

1.4 per 100 patient 
years 

Prevention of atherothrombotic 
events in patients with CAD/PAD  

6.7 per 100 
patient years  

0.15 per 100 
patient years**  

 
* For all rivaroxaban studies all bleeding events are collected, reported and adjudicated.  
** In the COMPASS study, there is a low anaemia incidence as a selective approach to adverse event 
collection was applied  
 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
 
The frequencies of adverse reactions reported with rivaroxaban are summarised in table 3 below by 
system organ class (in MedDRA) and by frequency. 
 
Frequencies are defined as:  
very common (≥ 1/10) 
common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) 
uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100)  
rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000) 
very rare ( < 1/10,000)  
not known (cannot be estimated from the available data) 
 
Table 3: All adverse reactions reported in patients in phase III clinical trials or through post 
marketing use* 
Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
Blood and lymphatic system disorders 
Anaemia (incl. 
respective laboratory 
parameters) 

Thrombocytosis 
(incl. platelet 
count increased)A, 
Thrombocytopenia 

   

Immune system disorders 
 Allergic reaction, 

dermatitis allergic, 
Angioedema and 
allergic oedema 

 Anaphylactic 
reactions 
including 
anaphylactic 
shock 

 

Nervous system disorders 
Dizziness, headache  Cerebral and 

intracranial 
haemorrhage, 
syncope 

   

Eye disorders 
Eye haemorrhage 
(incl. conjunctival 
haemorrhage) 

    

Cardiac disorders 
 Tachycardia    
Vascular disorders 
Hypotension, 
haematoma 

    

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders 
Epistaxis, 
haemoptysis 

    

Gastrointestinal disorders 
Gingival bleeding, 
gastrointestinal tract 
haemorrhage (incl. 

Dry mouth    



60 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
rectal haemorrhage), 
gastrointestinal and 
abdominal pains, 
dyspepsia, nausea, 
constipationA, 
diarrhoea, vomitingA 
Hepatobiliary disorders 
Increase in 
transaminases 

Hepatic 
impairment, 
Increased 
bilirubin, 
increased blood 
alkaline 
phosphataseA, 
increased GGTA 

Jaundice, 
Bilirubin 
conjugated 
increased (with 
or without 
concomitant 
increase of ALT), 
Cholestasis, 
Hepatitis (incl. 
hepatocellular 
injury) 

  

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders 
Pruritus (incl. 
uncommon cases of 
generalised pruritus), 
rash, ecchymosis, 
cutaneous and 
subcutaneous 
haemorrhage 

Urticaria  Stevens-Johnson 
syndrome/ Toxic 
Epidermal 
Necrolysis , 
DRESS 
syndrome 

 

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders 
Pain in extremityA  Haemarthrosis  Muscle 

haemorrhage  
 Compartment 

syndrome 
secondary to a 
bleeding 

Renal and urinary disorders 
Urogenital tract 
haemorrhage (incl. 
haematuria and 
menorrhagiaB), renal 
impairment (incl. 
blood creatinine 
increased, blood urea 
increased) 

   Renal 
failure/acute 
renal failure 
secondary to a 
bleeding 
sufficient to 
cause 
hypoperfusion 

General disorders and administration site conditions 
FeverA, peripheral 
oedema, decreased 
general strength and 
energy (incl. fatigue 
and asthenia) 

Feeling unwell 
(incl. malaise) 

Localised 
oedemaA 

  

Investigations 
 Increased LDHA, 

increased lipaseA, 
increased 
amylaseA 

   

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications 
Postprocedural 
haemorrhage (incl. 
postoperative 

 Vascular 
pseudoaneurysmC 

  



61 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
anaemia, and wound 
haemorrhage), 
contusion, wound 
secretionA 
 
A: observed in prevention of VTE in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement 
surgery 
B: observed in treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence as very common in women 
< 55 years 
C: observed as uncommon in prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients after an ACS 
(following percutaneous coronary intervention) 
* A pre-specified selective approach to adverse event collection was applied. As incidence of adverse 
reactions did not increase and no new adverse reaction was identified, COMPASS study data were not 
included for frequency calculation in this table.  
 
Description of selected adverse reactions 
 
Due to the pharmacological mode of action, the use of rivaroxaban may be associated with an 
increased risk of occult or overt bleeding from any tissue or organ which may result in post 
haemorrhagic anaemia. The signs, symptoms, and severity (including fatal outcome) will vary 
according to the location and degree or extent of the bleeding and/or anaemia (see section 4.9 
“Management of bleeding”). In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, 
gastrointestinal, genito urinary including abnormal vaginal or increased menstrual bleeding) and 
anaemia were seen more frequently during long term rivaroxaban treatment compared with VKA 
treatment. Thus, in addition to adequate clinical surveillance, laboratory testing of 
haemoglobin/haematocrit could be of value to detect occult bleeding and quantify the clinical 
relevance of overt bleeding, as judged to be appropriate. The risk of bleedings may be increased in 
certain patient groups, e.g. those patients with uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension and/or on 
concomitant treatment affecting haemostasis (see section 4.4 “Haemorrhagic risk”). Menstrual 
bleeding may be intensified and/or prolonged. Haemorrhagic complications may present as weakness, 
paleness, dizziness, headache or unexplained swelling, dyspnoea and unexplained shock. In some 
cases as a consequence of anaemia, symptoms of cardiac ischaemia like chest pain or angina pectoris 
have been observed. 
Known complications secondary to severe bleeding such as compartment syndrome and renal failure 
due to hypoperfusion have been reported for rivaroxaban. Therefore, the possibility of haemorrhage is 
to be considered in evaluating the condition in any anticoagulated patient. 
 
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
Rare cases of overdose up to 600 mg have been reported without bleeding complications or other 
adverse reactions. Due to limited absorption a ceiling effect with no further increase in average plasma 
exposure is expected at supratherapeutic doses of 50 mg rivaroxaban or above. 
A specific reversal agent (andexanet alfa) antagonising the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban is 
available (refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics of andexanet alfa). The use of activated 
charcoal to reduce absorption in case of rivaroxaban overdose may be considered.  
 
Management of bleeding 
 

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62 

Should a bleeding complication arise in a patient receiving rivaroxaban, the next rivaroxaban 
administration should be delayed or treatment should be discontinued as appropriate. Rivaroxaban has 
a half-life of approximately 5 to 13 hours (see section 5.2). Management should be individualised 
according to the severity and location of the haemorrhage. Appropriate symptomatic treatment could 
be used as needed, such as mechanical compression (e.g. for severe epistaxis), surgical haemostasis 
with bleeding control procedures, fluid replacement and haemodynamic support, blood products 
(packed red cells or fresh frozen plasma, depending on associated anaemia or coagulopathy) or 
platelets. 
If bleeding cannot be controlled by the above measures, either the administration of a specific factor 
Xa inhibitor reversal agent (andexanet alfa), which antagonises the pharmacodynamic effect of 
rivaroxaban, or a specific procoagulant reversal agent, such as prothrombin complex concentrate 
(PCC), activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) or recombinant factor VIIa (r-FVIIa), 
should be considered. However, there is currently very limited clinical experience with the use of 
these medicinal products in individuals receiving rivaroxaban. The recommendation is also based on 
limited non-clinical data. Re-dosing of recombinant factor VIIa shall be considered and titrated 
depending on improvement of bleeding. 
Depending on local availability, a consultation with a coagulation expert should be considered in case 
of major bleedings (see section 5.1). 
 
Protamine sulphate and vitamin K are not expected to affect the anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban. 
There is limited experience with tranexamic acid and no experience with aminocaproic acid and 
aprotinin in individuals receiving rivaroxaban. There is neither scientific rationale for benefit nor 
experience with the use of the systemic haemostatic desmopressin in individuals receiving 
rivaroxaban. Due to the high plasma protein binding rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialysable. 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antithrombotic agents, direct factor Xa inhibitors, ATC code: B01AF01 
 
Mechanism of action 
 
Rivaroxaban is a highly selective direct factor Xa inhibitor with oral bioavailability. Inhibition of 
factor Xa interrupts the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade, inhibiting 
both thrombin formation and development of thrombi. Rivaroxaban does not inhibit thrombin 
(activated factor II) and no effects on platelets have been demonstrated. 
 
Pharmacodynamic effects 
 
Dose-dependent inhibition of factor Xa activity was observed in humans. Prothrombin time (PT) is 
influenced by rivaroxaban in a dose dependent way with a close correlation to plasma concentrations 
(r value equals 0.98) if Neoplastin is used for the assay. Other reagents would provide different results. 
The readout for PT is to be done in seconds, because the INR is only calibrated and validated for 
coumarins and cannot be used for any other anticoagulant. 
In patients receiving rivaroxaban for treatment of DVT and PE and prevention of recurrence, the 5/95 
percentiles for PT (Neoplastin) 2-4 hours after tablet intake (i.e. at the time of maximum effect) for  
15 mg rivaroxaban twice daily ranged from 17 to 32 s and for 20 mg rivaroxaban once daily from 15 
to 30 s. At trough (8-16 h after tablet intake) the 5/95 percentiles for 15 mg twice daily ranged from 14 
to 24 s and for 20 mg once daily (18-30 h after tablet intake) from 13 to 20 s. 
In patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation receiving rivaroxaban for the prevention of stroke and 
systemic embolism, the 5/95 percentiles for PT (Neoplastin) 1-4 hours after tablet intake (i.e. at the 
time of maximum effect) in patients treated with 20 mg once daily ranged from 14 to 40 s and in 
patients with moderate renal impairment treated with 15 mg once daily from 10 to 50 s. At trough 
(16-36 h after tablet intake) the 5/95 percentiles in patients treated with 20 mg once daily ranged from 



63 

12 to 26 s and in patients with moderate renal impairment treated with 15 mg once daily from 12 to 
26 s. 
In a clinical pharmacology study on the reversal of rivaroxaban pharmacodynamics in healthy adult 
subjects (n=22), the effects of single doses (50 IU/kg) of two different types of PCCs, a 3-factor PCC 
(Factors II, IX and X) and a 4-factor PCC (Factors II, VII, IX and X) were assessed. The 3-factor PCC 
reduced mean Neoplastin PT values by approximately 1.0 second within 30 minutes, compared to 
reductions of approximately 3.5 seconds observed with the 4-factor PCC. In contrast, the 3-factor PCC 
had a greater and more rapid overall effect on reversing changes in endogenous thrombin generation 
than the 4-factor PCC (see section 4.9). 
The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and HepTest are also prolonged dose-dependently; 
however, they are not recommended to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban. There is no 
need for monitoring of coagulation parameters during treatment with rivaroxaban in clinical routine. 
However, if clinically indicated rivaroxaban levels can be measured by calibrated quantitative 
anti-factor Xa tests (see section 5.2). 
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
 
Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation 
The rivaroxaban clinical programme was designed to demonstrate the efficacy of rivaroxaban for the 
prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. 
In the pivotal double-blind ROCKET AF study, 14,264 patients were assigned either to rivaroxaban 
20 mg once daily (15 mg once daily in patients with creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) or to warfarin 
titrated to a target INR of 2.5 (therapeutic range 2.0 to 3.0). The median time on treatment was 
19 months and overall treatment duration was up to 41 months.  
34.9 % of patients were treated with acetylsalicylic acid and 11.4 % were treated with class III 
antiarrhythmic including amiodarone. 
 
Rivaroxaban was non-inferior to warfarin for the primary composite endpoint of stroke and non-CNS 
systemic embolism. In the per-protocol population on treatment, stroke or systemic embolism occurred 
in 188 patients on rivaroxaban (1.71 % per year) and 241 on warfarin (2.16 % per year) (HR 0.79; 
95 % CI, 0.66-0.96; P < 0.001 for non-inferiority). Among all randomised patients analysed according 
to ITT, primary events occurred in 269 on rivaroxaban (2.12 % per year) and 306 on warfarin (2.42 % 
per year) (HR 0.88; 95 % CI, 0.74-1.03; P < 0.001 for non-inferiority; P=0.117 for superiority). 
Results for secondary endpoints as tested in hierarchical order in the ITT analysis are displayed in 
Table 4. 
Among patients in the warfarin group, INR values were within the therapeutic range (2.0 to 3.0) a 
mean of 55 % of the time (median, 58%; interquartile range, 43 to 71). The effect of rivaroxaban did 
not differ across the level of centre TTR (Time in Target INR Range of 2.0-3.0) in the equally sized 
quartiles (P=0.74 for interaction). Within the highest quartile according to centre, the Hazard Ration 
(HR) with rivaroxaban versus warfarin was 0.74 (95 % CI, 0.49-1.12). 
The incidence rates for the principal safety outcome (major and non-major clinically relevant bleeding 
events) were similar for both treatment groups (see Table 5). 
 
Table 4: Efficacy results from phase III ROCKET AF 
Study population  ITT analyses of efficacy in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation 
Treatment dose Rivaroxaban 20 mg od 

(15 mg od in patients 
with moderate renal 
impairment) 
Event rate (100 pt-yr) 

Warfarin titrated to a 
target INR of 2.5 
(therapeutic range 2.0 
to 3.0) 
Event rate (100 pt-yr) 

HR (95 % CI) 
p-value, test for 
superiority 

Stroke and non-CNS 
systemic embolism 

269 
(2.12) 
 

306 
(2.42) 

0.88 
(0.74-1.03) 
0.117 

Stroke, non-CNS 
systemic embolism 
and vascular death 

572 
(4.51) 

609 
(4.81) 

0.94 
(0.84-1.05) 
0.265 

Stroke, non-CNS 659 709 0.93 



64 

systemic embolism, 
vascular death and 
myocardial infarction 

(5.24) (5.65) (0.83-1.03) 
0.158 

Stroke 253 
(1.99) 

281 
(2.22) 

0.90 
(0.76-1.07) 
0.221 

Non-CNS systemic 
embolism 

20 
(0.16) 

27 
(0.21) 

0.74 
(0.42-1.32) 
0.308 

Myocardial infarction 130 
(1.02) 

142 
(1.11) 

0.91 
(0.72-1.16) 
0.464 

 
Table 5: Safety results from phase III ROCKET AF 
Study population Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillationa) 
Treatment dose Rivaroxaban 20 mg 

once a day (15 mg once 
a day in patients with 
moderate renal 
impairment) 
Event rate (100 pt-yr) 

Warfarin titrated to a 
target INR of 2.5 
(therapeutic  range 
2.0 to 3.0) 
 
Event rate (100 pt-yr) 

 
 
HR (95% CI) 
p-value 

Major and non-major 
clinically relevant bleeding 
events 

1,475 
(14.91) 

1,449 
(14.52) 

1.03 (0.96-1.11) 
0.442 

Major bleeding events 395 
(3.60) 

386 
(3.45) 

1.04 (0.90-1.20) 
0.576 

Death due to bleeding*  
 

27 
(0.24) 

55 
(0.48) 

0.50 (0.31-0.79) 
0.003 

Critical organ bleeding* 91 
(0.82) 

133 
(1.18) 

0.69 (0.53-0.91) 
0.007 

Intracranial 
haemorrhage* 

55 
(0.49) 

84 
(0.74) 

0.67 (0.47-0.93) 
0.019 

Haemoglobin drop* 305 
(2.77) 

254 
(2.26) 

1.22 (1.03-1.44) 
0.019 

Transfusion of 2 or 
more units of packed 
red blood cells or whole 
blood* 

183 
(1.65) 

149 
(1.32) 

1.25 (1.01-1.55) 
0.044 

Non-major clinically 
relevant bleeding events 

1,185 
(11.80) 

1,151 
(11.37) 

1.04 (0.96-1.13) 
0.345 

All-cause mortality 208 
(1.87) 

250 
(2.21) 

0.85 (0.70-1.02) 
0.073 

a) Safety population, on treatment 
* Nominally significant 
 
In addition to the phase III ROCKET AF study, a prospective, single-arm, post-authorization, 
noninterventional, open label cohort study (XANTUS) with central outcome adjudication including 
thromboembolic events and major bleeding has been conducted. 6,785 patients with non-valvular 
atrial fibrillation were enrolled for prevention of stroke and non-central nervous system (CNS) 
systemic embolism in clinical practice. The mean CHADS2 and HAS-BLED scores were both 2.0 in 
XANTUS, compared to a mean CHADS2 and HAS-BLED score of 3.5 and 2.8 in ROCKET AF, 
respectively. Major bleeding occurred in 2.1 per 100 patient years. Fatal haemorrhage was reported in 
0.2 per 100 patient years and intracranial haemorrhage in 0.4 per 100 patient years. Stroke or non-CNS 
systemic embolism was recorded in 0.8 per 100 patient years. 
These observations in clinical practice are consistent with the established safety profile in this 
indication. 



65 

 
Patients undergoing cardioversion 
 
A prospective, randomised, open-label, multicentre, exploratory study with blinded endpoint 
evaluation (X-VERT) was conducted in 1504 patients (oral anticoagulant naive and pre-treated) with  
non-valvular atrial fibrillation scheduled for cardioversion to compare rivaroxaban with dose-adjusted 
VKA (randomised 2:1), for the prevention of cardiovascular events. TEE- guided (1-5 days of 
pretreatment) or conventional cardioversion (at least three weeks of pre-treatment) strategies were 
employed. The primary efficacy outcome (all stroke, transient ischaemic attack, non-CNS systemic 
embolism, myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiovascular death) occurred in 5 (0.5 %) patients in the 
rivaroxaban group (n = 978) and 5 (1.0 %) patients in the VKA group (n = 492; RR 0.50; 95 % CI 
0.15-1.73; modified ITT population). The principal safety outcome (major bleeding) occurred in 6 
(0.6 %) and 4 (0.8 %) patients in the rivaroxaban (n = 988) and VKA (n = 499) groups, respectively 
(RR 0.76; 95 % CI 0.21-2.67; safety population). This exploratory study showed comparable efficacy 
and safety between rivaroxaban and VKA treatment groups in the setting of cardioversion. 
 
Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who undergo PCI with stent placement 
 
A randomised, open-label, multicentre study (PIONEER AF-PCI) was conducted in 2,124 patients 
with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who underwent PCI with stent placement for primary 
atherosclerotic disease to compare safety of two rivaroxaban regimens and one VKA regimen. Patients 
were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 fashion for an overall 12-month-therapy. Patients with a history of 
stroke or TIA were excluded. 
Group 1 received rivaroxaban 15 mg once daily (10 mg once daily in patients with creatinine 
clearance 30-49 ml/min) plus P2Y12 inhibitor. Group 2 received rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily plus 
DAPT (dual antiplatelet therapy i.e. clopidogrel 75 mg [or alternate P2Y12 inhibitor] plus low-dose 
acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) for 1, 6 or 12 months followed by rivaroxaban 15 mg (or 10 mg for 
subjects with creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) once daily plus low-dose ASA. Group 3 received 
dose-adjusted VKA plus DAPT for 1, 6 or 12 months followed by dose adjusted VKA plus low-dose 
ASA. 
The primary safety endpoint, clinically significant bleeding events, occurred in 109 (15.7 %), 117 
(16.6 %), and 167 (24.0 %) subjects in group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively (HR 0.59; 95 % CI 
0.47-0.76; p < 0.001, and HR 0.63; 95 % CI 0.50-0.80; p < 0.001, respectively). The secondary 
endpoint (composite of cardiovascular events CV death, MI, or stroke) occurred in 41 (5.9 %), 36 
(5.1 %), and 36 (5.2 %) subjects in the group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively. Each of the 
rivaroxaban regimens showed a significant reduction in clinically significant bleeding events 
compared to the VKA regimen in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who underwent a PCI 
with stent placement. 
The primary objective of PIONEER AF-PCI was to assess safety. Data on efficacy (including 
thromboembolic events) in this population are limited. 
 
Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE 
The rivaroxaban clinical programme was designed to demonstrate the efficacy of rivaroxaban in the 
initial and continued treatment of acute DVT and PE and prevention of recurrence. 
Over 12,800 patients were studied in four randomised controlled phase III clinical studies (Einstein 
DVT, Einstein PE, Einstein Extension and Einstein Choice) and additionally a predefined pooled 
analysis of the Einstein DVT and Einstein PE studies was conducted. The overall combined treatment 
duration in all studies was up to 21 months. 
 
In Einstein DVT 3,449 patients with acute DVT were studied for the treatment of DVT and the 
prevention of recurrent DVT and PE (patients who presented with symptomatic PE were excluded 
from this study). The treatment duration was for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the clinical 
judgement of the investigator. 
For the initial 3 week treatment of acute DVT 15 mg rivaroxaban was administered twice daily. This 
was followed by 20 mg rivaroxaban once daily. 
 



66 

In Einstein PE, 4,832 patients with acute PE were studied for the treatment of PE and the prevention of 
recurrent DVT and PE. The treatment duration was for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the clinical 
judgement of the investigator.  
For the initial treatment of acute PE 15 mg rivaroxaban was administered twice daily for three weeks. 
This was followed by 20 mg rivaroxaban once daily. 
 
In both the Einstein DVT and the Einstein PE study, the comparator treatment regimen consisted of 
enoxaparin administered for at least 5 days in combination with vitamin K antagonist treatment until 
the PT/INR was in therapeutic range (≥ 2.0). Treatment was continued with a vitamin K antagonist 
dose-adjusted to maintain the PT/INR values within the therapeutic range of 2.0 to 3.0. 
 
In Einstein Extension 1,197 patients with DVT or PE were studied for the prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE. The treatment duration was for an additional 6 or 12 months in patients who had 
completed 6 to 12 months of treatment for venous thromboembolism depending on the clinical 
judgment of the investigator. Rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily was compared with placebo. 
 
Einstein DVT, PE and Extension used the same pre-defined primary and secondary efficacy outcomes. 
The primary efficacy outcome was symptomatic recurrent VTE defined as the composite of recurrent 
DVT or fatal or non-fatal PE. The secondary efficacy outcome was defined as the composite of 
recurrent DVT, non-fatal PE and all-cause mortality. 
 
In Einstein Choice, 3,396 patients with confirmed symptomatic DVT and/or PE who completed 6-12 
months of anticoagulant treatment were studied for the prevention of fatal PE or non-fatal 
symptomatic recurrent DVT or PE. Patients with an indication for continued therapeutic-dosed 
anticoagulation were excluded from the study. The treatment duration was up to 12 months depending 
on the individual randomisation date (median: 351 days). Rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily and 
rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily were compared with 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid once daily. 
The primary efficacy outcome was symptomatic recurrent VTE defined as the composite of recurrent 
DVT or fatal or non-fatal PE. 
 
In the Einstein DVT study (see Table 6) rivaroxaban was demonstrated to be non-inferior to 
enoxaparin/VKA for the primary efficacy outcome (p < 0.0001 (test for non-inferiority); HR: 0.680 
(0.443-1.042), p=0.076 (test for superiority)). The prespecified net clinical benefit (primary efficacy 
outcome plus major bleeding events) was reported with a HR of 0.67 ((95 % CI: 0.47 - 0.95), nominal 
p value p=0.027) in favour of rivaroxaban. INR values were within the therapeutic range a mean of 
60.3 % of the time for the mean treatment duration of 189 days, and 55.4 %, 60.1 %, and 62.8 % of the 
time in the 3-, 6-, and 12-month intended treatment duration groups, respectively. In the 
enoxaparin/VKA group, there was no clear relation between the level of mean centre TTR (Time in 
Target INR Range of  2.0-3.0) in the equally sized tertiles and the incidence of the recurrent VTE 
(P=0.932 for interaction). Within the highest tertile according to centre, the HR with rivaroxaban 
versus warfarin was 0.69 (95 % CI: 0.35-1.35). 
 
The incidence rates for the primary safety outcome (major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding 
events) as well as the secondary safety outcome (major bleeding events) were similar for both 
treatment groups. 
 
Table 6: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein DVT 
Study population   3,449 patients with symptomatic acute deep vein thrombosis 
Treatment dose and duration Rivaroxabana) 

3, 6 or 12 months 
N=1,731 

Enoxaparin/VKAb) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=1,718 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 36 
(2.1 %) 

51 
(3.0 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 20 
(1.2 %) 

18 
(1.0 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 14 
(0.8 %) 

28 
(1.6 %) 



67 

Symptomatic PE and DVT 1 
(0.1 %) 

0 

Fatal PE/death where PE cannot 
be ruled out 

4 
(0.2 %) 

6 
(0.3 %) 

Major or clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

139 
(8.1 %) 

138 
(8.1 %) 

Major bleeding events 14 
(0.8 %) 

20 
(1.2 %) 

a) Rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 mg once daily 
b) Enoxaparin for at least 5 days, overlapped with and followed by VKA 
* p < 0.0001 (non-inferiority to a prespecified HR of 2.0); HR: 0.680 (0.443-1.042), p=0.076 
(superiority) 
 
In the Einstein PE study (see Table 7) rivaroxaban was demonstrated to be non-inferior to 
enoxaparin/VKA for the primary efficacy outcome (p=0.0026 (test for non-inferiority); HR: 1.123 
(0.749-1.684)). The prespecified net clinical benefit (primary efficacy outcome plus major bleeding 
events) was reported with a HR of 0.849 ((95 % CI: 0.633-1.139), nominal p value p= 0.275). INR 
values were within the therapeutic range a mean of 63 % of the time for the mean treatment duration 
of 215 days, and 57 %, 62 %, and 65 % of the time in the 3-, 6-, and 12-month intended treatment 
duration groups, respectively. In the enoxaparin/VKA group, there was no clear relation between the 
level of mean centre TTR (Time in Target INR Range of 2.0-3.0) in the equally sized tertiles and the 
incidence of the recurrent VTE (p=0.082 for interaction). Within the highest tertile according to 
centre, the HR with rivaroxaban versus warfarin was 0.642 (95% CI: 0.277-1.484). 
 
The incidence rates for the primary safety outcome (major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding 
events) were slightly lower in the rivaroxaban treatment group (10.3 % (249/2412)) than in the 
enoxaparin/VKA treatment group (11.4 % (274/2405)). The incidence of the secondary safety 
outcome (major bleeding events) was lower in the rivaroxaban group (1.1 % (26/2412)) than in the 
enoxaparin/VKA group (2.2 % (52/2405)) with a HR 0.493 (95% CI: 0.308-0.789). 
 
Table 7: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein PE 
Study population   4,832 patients with an acute symptomatic PE 
Treatment dose and duration Rivaroxabana) 

3, 6 or 12 months 
N=2,419 

Enoxaparin/VKAb) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=2,413 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 50 
(2.1 %) 

44 
(1.8 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 23 
(1.0 %) 

20 
(0.8 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 18 
(0.7 %) 

17 
(0.7 %) 

Symptomatic PE and DVT 0 2 
(<0.1 %) 

Fatal PE/death where PE 
cannot be ruled out 

11 
(0.5 %) 

7 
(0.3 %) 

Major or clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

249 
(10.3 %) 

274 
(11.4 %) 

Major bleeding events 26 
(1.1 %) 

52 
(2.2 %) 

a) Rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 mg once daily 
b) Enoxaparin for at least 5 days, overlapped with and followed by VKA 
* p < 0.0026 (non-inferiority to a prespecified HR of 2.0); HR: 1.123 (0.749-1.684) 
 
A prespecified pooled analysis of the outcome of the Einstein DVT and PE studies was conducted (see 
Table 8). 
 



68 

Table 8: Efficacy and safety results from pooled analysis of phase III Einstein DVT and 
Einstein PE 
Study population 8,281 patients with an acute symptomatic DVT or PE 
Treatment dose and duration Rivaroxabana) 

3, 6 or 12 months 
N=4,150 

Enoxaparin/VKAb) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=4,131 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 86 
(2.1 %) 

95 
(2.3 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 
 

43 
(1.0 %) 

38 
(0.9 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 
 

32 
(0.8 %) 

45 
(1.1 %) 

Symptomatic PE and DVT 
 

1 
(<0.1 %) 

2 
(<0.1 %) 

Fatal PE/death where PE 
cannot be ruled out 

15 
(0.4 %) 

13 
(0.3 %) 

Major or clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

388 
(9.4 %) 

412 
(10.0 %) 

Major bleeding events 
 

40 
(1.0 %) 

72 
(1.7 %) 

a) Rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 mg once daily 
b) Enoxaparin for at least 5 days, overlapped with and followed by VKA 
* p < 0.0001 (non-inferiority to a prespecified HR of 1.75); HR: 0.886 (0.661-1.186) 
 
The prespecified net clinical benefit (primary efficacy outcome plus major bleeding events) of the 
pooled analysis was reported with a HR of 0.771 ((95 % CI: 0.614-0.967), nominal p value p= 
0.0244). 
 
In the Einstein Extension study (see Table 9) rivaroxaban was superior to placebo for the primary and 
secondary efficacy outcomes. For the primary safety outcome (major bleeding events) there was a 
non-significant numerically higher incidence rate for patients treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg once 
daily compared to placebo. The secondary safety outcome (major or clinically relevant non-major 
bleeding events) showed higher rates for patients treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily compared 
to placebo. 
 
Table 9: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein Extension 
Study population 1,197 patients continued treatment and prevention of 

recurrent venous thromboembolism 
Treatment dose and duration Rivaroxabana) 

6 or 12 months 
N=602 

Placebo 
6 or 12 months 
N=594 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 8 
(1.3 %) 

42 
(7.1 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 
 

2 
(0.3 %) 

13 
(2.2 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 5 
(0.8 %) 

31 
(5.2 %) 

Fatal PE/death where PE 
cannot be ruled out 

1 
(0.2 %) 

1 
(0.2 %) 

Major bleeding events 
 

4 
(0.7 %) 

0 
(0.0 %) 

Clinically relevant non-major 
bleeding 

32 
(5.4 %) 

7 
(1.2 %) 

a) Rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily 
* p < 0.0001 (superiority), HR: 0.185 (0.087-0.393) 
 



69 

In the Einstein Choice study (see Table 10) rivaroxaban 20 mg and 10 mg were both superior to 
100 mg acetylsalicylic acid for the primary efficacy outcome. The principal safety outcome (major 
bleeding events) was similar for patients treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg and 10 mg once daily 
compared to 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid. 
 
Table 10: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein Choice 

Study population 3,396 patients continued prevention of recurrent venous 
thromboembolism 

Treatment dose Rivaroxaban 
20 mg od 
N=1,107 

Rivaroxaban 
10 mg od 
N=1,127 

ASA 100 mg od 
N=1,131 

Treatment duration 
median [interquartile 
range] 

349 [189-362] days 353 [190-362] days 350 [186-362] days 

Symptomatic recurrent 
VTE 

17 
(1.5 %)
* 

13 
(1.2 %)*
* 

50 
(4.4 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent 
PE 

6 
(0.5 %) 

6 
(0.5 %) 

19 
(1.7 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent 
DVT 

9 
(0.8 %) 

8 
(0.7 %) 

30 
(2.7 %) 

Fatal PE/death where 
PE 

2 0 2 

cannot be ruled out (0.2 %) (0.0 %) (0.2 %) 
Symptomatic  recurrent 
VTE, MI, stroke, or 
non-CNS systemic 
embolism 

19 
(1.7 %) 

18 
(1.6 %) 

56 
(5.0 %) 

Major bleeding events 6 
(0.5 %) 

5 
(0.4 %) 

3 
(0.3 %) 

Clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

30 22 20 
(2.7 %) (2.0 %) (1.8 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent 
VTE 
or major bleeding 
(net clinical benefit) 

23 
(2.1 %)+ 

17 
(1.5 %)++ 

53 
(4.7 %) 

* →p < 0.001(superiority) rivaroxaban 20 mg od vs ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.34 (0.20-0.59) 
** →p < 0.001 (superiority) rivaroxaban 10 mg od vs ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.26  (0.14-0.47) 
+ →Rivaroxaban 20 mg od vs. ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.44 (0.27-0.71), p=0.0009 (nominal) 
++ →Rivaroxaban 10 mg od vs. ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.32 (0.18-0.55), p < 0.0001 (nominal) 

 
In addition to the phase III EINSTEIN programme, a prospective, non-interventional, open-label 
cohort study (XALIA) with central outcome adjudication including recurrent VTE, major bleeding and 
death has been conducted. 5,142 patients with acute DVT were enrolled to investigate the long-term 
safety of rivaroxaban compared with standard-of-care anticoagulation therapy in clinical practice. 
Rates of major bleeding, recurrent VTE and all-cause mortality for rivaroxaban were 0.7 %, 1.4 % and 
0.5 %, respectively. There were differences in patient baseline characteristics including age, cancer 
and renal impairment. A pre-specified propensity score stratified analysis was used to adjust for 
measured baseline differences but residual confounding may, in spite of this, influence the results. 
Adjusted HRs comparing rivaroxaban and standard-of-care for major bleeding, recurrent VTE and 
all-cause mortality were 0.77 (95 % CI 0.40-1.50), 0.91 (95 % CI 0.54-1.54) and 0.51 (95 % CI 
0.24-1.07), respectively. These results in clinical practice are consistent with the established safety 
profile in this indication. 
 
Patients with high risk triple positive antiphospholipid syndrome  
 



70 

In an investigator sponsored, randomised open-label multicenter study with blinded endpoint 
adjudication, rivaroxaban was compared to warfarin in patients with a history of thrombosis, 
diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome and at high risk for thromboembolic events (positive for all 
3 antiphospholipid tests: lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I 
antibodies). The trial was terminated prematurely after the enrolment of 120 patients due to an excess 
of events among patients in the rivaroxaban arm. Mean follow-up was 569 days. 59 patients were 
randomised to rivaroxaban 20 mg (15 mg for patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) <50 mL/min) 
and 61 to warfarin (INR 2.0- 3.0). Thromboembolic events occurred in 12% of patients randomised to 
rivaroxaban (4 ischaemic strokes and 3 myocardial infarctions). No events were reported in patients 
randomised to warfarin. Major bleeding occurred in 4 patients (7%) of the rivaroxaban group and 2 
patients (3%) of the warfarin group. 
 
Paediatric population 
The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with the 
reference medicinal product containing rivaroxaban in one or more subsets of the paediatric 
population in the treatment of thromboembolic events. 
The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with the 
reference medicinal product containing rivaroxaban in all subsets of the paediatric population in the 
prevention of thromboembolic events (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use). 
 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Absorption 
 
Rivaroxaban is rapidly absorbed with maximum concentrations (Cmax) appearing 2-4 hours after tablet 
intake. 
Oral absorption of rivaroxaban is almost complete and oral bioavailability is high (80-100%) for the 
2.5 mg and 10 mg tablet dose, irrespective of fasting/fed conditions. Intake with food does not affect 
rivaroxaban AUC or Cmax at the 2.5 mg and 10 mg dose. 
Due to a reduced extent of absorption an oral bioavailability of 66 % was determined for the 20 mg 
tablet under fasting conditions. When rivaroxaban 20 mg tablets are taken together with food increases 
in mean AUC by 39 % were observed when compared to tablet intake under fasting conditions, 
indicating almost complete absorption and high oral bioavailability. Rivaroxaban 15 mg and 20 mg are 
to be taken with food (see section 4.2). 
Rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics are approximately linear up to about 15 mg once daily in fasting state. 
Under fed conditions rivaroxaban 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg tablets demonstrated dose-proportionality. 
At higher doses rivaroxaban displays dissolution limited absorption with decreased bioavailability and 
decreased absorption rate with increased dose. 
Variability in rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics is moderate with inter-individual variability (CV %) 
ranging from 30 % to 40 %. 
Absorption of rivaroxaban is dependent on the site of its release in the gastrointestinal 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 rivaroxaban is released in 
the distal small intestine, or ascending colon. Therefore, administration of rivaroxaban distal to the 
stomach should be avoided since this can result in reduced absorption and related rivaroxaban 
exposure. 
Bioavailability (AUC and Cmax) was comparable for 20 mg rivaroxaban administered orally as a 
crushed tablet mixed in apple puree, or suspended in water and administered via a gastric tube 
followed by a liquid meal, compared to a whole tablet. Given the predictable, dose-proportional 
pharmacokinetic profile of rivaroxaban, the bioavailability results from this study are likely applicable 
to lower rivaroxaban doses. 
 
Distribution 
 
Plasma protein binding in humans is high at approximately 92 % to 95 %, with serum albumin being 
the main binding component. The volume of distribution is moderate with Vss being approximately 
50 litres. 



71 

 
Biotransformation and elimination 
 
Of the administered rivaroxaban dose, approximately 2/3 undergoes metabolic degradation, with half 
then being eliminated renally and the other half eliminated by the faecal route. The final 1/3 of the 
administered dose undergoes direct renal excretion as unchanged active substance in the urine, mainly 
via active renal secretion. 
Rivaroxaban is metabolised via CYP3A4, CYP2J2 and CYP-independent mechanisms. Oxidative 
degradation of the morpholinone moiety and hydrolysis of the amide bonds are the major sites of 
biotransformation. Based on in vitro investigations rivaroxaban is a substrate of the transporter 
proteins P-gp (P-glycoprotein) and Bcrp (breast cancer resistance protein). 
Unchanged rivaroxaban is the most important compound in human plasma, with no major or active 
circulating metabolites being present. With a systemic clearance of about 10 l/h, rivaroxaban can be 
classified as a low-clearance substance. After intravenous administration of a 1 mg dose the 
elimination half-life is about 4.5 hours. After oral administration the elimination becomes absorption 
rate limited. Elimination of rivaroxaban from plasma occurs with terminal half-lives of 5 to 9 hours in 
young individuals, and with terminal half-lives of 11 to 13 hours in the elderly. 
 
Special populations 
 
Gender 
There were no clinically relevant differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between 
male and female patients. 
 
Elderly population 
Elderly patients exhibited higher plasma concentrations than younger patients, with mean AUC values 
being approximately 1.5-fold higher, mainly due to reduced (apparent) total and renal clearance. No 
dose adjustment is necessary. 
 
Different weight categories 
Extremes in body weight (< 50 kg or > 120 kg) had only a small influence on rivaroxaban plasma 
concentrations (less than 25 %). No dose adjustment is necessary. 
 
Inter-ethnic differences 
No clinically relevant inter-ethnic differences among Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, 
Japanese or Chinese patients were observed regarding rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics and 
pharmacodynamics. 
 
Hepatic impairment 
Cirrhotic patients with mild hepatic impairment (classified as Child Pugh A) exhibited only minor 
changes in rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics (1.2-fold increase in rivaroxaban AUC on average), nearly 
comparable to their matched healthy control group. In cirrhotic patients with moderate hepatic 
impairment (classified as Child Pugh B), rivaroxaban mean AUC was significantly increased by 
2.3-fold compared to healthy volunteers. Unbound AUC was increased 2.6-fold. These patients also 
had reduced renal elimination of rivaroxaban, similar to patients with moderate renal impairment. 
There are no data in patients with severe hepatic impairment. 
The inhibition of factor Xa activity was increased by a factor of 2.6 in patients with moderate hepatic 
impairment as compared to healthy volunteers; prolongation of PT was similarly increased by a factor 
of 2.1. Patients with moderate hepatic impairment were more sensitive to rivaroxaban resulting in a 
steeper PK/PD relationship between concentration and PT. 
Rivaroxaban is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and 
clinically relevant bleeding risk, including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C (see 
section 4.3). 
 
Renal impairment 
There was an increase in rivaroxaban exposure correlated to decrease in renal function, as assessed via 
creatinine clearance measurements. In individuals with mild (creatinine clearance 50-80 ml/min), 



72 

moderate (creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) and severe (creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min) renal 
impairment, rivaroxaban plasma concentrations (AUC) were increased 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6-fold 
respectively. Corresponding increases in pharmacodynamic effects were more pronounced. In 
individuals with mild, moderate and severe renal impairment the overall inhibition of factor Xa 
activity was increased by a factor of 1.5, 1.9 and 2.0 respectively as compared to healthy volunteers; 
prolongation of PT was similarly increased by a factor of 1.3, 2.2 and 2.4 respectively. There are no 
data in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min. 
Due to the high plasma protein binding rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialysable. 
Use is not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min. Rivaroxaban is to be used 
with caution in patients with creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min (see section 4.4). 
 
Pharmacokinetic data in patients 
 
In patients receiving rivaroxaban for treatment of acute DVT 20 mg once daily the geometric mean 
concentration (90 % prediction interval) 2-4 h and about 24 h after dose (roughly representing 
maximum and minimum concentrations during the dose interval) was 215 (22-535) and 32 
(6-239) mcg/l, respectively. 
 
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship 
 
The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship between rivaroxaban plasma 
concentration and several PD endpoints (factor Xa inhibition, PT, aPTT, Heptest) has been evaluated 
after administration of a wide range of doses (5-30 mg twice a day). The relationship between 
rivaroxaban concentration and factor Xa activity was best described by an Emax model. For PT, the 
linear intercept model generally described the data better. Depending on the different PT reagents 
used, the slope differed considerably. When Neoplastin PT was used, baseline PT was about 13 s and 
the slope was around 3 to 4 s/(100 mcg/l). The results of the PK/PD analyses in Phase II and III were 
consistent with the data established in healthy subjects. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
Safety and efficacy have not been established for children and adolescents up to 18 years. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety 
pharmacology, single dose toxicity, phototoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential and juvenile 
toxicity. 
Effects observed in repeat-dose toxicity studies were mainly due to the exaggerated pharmacodynamic 
activity of rivaroxaban. In rats, increased IgG and IgA plasma levels were seen at clinically relevant 
exposure levels. 
In rats, no effects on male or female fertility were seen. Animal studies have shown reproductive 
toxicity related to the pharmacological mode of action of rivaroxaban (e.g. haemorrhagic 
complications). Embryo-foetal toxicity (post-implantation loss, retarded/progressed ossification, 
hepatic multiple light coloured spots) and an increased incidence of common malformations as well as 
placental changes were observed at clinically relevant plasma concentrations. In the pre-and postnatal 
study in rats, reduced viability of the offspring was observed at doses that were toxic to the dams. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Tablet core 
 
Lactose monohydrate 
Croscarmellose sodium (E468) 



73 

Sodium laurilsulfate (E487) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460) 
Silica, colloidal anhydrous (E551) 
Magnesium stearate (E572) 
 
Film-coating 
 
Macrogol 4000 (E1521) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Titanium dioxide (E171) 
Iron oxide red (E172) 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
Not applicable. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
2 years. 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container 
 
Clear PVC/Aluminium blisters in cartons of 10, 14, 28, 30, 42, 48, 56, 90, 98 or 100 
film-coated tablets or perforated unit dose blisters of 10 x 1 or 100 x 1 tablets.  
HDPE bottle fitted with white opaque child resistant polypropylene closure and induction sealing liner 
wad. Pack size 30 or 90 film-coated tablets. 
HDPE bottle fitted with white opaque continuous thread polypropylene screw closure and induction 
sealing liner wad. Pack size 500 film-coated tablets. 
 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and handling 
 
After confirming gastric placement of the tube, rivaroxaban tablets may be crushed and suspended in 
50 mL of water and administered via an nasogastric 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. Enteral feeding is not required following administration of the 2.5 mg or 
10 mg tablets. 
 
Crushed rivaroxaban tablets are stable in water and in apple sauce for up to 4 hours.  
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.  
 
 
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 



74 

Spain 
 
 
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/024-038 
 
 
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 
 
 
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
 
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


75 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT  
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg film-coated tablets 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 20 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
Excipient with known effect  
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 27.90 mg lactose (as monohydrate), see section 4.4. 
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Film-coated tablet (tablet) 
 
Dark red coloured, round, biconvex, approximately 6.00 mm in diameter, film coated tablets debossed 
with ‘‘IL3’’ on one side and plain on other side. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with 
one or more risk factors, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes 
mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack. 
 
Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE in adults. (See section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients.) 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Posology  
 
Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism 
The recommended dose is 20 mg once daily, which is also the recommended maximum dose. 
 
Therapy with Rivaroxaban Accord should be continued long term provided the benefit of prevention 
of stroke and systemic embolism outweighs the risk of bleeding (see section 4.4). 
 
If a dose is missed the patient should take Rivaroxaban Accord immediately and continue on the 
following day with the once daily intake as recommended. The dose should not be doubled within the 
same day to make up for a missed dose. 
 
Treatment of DVT, treatment of PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE  
The recommended dose for the initial treatment of acute DVT or PE is 15 mg twice daily for the first 
three weeks followed by 20 mg once daily for the continued treatment and prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE. 
 
Short duration of therapy (at least 3 months) should be considered in patients with DVT or PE 
provoked by major transient risk factors (i.e. recent major surgery or trauma). Longer duration of 



76 

therapy should be considered in patients with provoked DVT or PE not related to major transient risk 
factors, unprovoked DVT or PE, or a history of recurrent DVT or PE. 
 
When extended prevention of recurrent DVT and PE is indicated (following completion of at least 
6 months therapy for DVT or PE), the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily. In patients in whom 
the risk of recurrent DVT or PE is considered high, such as those with complicated comorbidities, or 
who have developed recurrent DVT or PE on extended prevention with Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg 
once daily, a dose of Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg once daily should be considered. 
 
The duration of therapy and dose selection should be individualised after careful assessment of the 
treatment benefit against the risk for bleeding (see section 4.4). 
 Time period Dosing schedule Total daily dose 
Treatment and 
prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE 

Day 1-21 15 mg twice daily 30 mg 
Day 22 onwards 20 mg once daily 20 mg 

Prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE 

Following  
completion of at 
least 6 months 
therapy for DVT or 
PE 

10 mg once daily 
or 20 mg once 
daily 

10 mg 
or 20 mg 

 
To support the dose switch from 15 mg to 20 mg after Day 21 a first 4 weeks treatment initiation pack 
of Rivaroxaban Accord for treatment of DVT/PE is available. 
 
If a dose is missed during the 15 mg twice daily treatment phase (day 1-21), the patient should take 
Rivaroxaban Accord immediately to ensure intake of 30 mg rivaroxaban per day. In this case 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. 
 
If a dose is missed during the once daily treatment phase, the patient should take Rivaroxaban Accord 
immediately, and continue on the following day with the once daily intake as recommended. The dose 
should not be doubled within the same day to make up for a missed dose. 
 
Converting from Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) to rivaroxaban 
For patients treated for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism, VKA treatment should be 
stopped and Rivaroxaban Accord therapy should be initiated when the International Normalised Ratio 
(INR) is ≤ 3.0. 
For patients treated for DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence, VKA treatment should be stopped and 
Rivaroxaban Accord therapy should be initiated once the INR is ≤ 2.5.  
When converting patients from VKAs to rivaroxaban, INR values will be falsely elevated after the 
intake of rivaroxaban. The INR is not valid to measure the anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban, and 
therefore should not be used (see section 4.5). 
 
Converting from rivaroxaban to Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) 
There is a potential for inadequate anticoagulation during the transition from rivaroxaban to VKA. 
Continuous adequate anticoagulation should be ensured during any transition to an alternate 
anticoagulant. It should be noted that rivaroxaban can contribute to an elevated INR. 
In patients converting from rivaroxaban to VKA, VKA should be given concurrently until the INR is 
≥ 2.0. 
For the first two days of the conversion period, standard initial dosing of VKA should be used 
followed by VKA dosing, as guided by INR testing. While patients are on both rivaroxaban and VKA 
the INR should not be tested earlier than 24 hours after the previous dose but prior to the next dose of 
rivaroxaban. Once Rivaroxaban Accord is discontinued INR testing may be done reliably at least 
24 hours after the last dose (see sections 4.5 and 5.2). 
 



77 

Converting from parenteral anticoagulants to rivaroxaban 
For patients currently receiving a parenteral anticoagulant, discontinue the parenteral anticoagulant 
and start rivaroxaban 0 to 2 hours before the time that the next scheduled administration of the 
parenteral medicinal product (e.g. low molecular weight heparins) would be due or at the time of 
discontinuation of a continuously administered parenteral medicinal product (e.g. intravenous 
unfractionated heparin). 
 
Converting from rivaroxaban to parenteral anticoagulants 
Give the first dose of parenteral anticoagulant at the time the next rivaroxaban dose would be taken. 
 
Special populations 
 
Renal impairment 
Limited clinical data for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min) 
indicate that rivaroxaban plasma concentrations are significantly increased. Therefore, Rivaroxaban 
Accord is to be used with caution in these patients. Use is not recommended in patients with creatinine 
clearance < 15 ml/min (see sections 4.4 and 5.2). 
 
In patients with moderate (creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) or severe (creatinine clearance 
15-29 ml/min) renal impairment the following dose recommendations apply: 
 
- For the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial 

fibrillation, the recommended dose is 15 mg once daily (see section 5.2). 
 
- For the treatment of DVT, treatment of PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE, patients 

should be treated with 15 mg twice daily for the first 3 weeks. Thereafter, when the 
recommended dose is 20 mg once daily, a reduction of the dose from 20 mg once daily to 15 mg 
once daily should be considered if the patient’s assessed risk for bleeding outweighs the risk for 
recurrent DVT and PE. The recommendation for the use of 15 mg is based on PK modelling and 
has not been studied in this clinical setting (see sections 4.4, 5.1 and 5.2). When the 
recommended dose is 10 mg once daily, no dose adjustment from the recommended dose is 
necessary. 

 
No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 
50-80 ml/min) (see section 5.2). 
 
Hepatic impairment 
Rivaroxaban Accord is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy 
and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C (see 
sections 4.3 and 5.2). 
 
Elderly population 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2) 
 
Body weight 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2) 
 
Gender 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2) 
 
Paediatric population 
The safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in children aged 0 to 18 years have not been established. No 
data are available. Therefore, Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended for use in children below 
18 years of age. 
 



78 

Patients undergoing cardioversion 
Rivaroxaban Accord can be initiated or continued in patients who may require cardioversion.  
For transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) guided cardioversion in patients not previously treated 
with anticoagulants, Rivaroxaban Accord treatment should be started at least 4 hours before 
cardioversion to ensure adequate anticoagulation (see sections 5.1 and 5.2). For all patients, 
confirmation should be sought prior to cardioversion that the patient has taken Rivaroxaban Accord as 
prescribed. Decisions on initiation and duration of treatment should take established guideline 
recommendations for anticoagulant treatment in patients undergoing cardioversion into account. 
 
Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who undergo PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) 
with stent placement 
There is limited experience of a reduced dose of 15 mg rivaroxaban once daily (or 10 mg rivaroxaban 
once daily for patients with moderate renal impairment [creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min]) in 
addition to a P2Y12 inhibitor for a maximum of 12 months in patients with non-valvular atrial 
fibrillation who require oral anticoagulation and undergo PCI with stent placement (see sections 4.4 
and 5.1). 
 
Method of administration 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord is for oral use. 
The tablets are to be taken with food (see section 5.2). 
 
For patients who are unable to swallow whole tablets, Rivaroxaban Accord tablet may be crushed and 
mixed with water or apple puree immediately prior to use and administered orally. After the 
administration of crushed Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg or 20 mg film-coated tablets, the dose should be 
immediately followed by food. 
The crushed Rivaroxaban Accord tablet may also be given through gastric tubes after confirmation of 
the correct gastric placement of the tube. The crushed tablet should be administered in a small amount 
of water via a gastric tube after which it should be flushed with water. After the administration of 
crushed Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg or 20 mg film-coated tablets, the dose should then be immediately 
followed by enteral feeding (see section 5.2 and 6.6). 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 
 
Active clinically significant bleeding. 
 
Lesion or condition, if considered to be a significant risk for major bleeding. This may include current 
or recent gastrointestinal ulceration, presence of malignant neoplasms at high risk of bleeding, recent 
brain or spinal injury, recent brain, spinal or ophthalmic surgery, recent intracranial haemorrhage, 
known or suspected oesophageal varices, arteriovenous malformations, vascular aneurysms or major 
intraspinal or intracerebral vascular abnormalities. 
 
Concomitant treatment with any other anticoagulants, e.g. unfractionated heparin (UFH), low 
molecular weight heparins (enoxaparin, dalteparin, etc.), heparin derivatives (fondaparinux, etc.), oral 
anticoagulants (warfarin, dabigatran etexilate, apixaban, etc.) except under specific circumstances of 
switching anticoagulant therapy (see section 4.2) or when UFH is given at doses necessary to maintain 
an open central venous or arterial catheter (see section 4.5). 
 
Hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic 
patients with Child Pugh B and C (see section 5.2). 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding (see section 4.6). 
 



79 

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Clinical surveillance in line with anticoagulation practice is recommended throughout the treatment 
period. 
 
Haemorrhagic risk 
 
As with other anticoagulants, patients taking Rivaroxaban Accord are to be carefully observed for 
signs of bleeding. It is recommended to be used with caution in conditions with increased risk of 
haemorrhage. Rivaroxaban Accord administration should be discontinued if severe haemorrhage 
occurs. (see section 4.9) 
 
In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, gastrointestinal, genito urinary 
including abnormal vaginal or increased menstrual bleeding) and anaemia were seen more frequently 
during long term rivaroxaban treatment compared with VKA treatment. Thus, in addition to adequate 
clinical surveillance, laboratory testing of haemoglobin/haematocrit could be of value to detect occult 
bleeding and quantify the clinical relevance of overt bleeding, as judged to be appropriate. 
 
Several sub-groups of patients, as detailed below, are at increased risk of bleeding. These patients are 
to be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding complications and anaemia after 
initiation of treatment (see section 4.8).  
Any unexplained fall in haemoglobin or blood pressure should lead to a search for a bleeding site. 
 
Although treatment with rivaroxaban does not require routine monitoring of exposure, rivaroxaban 
levels measured with a calibrated quantitative anti-factor Xa assay may be useful in exceptional 
situations where knowledge of rivaroxaban exposure may help to inform clinical decisions, e.g. 
overdose and emergency surgery (see sections 5.1 and 5.2). 
 
Renal impairment 
 
In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) rivaroxaban plasma levels 
may be significantly increased (1.6-fold on average) which may lead to an increased bleeding risk. 
Rivaroxaban Accord is to be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min. Use 
is not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). 
Rivaroxaban Accord should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment concomitantly 
receiving other medicinal products which increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations (see 
section 4.5). 
 
Interaction with other medicinal products 
 
The use of Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended in patients receiving concomitant systemic 
treatment with azole-antimycotics (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and 
posaconazole) or HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir). These active substances are strong inhibitors 
of both CYP3A4 and P-gp and therefore may increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations to a 
clinically relevant degree (2.6-fold on average) which may lead to an increased bleeding risk (see 
section 4.5). 
 
Care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with medicinal products affecting haemostasis 
such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicinal products (NSAIDs), acetylsalicylic acid and 
platelet aggregation inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin 
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). For patients at risk of ulcerative gastrointestinal disease 
an appropriate prophylactic treatment may be considered (see section 4.5). 
 
Other haemorrhagic risk factors 
 
As with other antithrombotics, rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients with an increased bleeding 
risk such as: 



80 

• congenital or acquired bleeding disorders 
• uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension 
• other gastrointestinal disease without active ulceration that can potentially lead to bleeding 

complications (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, oesophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal 
reflux disease) 

• vascular retinopathy 
• bronchiectasis or history of pulmonary bleeding 
 
Patients with prosthetic valves 
 
Rivaroxaban should not be used for thromboprophylaxis in patients having recently undergone 
transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been 
studied in patients with prosthetic heart valves; therefore, there are no data to support that rivaroxaban 
provides adequate anticoagulation in this patient population. Treatment with Rivaroxaban Accord is 
not recommended for these patients. 
Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who undergo PCI with stent placement 
 
Clinical data are available from an interventional study with the primary objective to assess safety in 
patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who undergo PCI with stent placement. Data on efficacy 
in this population are limited (see sections 4.2 and 5.1). No data are available for such patients with a 
history of stroke/ transient ischaemic attack (TIA). 
 
Haemodynamically unstable PE patients or patients who require thrombolysis or pulmonary 
embolectomy 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended as an alternative to unfractionated heparin in patients with 
pulmonary embolism who are haemodynamically unstable or may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary 
embolectomy since the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in these clinical 
situations. 
 
Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome  
 
Direct acting Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) including rivaroxaban are not recommended for patients 
with a history of thrombosis who are diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome. In particular for 
patients that are triple positive (for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti–beta 2-
glycoprotein I antibodies), treatment with DOACs could be associated with increased rates of 
recurrent thrombotic events compared with vitamin K antagonist therapy. 
 
Spinal/epidural anaesthesia or puncture 
 
When neuraxial anaesthesia (spinal/epidural anaesthesia) or spinal/epidural puncture is employed, 
patients treated with antithrombotic agents for prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk 
of developing an epidural or spinal haematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis. 
The risk of these events may be increased by the post-operative use of indwelling epidural catheters or 
the concomitant use of medicinal products affecting haemostasis. The risk may also be increased by 
traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture. Patients are to be frequently monitored for signs and 
symptoms of neurological impairment (e.g. numbness or weakness of the legs, bowel or bladder 
dysfunction). If neurological compromise is noted, urgent diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Prior 
to neuraxial intervention the physician should consider the potential benefit versus the risk in 
anticoagulated patients or in patients to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis. There is no clinical 
experience with the use of 20 mg rivaroxaban in these situations. 
To reduce the potential risk of bleeding associated with the concurrent use of rivaroxaban and 
neuraxial (epidural/spinal) anaesthesia or spinal puncture, consider the pharmacokinetic profile of 
rivaroxaban. Placement or removal of an epidural catheter or lumbar puncture is best performed when 
the anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban is estimated to be low. However, the exact timing to reach a 
sufficiently low anticoagulant effect in each patient is not known. 



81 

For the removal of an epidural catheter and based on the general PK characteristics at least 2x half-
life, i.e. at least 18 hours in young patients and 26 hours in elderly patients should elapse after the last 
administration of rivaroxaban (see section 5.2). Following removal of the catheter, at least 6 hours 
should elapse before the next rivaroxaban dose is administered. 
If traumatic puncture occurs the administration of rivaroxaban is to be delayed for 24 hours. 
 
Dosing recommendations before and after invasive procedures and surgical intervention 
 
If an invasive procedure or surgical intervention is required, Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg should be 
stopped at least 24 hours before the intervention, if possible and based on the clinical judgement of the 
physician. 
If the procedure cannot be delayed the increased risk of bleeding should be assessed against the 
urgency of the intervention. 
Rivaroxaban Accord should be restarted as soon as possible after the invasive procedure or surgical 
intervention provided the clinical situation allows and adequate haemostasis has been established as 
determined by the treating physician (see section 5.2). 
 
Elderly population 
 
Increasing age may increase haemorrhagic risk (see section 5.2). 
 
Dermatological reactions 
 
Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis and DRESS 
syndrome, have been reported during post-marketing surveillance in association with the use of 
rivaroxaban (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the 
course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first weeks of 
treatment. Rivaroxaban should be discontinued at the first appearance of a severe skin rash (e.g. 
spreading, intense and/or blistering), or any other sign of hypersensitivity in conjunction with mucosal 
lesions. 
 
Information about excipients 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, 
total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.  
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 
“sodium- free”. 
 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors 
 
Co-administration of rivaroxaban with ketoconazole (400 mg once a day) or ritonavir (600 mg twice a 
day) led to a 2.6-fold / 2.5-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.7-fold / 1.6-fold increase in 
mean rivaroxaban Cmax, with significant increases in pharmacodynamic effects which may lead to an 
increased bleeding risk. Therefore, the use of rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients receiving 
concomitant systemic treatment with azole-antimycotics such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, 
voriconazole and posaconazole or HIV protease inhibitors. These active substances are strong 
inhibitors of both CYP3A4 and P-gp (see section 4.4). 
 
Active substances strongly inhibiting only one of the rivaroxaban elimination pathways, either 
CYP3A4 or P-gp, are expected to increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations to a lesser extent. 
Clarithromycin (500 mg twice a day), for instance, considered as a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and 
moderate P-gp inhibitor, led to a 1.5-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.4-fold increase in 
Cmax. The interaction with clarithromycin is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be 
potentially significant in high-risk patients. (For patients with renal impairment: see section 4.4). 
 



82 

Erythromycin (500 mg three times a day), which inhibits CYP3A4 and P-gp moderately, led to a 
1.3-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax. The interaction with erythromycin is likely not 
clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in high-risk patients. 
In subjects with mild renal impairment erythromycin (500 mg three times a day) led to a 1.8-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and 1.6-fold increase in Cmax when compared to subjects with 
normal renal function. In subjects with moderate renal impairment, erythromycin led to a 2.0-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and 1.6-fold increase in Cmax when compared to subjects with 
normal renal function. The effect of erythromycin is additive to that of renal impairment (see 
section 4.4). 
Fluconazole (400 mg once daily), considered as a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, led to a 1.4-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.3-fold increase in mean Cmax. The interaction with 
fluconazole is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in 
high-risk patients. (For patients with renal impairment: see section 4.4). 
 
Given the limited clinical data available with dronedarone, co-administration with rivaroxaban should 
be avoided. 
 
Anticoagulants 
 
After combined administration of enoxaparin (40 mg single dose) with rivaroxaban (10 mg single 
dose) an additive effect on anti-factor Xa activity was observed without any additional effects on 
clotting tests (PT, aPTT). Enoxaparin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban. 
Due to the increased bleeding risk care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with any 
other anticoagulants (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). 
 
NSAIDs/platelet aggregation inhibitors 
 
No clinically relevant prolongation of bleeding time was observed after concomitant administration of 
rivaroxaban (15 mg) and 500 mg naproxen. Nevertheless, there may be individuals with a more 
pronounced pharmacodynamic response. 
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when 
rivaroxaban was co-administered with 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid. 
Clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose followed by 75 mg maintenance dose) did not show a 
pharmacokinetic interaction with rivaroxaban (15 mg) but a relevant increase in bleeding time was 
observed in a subset of patients which was not correlated to platelet aggregation, P-selectin or 
GPIIb/IIIa receptor levels. 
Care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with NSAIDs (including acetylsalicylic acid) 
and platelet aggregation inhibitors because these medicinal products typically increase the bleeding 
risk (see section 4.4). 
 
SSRIs/SNRIs 
 
As with other anticoagulants the possibility may exist that patients are at increased risk of bleeding in 
case of concomitant use with SSRIs or SNRIs due to their reported effect on platelets. When 
concomitantly used in the rivaroxaban clinical programme, numerically higher rates of major or 
non-major clinically relevant bleeding were observed in all treatment groups. 
 
Warfarin 
 
Converting patients from the vitamin K antagonist warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) to rivaroxaban (20 mg) or 
from rivaroxaban (20 mg) to warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) increased prothrombin time/INR (Neoplastin) 
more than additively (individual INR values up to 12 may be observed), whereas effects on aPTT, 
inhibition of factor Xa activity and endogenous thrombin potential were additive. 
If it is desired to test the pharmacodynamic effects of rivaroxaban during the conversion period, 
anti-factor Xa activity, PiCT, and Heptest can be used as these tests were not affected by warfarin. On 
the fourth day after the last dose of warfarin, all tests (including PT, aPTT, inhibition of factor Xa 
activity and ETP) reflected only the effect of rivaroxaban. 



83 

If it is desired to test the pharmacodynamic effects of warfarin during the conversion period, INR 
measurement can be used at the Ctrough of rivaroxaban (24 hours after the previous intake of 
rivaroxaban) as this test is minimally affected by rivaroxaban at this time point. 
No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between warfarin and rivaroxaban. 
 
CYP3A4 inducers 
 
Co-administration of rivaroxaban with the strong CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin led to an approximate 
50 % decrease in mean rivaroxaban AUC, with parallel decreases in its pharmacodynamic effects. The 
concomitant use of rivaroxaban with other strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, 
phenobarbital or St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)) may also lead to reduced rivaroxaban 
plasma concentrations. Therefore, concomitant administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers should be 
avoided unless the patient is closely observed for signs and symptoms of thrombosis. 
 
Other concomitant therapies 
 
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when 
rivaroxaban was co-administered with midazolam (substrate of CYP3A4), digoxin (substrate of P-gp), 
atorvastatin (substrate of CYP3A4 and P-gp) or omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor). Rivaroxaban 
neither inhibits nor induces any major CYP isoforms like CYP3A4. 
 
Laboratory parameters 
 
Clotting parameters (e.g. PT, aPTT, HepTest) are affected as expected by the mode of action of 
rivaroxaban (see section 5.1). 
 
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Pregnancy 
 
Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in pregnant women. Studies in animals 
have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Due to the potential reproductive toxicity, the 
intrinsic risk of bleeding and the evidence that rivaroxaban passes the placenta, rivaroxaban is 
contraindicated during pregnancy (see section 4.3). 
Women of child-bearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with rivaroxaban. 
 
Breast-feeding 
 
Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in breast-feeding women. Data from 
animals indicate that rivaroxaban is secreted into milk. Therefore, rivaroxaban is contraindicated 
during breast-feeding (see section 4.3). A decision must be made whether to discontinue 
breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from therapy. 
 
Fertility 
 
No specific studies with rivaroxaban in humans have been conducted to evaluate effects on fertility. In 
a study on male and female fertility in rats no effects were seen (see section 5.3). 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Rivaroxaban has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Adverse reactions like 
syncope (frequency: uncommon) and dizziness (frequency: common) have been reported (see 
section 4.8). 
Patients experiencing these adverse reactions should not drive or use machines. 
 



84 

4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
The safety of rivaroxaban has been evaluated in thirteen phase III studies including 53,103 patients 
exposed to rivaroxaban (see Table 1). 
 
Table 1: Number of patients studied, total daily dose and maximum treatment duration in 
phase III studies 
Indication  
 
 

Number of 
patients* 

Total daily dose Maximum 
treatment 
duration 

Prevention of venous thromboembolism 
(VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective 
hip or knee replacement surgery 

6,097 10 mg 39 days 

Prevention of VTE in medically ill patients 3,997 10 mg 39 days 
 

Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of 
recurrence 
 

6,790 Day 1-21: 30 mg 
Day 22 and onwards: 
20 mg 
After at least 
6 months: 10 mg or 
20 mg 

21 months 

Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism 
in patients with non-valvular atrial 
fibrillation  

7,750  
 

20 mg  
 

41 months 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in 
patients after an acute coronary syndrome 
(ACS)  
 

10,225 5 mg or 10 mg 
respectively, 
co-administered with 
either ASA or ASA 
plus clopidogrel or 
ticlopidine 

31 months 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in 
patients with CAD/PAD  
 

18,244  
 

5 mg co-administered 
with ASA or 10 mg 
alone  

47 months  
 

 
*Patients exposed to at least one dose of rivaroxaban 
 
The most commonly reported adverse reactions in patients receiving rivaroxaban were bleedings (see  
section 4.4. and ‘Description of selected adverse reactions’ below) (Table 2). The most commonly 
reported bleedings were epistaxis (4.5 %) and gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage (3.8 %). 
 
Table 2: Bleeding* and anaemia events rates in patients exposed to rivaroxaban across the 
completed phase III studies 
Indication Any bleeding Anaemia 
Prevention of VTE in adult 
patients undergoing elective hip or 
knee replacement surgery 

6.8 % of patients 5.9 % of patients 

Prevention of VTE in medically ill 
patients 

12.6 % of 
patients 

2.1 % of patients 

Treatment of DVT, PE and 
prevention of recurrence 

23 % of patients 1.6 % of patients 

Prevention of stroke and systemic 
embolism in patients with 
non-valvular atrial fibrillation 

28 per 100 
patient years 

2.5 per 100 patient 
years 

Prevention of atherothrombotic 
events in patients after an ACS 

22 per 100 
patient years 

1.4 per 100 patient 
years 

Prevention of atherothrombotic 6.7 per 100 0.15 per 100 



85 

events in patients with CAD/PAD  patient years  patient years**  
* For all rivaroxaban studies all bleeding events are collected, reported and adjudicated.  
** In the COMPASS study, there is a low anaemia incidence as a selective approach to adverse event 
collection was applied  
 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
 
The frequencies of adverse reactions reported with rivaroxaban are summarised in table 3 below by 
system organ class (in MedDRA) and by frequency. 
 
Frequencies are defined as:  
very common (≥ 1/10) 
common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) 
uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100)  
rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000) 
very rare ( < 1/10,000)  
not known (cannot be estimated from the available data) 
 
Table 3: All adverse reactions reported in patients in phase III clinical trials or through post 
marketing use* 
Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
Blood and lymphatic system disorders 
Anaemia (incl. 
respective laboratory 
parameters) 

Thrombocytosis 
(incl. platelet 
count increased)A, 
Thrombocytopenia 

   

Immune system disorders 
 Allergic reaction, 

dermatitis allergic, 
Angioedema and 
allergic oedema 

 Anaphylactic 
reactions 
including 
anaphylactic 
shock 

 

Nervous system disorders 
Dizziness, headache  Cerebral and 

intracranial 
haemorrhage, 
syncope 

   

Eye disorders 
Eye haemorrhage 
(incl. conjunctival 
haemorrhage) 

    

Cardiac disorders 
 Tachycardia    
Vascular disorders 
Hypotension, 
haematoma 

    

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders 
Epistaxis, 
haemoptysis 

    

Gastrointestinal disorders 
Gingival bleeding, 
gastrointestinal tract 
haemorrhage (incl. 
rectal haemorrhage), 
gastrointestinal and 
abdominal pains, 

Dry mouth    



86 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
dyspepsia, nausea, 
constipationA, 
diarrhoea, vomitingA 
Hepatobiliary disorders 
Increase in 
transaminases 

Hepatic 
impairment, 
Increased 
bilirubin, 
increased blood 
alkaline 
phosphataseA, 
increased GGTA 

Jaundice, 
Bilirubin 
conjugated 
increased (with 
or without 
concomitant 
increase of ALT), 
Cholestasis, 
Hepatitis (incl. 
hepatocellular 
injury) 

  

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders 
Pruritus (incl. 
uncommon cases of 
generalised pruritus), 
rash, ecchymosis, 
cutaneous and 
subcutaneous 
haemorrhage 

Urticaria  Stevens-Johnson 
syndrome/ Toxic 
Epidermal 
Necrolysis , 
DRESS 
syndrome 

 

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders 
Pain in extremityA  Haemarthrosis  Muscle 

haemorrhage  
 Compartment 

syndrome 
secondary to a 
bleeding 

Renal and urinary disorders 
Urogenital tract 
haemorrhage (incl. 
haematuria and 
menorrhagiaB), renal 
impairment (incl. 
blood creatinine 
increased, blood urea 
increased) 

   Renal 
failure/acute 
renal failure 
secondary to a 
bleeding 
sufficient to 
cause 
hypoperfusion 

General disorders and administration site conditions 
FeverA, peripheral 
oedema, decreased 
general strength and 
energy (incl. fatigue 
and asthenia) 

Feeling unwell 
(incl. malaise) 

Localised 
oedemaA 

  

Investigations 
 Increased LDHA, 

increased lipaseA, 
increased 
amylaseA 

   

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications 
Postprocedural 
haemorrhage (incl. 
postoperative 
anaemia, and wound 
haemorrhage), 
contusion, wound 

 Vascular 
pseudoaneurysmC 

  



87 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
secretionA 
 
A: observed in prevention of VTE in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement 
surgery 
B: observed in treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence as very common in women 
< 55 years 
C: observed as uncommon in prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients after an ACS 
(following percutaneous coronary intervention) 
* A pre-specified selective approach to adverse event collection was applied. As incidence of adverse 
reactions did not increase and no new adverse reaction was identified, COMPASS study data were not 
included for frequency calculation in this table.  
 
Description of selected adverse reactions 
 
Due to the pharmacological mode of action, the use of rivaroxaban may be associated with an 
increased risk of occult or overt bleeding from any tissue or organ which may result in post 
haemorrhagic anaemia. The signs, symptoms, and severity (including fatal outcome) will vary 
according to the location and degree or extent of the bleeding and/or anaemia (see section 4.9 
“Management of bleeding”). In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, 
gastrointestinal, genito urinary including abnormal vaginal or increased menstrual bleeding) and 
anaemia were seen more frequently during long term rivaroxaban treatment compared with VKA 
treatment. Thus, in addition to adequate clinical surveillance, laboratory testing of 
haemoglobin/haematocrit could be of value to detect occult bleeding and quantify the clinical 
relevance of overt bleeding, as judged to be appropriate. The risk of bleedings may be increased in 
certain patient groups, e.g. those patients with uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension and/or on 
concomitant treatment affecting haemostasis (see section 4.4 “Haemorrhagic risk”). Menstrual 
bleeding may be intensified and/or prolonged. Haemorrhagic complications may present as weakness, 
paleness, dizziness, headache or unexplained swelling, dyspnoea and unexplained shock. In some 
cases as a consequence of anaemia, symptoms of cardiac ischaemia like chest pain or angina pectoris 
have been observed. 
Known complications secondary to severe bleeding such as compartment syndrome and renal failure 
due to hypoperfusion have been reported for rivaroxaban. Therefore, the possibility of haemorrhage is 
to be considered in evaluating the condition in any anticoagulated patient. 
 
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
Rare cases of overdose up to 600 mg have been reported without bleeding complications or other 
adverse reactions. Due to limited absorption a ceiling effect with no further increase in average plasma 
exposure is expected at supratherapeutic doses of 50 mg rivaroxaban or above. 
A specific reversal agent (andexanet alfa) antagonising the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban is 
available (refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics of andexanet alfa). The use of activated 
charcoal to reduce absorption in case of rivaroxaban overdose may be considered.  
 
Management of bleeding 
 
Should a bleeding complication arise in a patient receiving rivaroxaban, the next rivaroxaban 
administration should be delayed or treatment should be discontinued as appropriate. Rivaroxaban has 
a half-life of approximately 5 to 13 hours (see section 5.2). Management should be individualised 
according to the severity and location of the haemorrhage. Appropriate symptomatic treatment could 

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88 

be used as needed, such as mechanical compression (e.g. for severe epistaxis), surgical haemostasis 
with bleeding control procedures, fluid replacement and haemodynamic support, blood products 
(packed red cells or fresh frozen plasma, depending on associated anaemia or coagulopathy) or 
platelets. 
If bleeding cannot be controlled by the above measures, either the administration of a specific factor 
Xa inhibitor reversal agent (andexanet alfa), which antagonises the pharmacodynamic effect of 
rivaroxaban, or a specific procoagulant reversal agent , such as prothrombin complex concentrate 
(PCC), activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) or recombinant factor VIIa (r-FVIIa), 
should be considered. However, there is currently very limited clinical experience with the use of 
these medicinal products in individuals receiving rivaroxaban. The recommendation is also based on 
limited non-clinical data. Re-dosing of recombinant factor VIIa shall be considered and titrated 
depending on improvement of bleeding. 
Depending on local availability, a consultation with a coagulation expert should be considered in case 
of major bleedings (see section 5.1). 
 
Protamine sulphate and vitamin K are not expected to affect the anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban. 
There is limited experience with tranexamic acid and no experience with aminocaproic acid and 
aprotinin in individuals receiving rivaroxaban. There is neither scientific rationale for benefit nor 
experience with the use of the systemic haemostatic desmopressin in individuals receiving 
rivaroxaban. Due to the high plasma protein binding rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialysable. 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antithrombotic agents, direct factor Xa inhibitors, ATC code: B01AF01 
 
Mechanism of action 
 
Rivaroxaban is a highly selective direct factor Xa inhibitor with oral bioavailability. Inhibition of 
factor Xa interrupts the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade, inhibiting 
both thrombin formation and development of thrombi. Rivaroxaban does not inhibit thrombin 
(activated factor II) and no effects on platelets have been demonstrated. 
 
Pharmacodynamic effects 
 
Dose-dependent inhibition of factor Xa activity was observed in humans. Prothrombin time (PT) is 
influenced by rivaroxaban in a dose dependent way with a close correlation to plasma concentrations 
(r value equals 0.98) if Neoplastin is used for the assay. Other reagents would provide different results. 
The readout for PT is to be done in seconds, because the INR is only calibrated and validated for 
coumarins and cannot be used for any other anticoagulant. 
In patients receiving rivaroxaban for treatment of DVT and PE and prevention of recurrence, the 5/95 
percentiles for PT (Neoplastin) 2-4 hours after tablet intake (i.e. at the time of maximum effect) for 
15 mg rivaroxaban twice daily ranged from 17 to 32 s and for 20 mg rivaroxaban once daily from 15 
to 30 s. At trough (8-16 h after tablet intake) the 5/95 percentiles for 15 mg twice daily ranged from 14 
to 24 s and for 20 mg once daily (18-30 h after tablet intake) from 13 to 20 s. 
In patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation receiving rivaroxaban for the prevention of stroke and 
systemic embolism, the 5/95 percentiles for PT (Neoplastin) 1-4 hours after tablet intake (i.e. at the 
time of maximum effect) in patients treated with 20 mg once daily ranged from 14 to 40 s and in 
patients with moderate renal impairment treated with 15 mg once daily from 10 to 50 s. At trough 
(16-36 h after tablet intake) the 5/95 percentiles in patients treated with 20 mg once daily ranged from 
12 to 26 s and in patients with moderate renal impairment treated with 15 mg once daily from 12 to 
26 s. 
In a clinical pharmacology study on the reversal of rivaroxaban pharmacodynamics in healthy adult 
subjects (n=22), the effects of single doses (50 IU/kg) of two different types of PCCs, a 3-factor PCC 
(Factors II, IX and X) and a 4-factor PCC (Factors II, VII, IX and X) were assessed. The 3-factor PCC 



89 

reduced mean Neoplastin PT values by approximately 1.0 second within 30 minutes, compared to 
reductions of approximately 3.5 seconds observed with the 4-factor PCC. In contrast, the 3-factor PCC 
had a greater and more rapid overall effect on reversing changes in endogenous thrombin generation 
than the 4-factor PCC (see section 4.9). 
The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and HepTest are also prolonged dose-dependently; 
however, they are not recommended to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban. There is no 
need for monitoring of coagulation parameters during treatment with rivaroxaban in clinical routine. 
However, if clinically indicated rivaroxaban levels can be measured by calibrated quantitative 
anti-factor Xa tests (see section 5.2). 
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
 
Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation 
The rivaroxaban clinical program was designed to demonstrate the efficacy of rivaroxaban for the 
prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. 
In the pivotal double-blind ROCKET AF study, 14,264 patients were assigned either to rivaroxaban 
20 mg once daily (15 mg once daily in patients with creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) or to warfarin 
titrated to a target INR of 2.5 (therapeutic range 2.0 to 3.0). The median time on treatment was 
19 months and overall treatment duration was up to 41 months. 34.9 % of patients were treated with 
acetylsalicylic acid and 11.4 % were treated with class III antiarrhythmic including amiodarone. 
 
Rivaroxaban was non-inferior to warfarin for the primary composite endpoint of stroke and non-CNS 
systemic embolism. In the per-protocol population on treatment, stroke or systemic embolism occurred 
in 188 patients on rivaroxaban (1.71 % per year) and 241 on warfarin (2.16 % per year) (HR 0.79; 
95 % CI, 0.66-0.96; P < 0.001 for non-inferiority). Among all randomised patients analysed according 
to ITT, primary events occurred in 269 on rivaroxaban (2.12 % per year) and 306 on warfarin (2.42 % 
per year) (HR 0.88; 95 % CI, 0.74-1.03; P < 0.001 for non-inferiority; P=0.117 for superiority). 
Results for secondary endpoints as tested in hierarchical order in the ITT analysis are displayed in 
Table 4. 
Among patients in the warfarin group, INR values were within the therapeutic range (2.0 to 3.0) a 
mean of 55 % of the time (median, 58%; interquartile range, 43 to 71). The effect of rivaroxaban did 
not differ across the level of centre TTR (Time in Target INR Range of 2.0-3.0) in the equally sized 
quartiles (P=0.74 for interaction). Within the highest quartile according to centre, the Hazard Ration 
(HR) with rivaroxaban versus warfarin was 0.74 (95 % CI, 0.49-1.12). 
The incidence rates for the principal safety outcome (major and non-major clinically relevant bleeding 
events) were similar for both treatment groups (see Table 5). 
 
Table 4: Efficacy results from phase III ROCKET AF 
Study population  ITT analyses of efficacy in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation 
Treatment dose Rivaroxaban 20 mg od 

(15 mg od in patients 
with moderate renal 
impairment) 
Event rate (100 pt-yr) 

Warfarin titrated to a 
target INR of 2.5 
(therapeutic range 2.0 
to 3.0) 
Event rate (100 pt-yr) 

HR (95 % CI) 
p-value, test for 
superiority 

Stroke and non-CNS 
systemic embolism 

269 
(2.12) 
 

306 
(2.42) 

0.88 
(0.74-1.03) 
0.117 

Stroke, non-CNS 
systemic embolism 
and vascular death 

572 
(4.51) 

609 
(4.81) 

0.94 
(0.84-1.05) 
0.265 

Stroke, non-CNS 
systemic embolism, 
vascular death and 
myocardial infarction 

659 
(5.24) 

709 
(5.65) 

0.93 
(0.83-1.03) 
0.158 

Stroke 253 
(1.99) 

281 
(2.22) 

0.90 
(0.76-1.07) 
0.221 



90 

Non-CNS systemic 
embolism 

20 
(0.16) 

27 
(0.21) 

0.74 
(0.42-1.32) 
0.308 

Myocardial infarction 130 
(1.02) 

142 
(1.11) 

0.91 
(0.72-1.16) 
0.464 

 
Table 5: Safety results from phase III ROCKET AF 
Study population Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillationa) 
Treatment dose Rivaroxaban 20 mg 

once a day (15 mg once 
a day in patients with 
moderate renal 
impairment) 
Event rate (100 pt-yr) 

Warfarin titrated to a 
target INR of 2.5 
(therapeutic  range 
2.0 to 3.0) 
 
Event rate (100 pt-yr) 

 
 
HR (95% CI) 
p-value 

Major and non-major 
clinically relevant bleeding 
events 

1,475 
(14.91) 

1,449 
(14.52) 

1.03 (0.96-1.11) 
0.442 

Major bleeding events 395 
(3.60) 

386 
(3.45) 

1.04 (0.90-1.20) 
0.576 

Death due to bleeding*  
 

27 
(0.24) 

55 
(0.48) 

0.50 (0.31-0.79) 
0.003 

Critical organ bleeding* 91 
(0.82) 

133 
(1.18) 

0.69 (0.53-0.91) 
0.007 

Intracranial 
haemorrhage* 

55 
(0.49) 

84 
(0.74) 

0.67 (0.47-0.93) 
0.019 

Haemoglobin drop* 305 
(2.77) 

254 
(2.26) 

1.22 (1.03-1.44) 
0.019 

Transfusion of 2 or 
more units of packed red 
blood cells or whole 
blood* 

183 
(1.65) 

149 
(1.32) 

1.25 (1.01-1.55) 
0.044 

Non-major clinically 
relevant bleeding events 

1,185 
(11.80) 

1,151 
(11.37) 

1.04 (0.96-1.13) 
0.345 

All-cause mortality 208 
(1.87) 

250 
(2.21) 

0.85 (0.70-1.02) 
0.073 

a) Safety population, on treatment 
* Nominally significant 
 
In addition to the phase III ROCKET AF study, a prospective, single-arm, post-authorization, 
noninterventional, open label cohort study (XANTUS) with central outcome adjudication including 
thromboembolic events and major bleeding has been conducted. 6,785 patients with non-valvular 
atrial fibrillation were enrolled for prevention of stroke and non-central nervous system (CNS) 
systemic embolism in clinical practice. The mean CHADS2 and HAS-BLED scores were both 2.0 in 
XANTUS, compared to a mean CHADS2 and HAS-BLED score of 3.5 and 2.8 in ROCKET AF, 
respectively. Major bleeding occurred in 2.1 per 100 patient years. Fatal haemorrhage was reported in 
0.2 per 100 patient years and intracranial haemorrhage in 0.4 per 100 patient years. Stroke or non-CNS 
systemic embolism was recorded in 0.8 per 100 patient years. 
These observations in clinical practice are consistent with the established safety profile in this 
indication. 
 
Patients undergoing cardioversion 
 
A prospective, randomised, open-label, multicentre, exploratory study with blinded endpoint 
evaluation (X-VERT) was conducted in 1504 patients (oral anticoagulant naive and pre-treated) with 
non-valvular atrial fibrillation scheduled for cardioversion to compare rivaroxaban with dose-adjusted 
VKA (randomised 2:1), for the prevention of cardiovascular events. TEE- guided (1-5 days of 



91 

pretreatment) or conventional cardioversion (at least three weeks of pre-treatment) strategies were 
employed. The primary efficacy outcome (all stroke, transient ischaemic attack, non-CNS systemic 
embolism, myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiovascular death) occurred in 5 (0.5 %) patients in the 
rivaroxaban group (n = 978) and 5 (1.0 %) patients in the VKA group (n = 492; RR 0.50; 95 % CI 
0.15-1.73; modified ITT population). The principal safety outcome (major bleeding) occurred in 6 
(0.6 %) and 4 (0.8 %) patients in the rivaroxaban (n = 988) and VKA (n = 499) groups, respectively 
(RR 0.76; 95 % CI 0.21-2.67; safety population). This exploratory study showed comparable efficacy 
and safety between rivaroxaban and VKA treatment groups in the setting of cardioversion. 
 
Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who undergo PCI with stent placement 
 
A randomised, open-label, multicentre study (PIONEER AF-PCI) was conducted in 2,124 patients 
with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who underwent PCI with stent placement for primary 
atherosclerotic disease to compare safety of two rivaroxaban regimens and one VKA regimen. Patients 
were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 fashion for an overall 12-month-therapy. Patients with a history of 
stroke or TIA were excluded. 
Group 1 received rivaroxaban 15 mg once daily (10 mg once daily in patients with creatinine 
clearance 30-49 ml/min) plus P2Y12 inhibitor. Group 2 received rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily plus 
DAPT (dual antiplatelet therapy i.e. clopidogrel 75 mg [or alternate P2Y12 inhibitor] plus low-dose 
acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) for 1, 6 or 12 months followed by rivaroxaban 15 mg (or 10 mg for 
subjects with creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) once daily plus low-dose ASA. Group 3 received 
dose-adjusted VKA plus DAPT for 1, 6 or 12 months followed by dose adjusted VKA plus low-dose 
ASA. 
The primary safety endpoint, clinically significant bleeding events, occurred in 109 (15.7 %), 117 
(16.6 %), and 167 (24.0 %) subjects in group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively (HR 0.59; 95 % CI 
0.47-0.76; p < 0.001, and HR 0.63; 95 % CI 0.50-0.80; p < 0.001, respectively). The secondary 
endpoint (composite of cardiovascular events CV death, MI, or stroke) occurred in 41 (5.9 %), 36 
(5.1 %), and 36 (5.2 %) subjects in the group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively. Each of the 
rivaroxaban regimens showed a significant reduction in clinically significant bleeding events 
compared to the VKA regimen in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who underwent a PCI 
with stent placement. 
The primary objective of PIONEER AF-PCI was to assess safety. Data on efficacy (including 
thromboembolic events) in this population are limited. 
 
Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE 
The rivaroxaban clinical programme was designed to demonstrate the efficacy of rivaroxaban in the 
initial and continued treatment of acute DVT and PE and prevention of recurrence. 
Over 12,800 patients were studied in four randomised controlled phase III clinical studies (Einstein 
DVT, Einstein PE, Einstein Extension and Einstein Choice) and additionally a predefined pooled 
analysis of the Einstein DVT and Einstein PE studies was conducted. The overall combined treatment 
duration in all studies was up to 21 months. 
 
In Einstein DVT 3,449 patients with acute DVT were studied for the treatment of DVT and the 
prevention of recurrent DVT and PE (patients who presented with symptomatic PE were excluded 
from this study). The treatment duration was for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the clinical 
judgement of the investigator. 
For the initial 3 week treatment of acute DVT 15 mg rivaroxaban was administered twice daily. This 
was followed by 20 mg rivaroxaban once daily. 
 
In Einstein PE, 4,832 patients with acute PE were studied for the treatment of PE and the prevention of 
recurrent DVT and PE. The treatment duration was for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the clinical 
judgement of the investigator.  
For the initial treatment of acute PE 15 mg rivaroxaban was administered twice daily for three weeks. 
This was followed by 20 mg rivaroxaban once daily. 
 
In both the Einstein DVT and the Einstein PE study, the comparator treatment regimen consisted of 
enoxaparin administered for at least 5 days in combination with vitamin K antagonist treatment until 



92 

the PT/INR was in therapeutic range (≥ 2.0). Treatment was continued with a vitamin K antagonist 
dose-adjusted to maintain the PT/INR values within the therapeutic range of 2.0 to 3.0. 
 
In Einstein Extension 1,197 patients with DVT or PE were studied for the prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE. The treatment duration was for an additional 6 or 12 months in patients who had 
completed 6 to 12 months of treatment for venous thromboembolism depending on the clinical 
judgment of the investigator. Rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily was compared with placebo. 
 
Einstein DVT, PE and Extension used the same pre-defined primary and secondary efficacy outcomes. 
The primary efficacy outcome was symptomatic recurrent VTE defined as the composite of recurrent 
DVT or fatal or non-fatal PE. The secondary efficacy outcome was defined as the composite of 
recurrent DVT, non-fatal PE and all-cause mortality. 
 
In Einstein Choice, 3,396 patients with confirmed symptomatic DVT and/or PE who completed 
6-12 months of anticoagulant treatment were studied for the prevention of fatal PE or non-fatal 
symptomatic recurrent DVT or PE. Patients with an indication for continued therapeutic-dosed 
anticoagulation were excluded from the study. The treatment duration was up to 12 months depending 
on the individual randomisation date (median: 351 days). rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily and 
rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily were compared with 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid once daily. 
The primary efficacy outcome was symptomatic recurrent VTE defined as the composite of recurrent 
DVT or fatal or non-fatal PE. 
 
In the Einstein DVT study (see Table 6) rivaroxaban was demonstrated to be non-inferior to 
enoxaparin/VKA for the primary efficacy outcome (p < 0.0001 (test for non-inferiority); HR: 0.680 
(0.443-1.042), p=0.076 (test for superiority)). The prespecified net clinical benefit (primary efficacy 
outcome plus major bleeding events) was reported with a HR of 0.67 ((95 % CI: 0.47 - 0.95), nominal 
p value p=0.027) in favour of rivaroxaban. INR values were within the therapeutic range a mean of 
60.3 % of the time for the mean treatment duration of 189 days, and 55.4 %, 60.1 %, and 62.8 % of the 
time in the 3-, 6-, and 12-month intended treatment duration groups, respectively. In the 
enoxaparin/VKA group, there was no clear relation between the level of mean centre TTR (Time in 
Target INR Range of 2.0-3.0) in the equally sized tertiles and the incidence of the recurrent VTE 
(P=0.932 for interaction). Within the highest tertile according to centre, the HR with rivaroxaban 
versus warfarin was 0.69 (95 % CI: 0.35-1.35). 
 
The incidence rates for the primary safety outcome (major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding 
events) as well as the secondary safety outcome (major bleeding events) were similar for both 
treatment groups. 
 
Table 6: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein DVT 
Study population   3,449 patients with symptomatic acute deep vein thrombosis 

Treatment dose and duration 
Rivaroxabana) 3, 6 or 
12 months 
N=1,731 

Enoxaparin/VKAb) 3, 6 or 
12 months 
N=1,718 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 36 (2.1 %) 
51 
(3.0 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 20 (1.2 %) 
18 
(1.0 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 14 (0.8 %) 
28 
(1.6 %) 

Symptomatic PE and DVT 1 (0.1 %) 
0 

Fatal PE/death where PE cannot 
be ruled out 

4 
(0.2 %) 

6 
(0.3 %) 

Major or clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

139 
(8.1 %) 

138 
(8.1 %) 

Major bleeding events 14 (0.8 %) 
20 
(1.2 %) 



93 

a) Rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 mg once daily 
b) Enoxaparin for at least 5 days, overlapped with and followed by VKA 
* p < 0.0001 (non-inferiority to a prespecified HR of 2.0); HR: 0.680 (0.443-1.042), p=0.076 
(superiority) 
 
In the Einstein PE study (see Table 7) rivaroxaban was demonstrated to be non-inferior to 
enoxaparin/VKA for the primary efficacy outcome (p=0.0026 (test for non-inferiority); hazard ratio: 
1.123 (0.749-1.684)). The prespecified net clinical benefit (primary efficacy outcome plus major 
bleeding events) was reported with a HR of 0.849 ((95 % CI: 0.633-1.139), nominal p value p= 0.275). 
INR values were within the therapeutic range a mean of 63 % of the time for the mean treatment 
duration of 215 days, and 57 %, 62 %, and 65 % of the time in the 3-, 6-, and 12-month intended 
treatment duration groups, respectively. In the enoxaparin/VKA group, there was no clear relation 
between the level of mean centre TTR (Time in Target INR Range of 2.0-3.0) in the equally sized 
tertiles and the incidence of the recurrent VTE (p=0.082 for interaction). Within the highest tertile 
according to centre, the HR with rivaroxaban versus warfarin was 0.642 (95% CI: 0.277-1.484). 
 
The incidence rates for the primary safety outcome (major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding 
events) were slightly lower in the rivaroxaban treatment group (10.3 % (249/2412)) than in the 
enoxaparin/VKA treatment group (11.4 % (274/2405)). The incidence of the secondary safety 
outcome (major bleeding events) was lower in the rivaroxaban group (1.1 % (26/2412)) than in the 
enoxaparin/VKA group (2.2 % (52/2405)) with a HR 0.493 (95% CI: 0.308-0.789). 
 
Table 7: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein PE 
Study population   4,832 patients with an acute symptomatic PE 

Treatment dose and duration 
Rivaroxabana) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=2,419 

Enoxaparin/VKAb) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=2,413 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 50 (2.1 %) 
44 
(1.8 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 23 (1.0 %) 
20 
(0.8 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 18 (0.7 %) 
17 
(0.7 %) 

Symptomatic PE and DVT 0 2 (<0.1 %) 
Fatal PE/death where PE cannot 
be ruled out 

11 
(0.5 %) 

7 
(0.3 %) 

Major or clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

249 
(10.3 %) 

274 
(11.4 %) 

Major bleeding events 26 (1.1 %) 
52 
(2.2 %) 

 
a) Rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 mg once daily 
b) Enoxaparin for at least 5 days, overlapped with and followed by VKA 
* p < 0.0026 (non-inferiority to a prespecified HR of 2.0); HR: 1.123 (0.749-1.684) 
 
A prespecified pooled analysis of the outcome of the Einstein DVT and PE studies was conducted (see 
Table 8). 
 
Table 8: Efficacy and safety results from pooled analysis of phase III Einstein DVT and 
Einstein PE 
Study population 8,281 patients with an acute symptomatic DVT or PE 

Treatment dose and duration 
Rivaroxabana) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=4,150 

Enoxaparin/VKAb) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=4,131 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 86 (2.1 %) 
95 
(2.3 %) 



94 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 
 

43 
(1.0 %) 

38 
(0.9 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 
 

32 
(0.8 %) 

45 
(1.1 %) 

Symptomatic PE and DVT 
 

1 
(<0.1 %) 

2 
(<0.1 %) 

Fatal PE/death where PE 
cannot be ruled out 

15 
(0.4 %) 

13 
(0.3 %) 

Major or clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

388 
(9.4 %) 

412 
(10.0 %) 

Major bleeding events 
 

40 
(1.0 %) 

72 
(1.7 %) 

a) Rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 mg once daily 
b) Enoxaparin for at least 5 days, overlapped with and followed by VKA 
* p < 0.0001 (non-inferiority to a prespecified HR of 1.75); HR: 0.886 (0.661-1.186) 
 
The prespecified net clinical benefit (primary efficacy outcome plus major bleeding events) of the 
pooled analysis was reported with a HR of 0.771 ((95 % CI: 0.614-0.967), nominal p value p= 
0.0244). 
 
In the Einstein Extension study (see Table 9) rivaroxaban was superior to placebo for the primary and 
secondary efficacy outcomes. For the primary safety outcome (major bleeding events) there was a 
non-significant numerically higher incidence rate for patients treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg once 
daily compared to placebo. The secondary safety outcome (major or clinically relevant non-major 
bleeding events) showed higher rates for patients treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily compared 
to placebo. 
 
Table 9: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein Extension 

Study population 1,197 patients continued treatment and prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism 

Treatment dose and duration 
Rivaroxabana) 
6 or 12 months 
N=602 

Placebo 
6 or 12 months 
N=594 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 8 (1.3 %) 
42 
(7.1 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 2 (0.3 %) 
13 
(2.2 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 5 (0.8 %) 
31 
(5.2 %) 

Fatal PE/death where PE cannot 
be ruled out 

1 
(0.2 %) 

1 
(0.2 %) 

Major bleeding events 4 (0.7 %) 
0 
(0.0 %) 

Clinically relevant non-major 
bleeding 

32 
(5.4 %) 

7 
(1.2 %) 

 
a) Rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily 
* p < 0.0001 (superiority), HR: 0.185 (0.087-0.393) 
 
In the Einstein Choice study (see Table 10) rivaroxaban 20 mg and 10 mg were both superior to 
100 mg acetylsalicylic acid for the primary efficacy outcome. The principal safety outcome (major 
bleeding events) was similar for patients treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg and 10 mg once daily 
compared to 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid. 
 
Table 10: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein Choice 

Study population 3,396 patients continued prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism 



95 

Treatment dose 
Rivaroxaban 
20 mg od 
N=1,107 

Rivaroxaban 
10 mg od 
N=1,127 

ASA 100 mg od 
N=1,131 

Treatment duration 
median [interquartile 
range] 

349 [189-362] days 353 [190-362] days 350 [186-362] days 

Symptomatic recurrent 
VTE 

17 
(1.5 %)
* 

13 
(1.2 %)*
* 

50 
(4.4 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent 
PE 

6 
(0.5 %) 

6 
(0.5 %) 

19 
(1.7 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent 
DVT 

9 
(0.8 %) 

8 
(0.7 %) 

30 
(2.7 %) 

Fatal PE/death where PE 2 0 2 
cannot be ruled out (0.2 %) (0.0 %) (0.2 %) 

Symptomatic  recurrent 
VTE, MI, stroke, or  
non-CNS systemic 
embolism 

19 
(1.7 %) 

18 
(1.6 %) 

56 
(5.0 %) 

Major bleeding events 6 (0.5 %) 
5 
(0.4 %) 

3 
(0.3 %) 

Clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

30 22 20 
(2.7 %) (2.0 %) (1.8 %) 

Symptomatic recurrent 
VTE or major bleeding 
(net clinical benefit) 

23 
(2.1 %)+ 

17 
(1.5 %)++ 

53 
(4.7 %) 

* → p < 0.001(superiority) rivaroxaban 20 mg od vs ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.34 (0.20-0.59) 
**  →p < 0.001 (superiority) rivaroxaban 10 mg od vs ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.26 (0.14-0.47) 
+ Rivaroxaban 20 mg od vs. ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.44 (0.27-0.71), p=0.0009 (nominal) 
++ Rivaroxaban 10 mg od vs. ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.32 (0.18-0.55), p < 0.0001 (nominal) 

 
In addition to the phase III EINSTEIN programme, a prospective, non-interventional, open-label 
cohort study (XALIA) with central outcome adjudication including recurrent VTE, major bleeding and 
death has been conducted. 5,142 patients with acute DVT were enrolled to investigate the long-term 
safety of rivaroxaban compared with standard-of-care anticoagulation therapy in clinical practice. 
Rates of major bleeding, recurrent VTE and all-cause mortality for rivaroxaban were 0.7 %, 1.4 % and 
0.5 %, respectively. There were differences in patient baseline characteristics including age, cancer 
and renal impairment. A pre-specified propensity score stratified analysis was used to adjust for 
measured baseline differences but residual confounding may, in spite of this, influence the results. 
Adjusted HRs comparing rivaroxaban and standard-of-care for major bleeding, recurrent VTE and 
all-cause mortality were 0.77 (95 % CI 0.40-1.50), 0.91 (95 % CI 0.54-1.54) and 0.51 (95 % CI 
0.24-1.07), respectively. These results in clinical practice are consistent with the established safety 
profile in this indication. 
 
Patients with high risk triple positive antiphospholipid syndrome  
 
In an investigator sponsored, randomised open-label multicenter study with blinded endpoint 
adjudication, rivaroxaban was compared to warfarin in patients with a history of thrombosis, 
diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome and at high risk for thromboembolic events (positive for all 
3 antiphospholipid tests: lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I 
antibodies). The trial was terminated prematurely after the enrolment of 120 patients due to an excess 
of events among patients in the rivaroxaban arm. Mean follow-up was 569 days. 59 patients were 
randomised to rivaroxaban 20 mg (15 mg for patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) <50 mL/min) 
and 61 to warfarin (INR 2.0- 3.0). Thromboembolic events occurred in 12% of patients randomised to 
rivaroxaban (4 ischaemic strokes and 3 myocardial infarctions). No events were reported in patients 
randomised to warfarin. Major bleeding occurred in 4 patients (7%) of the rivaroxaban group and 2 
patients (3%) of the warfarin group. 
 



96 

Paediatric population 
 
The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with the 
reference medicinal product containing rivaroxaban in one or more subsets of the paediatric 
population in the treatment of thromboembolic events. 
The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with the 
reference medicinal product containing rivaroxaban in all subsets of the paediatric population in the 
prevention of thromboembolic events (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use). 
 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Absorption 
 
Rivaroxaban is rapidly absorbed with maximum concentrations (Cmax) appearing 2-4 hours after tablet 
intake. 
Oral absorption of rivaroxaban is almost complete and oral bioavailability is high (80-100%) for the 
2.5 mg and 10 mg tablet dose, irrespective of fasting/fed conditions. Intake with food does not affect 
rivaroxaban AUC or Cmax at the 2.5 mg and 10 mg dose. 
Due to a reduced extent of absorption an oral bioavailability of 66 % was determined for the 20 mg 
tablet under fasting conditions. When rivaroxaban 20 mg tablets are taken together with food increases 
in mean AUC by 39 % were observed when compared to tablet intake under fasting conditions, 
indicating almost complete absorption and high oral bioavailability. Rivaroxaban 15 mg and 20 mg are 
to be taken with food (see section 4.2). 
Rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics are approximately linear up to about 15 mg once daily in fasting state. 
Under fed conditions rivaroxaban 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg tablets demonstrated dose-proportionality. 
At higher doses rivaroxaban displays dissolution limited absorption with decreased bioavailability and 
decreased absorption rate with increased dose. 
Variability in rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics is moderate with inter-individual variability (CV %) 
ranging from 30 % to 40 %. 
Absorption of rivaroxaban is dependent on the site of its release in the gastrointestinal 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 rivaroxaban is released in 
the distal small intestine, or ascending colon. Therefore, administration of rivaroxaban distal to the 
stomach should be avoided since this can result in reduced absorption and related rivaroxaban 
exposure. 
Bioavailability (AUC and Cmax) was comparable for 20 mg rivaroxaban administered orally as a 
crushed tablet mixed in apple puree, or suspended in water and administered via a gastric tube 
followed by a liquid meal, compared to a whole tablet. Given the predictable, dose-proportional 
pharmacokinetic profile of rivaroxaban, the bioavailability results from this study are likely applicable 
to lower rivaroxaban doses. 
 
Distribution 
 
Plasma protein binding in humans is high at approximately 92 % to 95 %, with serum albumin being 
the main binding component. The volume of distribution is moderate with Vss being approximately 
50 litres. 
 
Biotransformation and elimination 
 
Of the administered rivaroxaban dose, approximately 2/3 undergoes metabolic degradation, with half 
then being eliminated renally and the other half eliminated by the faecal route. The final 1/3 of the 
administered dose undergoes direct renal excretion as unchanged active substance in the urine, mainly 
via active renal secretion. 
Rivaroxaban is metabolised via CYP3A4, CYP2J2 and CYP-independent mechanisms. Oxidative 
degradation of the morpholinone moiety and hydrolysis of the amide bonds are the major sites of 
biotransformation. Based on in vitro investigations rivaroxaban is a substrate of the transporter 
proteins P-gp (P-glycoprotein) and Bcrp (breast cancer resistance protein). 



97 

Unchanged rivaroxaban is the most important compound in human plasma, with no major or active 
circulating metabolites being present. With a systemic clearance of about 10 l/h, rivaroxaban can be 
classified as a low-clearance substance. After intravenous administration of a 1 mg dose the 
elimination half-life is about 4.5 hours. After oral administration the elimination becomes absorption 
rate limited. Elimination of rivaroxaban from plasma occurs with terminal half-lives of 5 to 9 hours in 
young individuals, and with terminal half-lives of 11 to 13 hours in the elderly. 
 
Special populations 
 
Gender 
There were no clinically relevant differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between 
male and female patients. 
 
Elderly population 
Elderly patients exhibited higher plasma concentrations than younger patients, with mean AUC values 
being approximately 1.5-fold higher, mainly due to reduced (apparent) total and renal clearance. No 
dose adjustment is necessary. 
 
Different weight categories 
Extremes in body weight (< 50 kg or > 120 kg) had only a small influence on rivaroxaban plasma 
concentrations (less than 25 %). No dose adjustment is necessary. 
 
Inter-ethnic differences 
No clinically relevant inter-ethnic differences among Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, 
Japanese or Chinese patients were observed regarding rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics and 
pharmacodynamics. 
 
Hepatic impairment 
Cirrhotic patients with mild hepatic impairment (classified as Child Pugh A) exhibited only minor 
changes in rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics (1.2-fold increase in rivaroxaban AUC on average), nearly 
comparable to their matched healthy control group. In cirrhotic patients with moderate hepatic 
impairment (classified as Child Pugh B), rivaroxaban mean AUC was significantly increased by 
2.3-fold compared to healthy volunteers. Unbound AUC was increased 2.6-fold. These patients also 
had reduced renal elimination of rivaroxaban, similar to patients with moderate renal impairment. 
There are no data in patients with severe hepatic impairment. 
The inhibition of factor Xa activity was increased by a factor of 2.6 in patients with moderate hepatic 
impairment as compared to healthy volunteers; prolongation of PT was similarly increased by a factor 
of 2.1. Patients with moderate hepatic impairment were more sensitive to rivaroxaban resulting in a 
steeper PK/PD relationship between concentration and PT. 
Rivaroxaban is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and 
clinically relevant bleeding risk, including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C (see 
section 4.3). 
 
Renal impairment 
There was an increase in rivaroxaban exposure correlated to decrease in renal function, as assessed via 
creatinine clearance measurements. In individuals with mild (creatinine clearance 50-80 ml/min), 
moderate (creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) and severe (creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min) renal 
impairment, rivaroxaban plasma concentrations (AUC) were increased 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6-fold 
respectively. Corresponding increases in pharmacodynamic effects were more pronounced. In 
individuals with mild, moderate and severe renal impairment the overall inhibition of factor Xa 
activity was increased by a factor of 1.5, 1.9 and 2.0 respectively as compared to healthy volunteers; 
prolongation of PT was similarly increased by a factor of 1.3, 2.2 and 2.4 respectively. There are no 
data in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min. 
Due to the high plasma protein binding rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialysable. 
Use is not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min. Rivaroxaban is to be used 
with caution in patients with creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min (see section 4.4). 
 



98 

Pharmacokinetic data in patients 
 
In patients receiving rivaroxaban for treatment of acute DVT 20 mg once daily the geometric mean 
concentration (90 % prediction interval) 2-4 h and about 24 h after dose (roughly representing 
maximum and minimum concentrations during the dose interval) was 215 (22-535) and 32 
(6-239) mcg/l, respectively. 
 
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship 
 
The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship between rivaroxaban plasma 
concentration and several PD endpoints (factor Xa inhibition, PT, aPTT, Heptest) has been evaluated 
after administration of a wide range of doses (5-30 mg twice a day). The relationship between 
rivaroxaban concentration and factor Xa activity was best described by an Emax model. For PT, the 
linear intercept model generally described the data better. Depending on the different PT reagents 
used, the slope differed considerably. When Neoplastin PT was used, baseline PT was about 13 s and 
the slope was around 3 to 4 s/(100 mcg/l). The results of the PK/PD analyses in Phase II and III were 
consistent with the data established in healthy subjects. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
Safety and efficacy have not been established for children and adolescents up to 18 years. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety 
pharmacology, single dose toxicity, phototoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential and juvenile 
toxicity. 
Effects observed in repeat-dose toxicity studies were mainly due to the exaggerated pharmacodynamic 
activity of rivaroxaban. In rats, increased IgG and IgA plasma levels were seen at clinically relevant 
exposure levels. 
In rats, no effects on male or female fertility were seen. Animal studies have shown reproductive 
toxicity related to the pharmacological mode of action of rivaroxaban (e.g. haemorrhagic 
complications). Embryo-foetal toxicity (post-implantation loss, retarded/progressed ossification, 
hepatic multiple light coloured spots) and an increased incidence of common malformations as well as 
placental changes were observed at clinically relevant plasma concentrations. In the pre-and postnatal 
study in rats, reduced viability of the offspring was observed at doses that were toxic to the dams. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Tablet core 
 
Lactose monohydrate 
Croscarmellose sodium (E468) 
Sodium laurilsulfate (E487) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460) 
Silica, colloidal anhydrous (E55) 
Magnesium stearate (E572) 
 
Film-coating 
 
Macrogol 4000 (E1521) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Titanium dioxide (E171) 



99 

Iron oxide red (E172) 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
Not applicable. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
2 years. 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container 
 
Clear PVC/Aluminium blisters in cartons of 10, 14, 28, 30, 42, 56, 90, 98 or 100 film-coated tablets or 
perforated unit dose blisters of 10 x 1 or 100 x 1 tablets.  
HDPE bottle fitted with white opaque child resistant polypropylene closure and induction sealing liner 
wad. Pack size 30 or 90 film-coated tablets. 
HDPE bottle fitted with white opaque continuous thread polypropylene screw closure and induction 
sealing liner wad. Pack size 500 film-coated tablets. 
 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and handling 
 
After confirming gastric placement of the tube, rivaroxaban tablets may be crushed and suspended in 
50 mL of water and administered via an nasogastric 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. Enteral feeding is not required following administration of the 2.5 mg or 
10 mg tablets. 
 
Crushed rivaroxaban tablets are stable in water and in apple sauce for up to 4 hours.  
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.  
 
 
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
 
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/040-053  
 
 
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 



100 

 
 
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
 
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 



101 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT  
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg film-coated tablets 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg film-coated tablets 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Each 15 mg film-coated tablet contains 15 mg rivaroxaban. 
Each 20 mg film-coated tablet contains 20 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
Excipient with known effect  
 
Each 15 mg film-coated tablet contains 20.92 mg lactose (as monohydrate), see section 4.4. 
Each 20 mg film-coated tablet contains 27.90 mg lactose (as monohydrate), see section 4.4. 
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Film-coated tablet (tablet) 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg: Red coloured, round, biconvex, approximately 5.00 mm in diameter, film 
coated tablets debossed with ‘‘IL’’ on one side and ‘‘2’’ on other side. 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg: Dark red coloured, round, biconvex, approximately 6.00 mm in diameter, 
film coated tablets debossed with ‘‘IL3’’ on one side and plain on other side. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS  
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE in adults. (See section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients.) 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Posology  
 
Treatment of DVT, treatment of PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE  
The recommended dose for the initial treatment of acute DVT or PE is 15 mg twice daily for the first 
three weeks followed by 20 mg once daily for the continued treatment and prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE. 
 
Short duration of therapy (at least 3 months) should be considered in patients with DVT or PE 
provoked by major transient risk factors (i.e. recent major surgery or trauma). Longer duration of 
therapy should be considered in patients with provoked DVT or PE not related to major transient risk 
factors, unprovoked DVT or PE, or a history of recurrent DVT or PE. 
 
When extended prevention of recurrent DVT and PE is indicated (following completion of at least 
6 months therapy for DVT or PE), the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily. In patients in whom 
the risk of recurrent DVT or PE is considered high, such as those with complicated comorbidities, or 
who have developed recurrent DVT or PE on extended prevention with Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg 
once daily, a dose of Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg once daily should be considered. 
 



102 

The duration of therapy and dose selection should be individualised after careful assessment of the 
treatment benefit against the risk for bleeding (see section 4.4). 
 Time period Dosing schedule Total daily dose 
Treatment and 
prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE 

Day 1-21 15 mg twice daily 30 mg 
Day 22 onwards 20 mg once daily 20 mg 

Prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE 

Following  
completion of at 
least 6 months 
therapy for DVT or 
PE 

10 mg once daily 
or 20 mg once 
daily 

10 mg 
or 20 mg 

 
The 4-week treatment initiation pack of Rivaroxaban Accord is dedicated to patients who will 
transition from 15 mg twice daily to 20 mg once daily from Day 22 onwards (see section 6.5). 
For patients with moderate or severe renal impairment where the decision has been taken for 15 mg 
once daily from Day 22 onwards, other pack sizes only containing 15 mg film-coated tablets are 
available (see dosing instructions in section “Special populations” below). 
 
If a dose is missed during the 15 mg twice daily treatment phase (day 1-21), the patient should take 
Rivaroxaban Accord immediately to ensure intake of 30 mg rivaroxaban per day. In this case 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. 
 
If a dose is missed during the once daily treatment phase, the patient should take Rivaroxaban Accord 
immediately, and continue on the following day with the once daily intake as recommended. The dose 
should not be doubled within the same day to make up for a missed dose. 
 
Converting from Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) to rivaroxaban 
For patients treated for DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence, VKA treatment should be stopped and 
Rivaroxaban Accord therapy should be initiated once the International Normalised Ration (INR) is 
≤ 2.5.  
When converting patients from VKAs to rivaroxaban, INR values will be falsely elevated after the 
intake of rivaroxaban. The INR is not valid to measure the anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban, and 
therefore should not be used (see section 4.5). 
 
Converting from rivaroxaban to Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) 
There is a potential for inadequate anticoagulation during the transition from rivaroxaban to VKA. 
Continuous adequate anticoagulation should be ensured during any transition to an alternate 
anticoagulant. It should be noted that rivaroxaban can contribute to an elevated INR. 
In patients converting from rivaroxaban to VKA, VKA should be given concurrently until the INR is 
≥ 2.0. 
For the first two days of the conversion period, standard initial dosing of VKA should be used 
followed by VKA dosing, as guided by INR testing. While patients are on both rivaroxaban and VKA 
the INR should not be tested earlier than 24 hours after the previous dose but prior to the next dose of 
rivaroxaban. Once Rivaroxaban Accord is discontinued INR testing may be done reliably at least 
24 hours after the last dose (see sections 4.5 and 5.2). 
 
Converting from parenteral anticoagulants to rivaroxaban 
For patients currently receiving a parenteral anticoagulant, discontinue the parenteral anticoagulant 
and start rivaroxaban 0 to 2 hours before the time that the next scheduled administration of the 
parenteral medicinal product (e.g. low molecular weight heparins) would be due or at the time of 
discontinuation of a continuously administered parenteral medicinal product (e.g. intravenous 
unfractionated heparin). 
 
Converting from rivaroxaban to parenteral anticoagulants 
Give the first dose of parenteral anticoagulant at the time the next rivaroxaban dose would be taken. 
 



103 

Special populations 
 
Renal impairment 
Limited clinical data for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min) 
indicate that rivaroxaban plasma concentrations are significantly increased. Therefore, Rivaroxaban 
Accord is to be used with caution in these patients. Use is not recommended in patients with creatinine 
clearance < 15 ml/min (see sections 4.4 and 5.2). 
 
In patients with moderate (creatinine clearance 30-49 ml/min) or severe (creatinine clearance 
15-29 ml/min) renal impairment the following dose recommendations apply: 
 
- For the treatment of DVT, treatment of PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE, patients 

should be treated with 15 mg twice daily for the first 3 weeks.  
Thereafter, when the recommended dose is 20 mg once daily, a reduction of the dose from 
20 mg once daily to 15 mg once daily should be considered if the patient’s assessed risk for 
bleeding outweighs the risk for recurrent DVT and PE. The recommendation for the use of 
15 mg is based on PK modelling and has not been studied in this clinical setting (see 
sections 4.4, 5.1 and 5.2). When the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily, no dose adjustment 
from the recommended dose is necessary. 

 
No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 50 - 80 
ml/min) (see section 5.2). 
 
Hepatic impairment 
Rivaroxaban Accord is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy 
and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C (see 
sections 4.3 and 5.2). 
 
Elderly population 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2) 
 
Body weight 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2) 
 
Gender 
No dose adjustment (see section 5.2) 
 
Paediatric population 
The safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in children aged 0 to 18 years have not been established. No 
data are available. Therefore, Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended for use in children below 
18 years of age. 
 
Method of administration 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord is for oral use. 
The tablets are to be taken with food (see section 5.2). 
 
For patients who are unable to swallow whole tablets, Rivaroxaban Accord tablet may be crushed and 
mixed with water or apple puree immediately prior to use and administered orally. After the 
administration of crushed Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg or 20 mg film-coated tablets, the dose should be 
immediately followed by food. 
The crushed Rivaroxaban Accord tablet may also be given through gastric tubes after confirmation of 
the correct gastric placement of the tube. The crushed tablet should be administered in a small amount 
of water via a gastric tube after which it should be flushed with water. After the administration of 
crushed Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg or 20 mg film-coated tablets, the dose should then be immediately 
followed by enteral feeding (see section 5.2 and 6.6). 
 



104 

4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 
 
Active clinically significant bleeding. 
 
Lesion or condition, if considered to be a significant risk for major bleeding. This may include current 
or recent gastrointestinal ulceration, presence of malignant neoplasms at high risk of bleeding, recent 
brain or spinal injury, recent brain, spinal or ophthalmic surgery, recent intracranial haemorrhage, 
known or suspected oesophageal varices, arteriovenous malformations, vascular aneurysms or major 
intraspinal or intracerebral vascular abnormalities. 
 
Concomitant treatment with any other anticoagulants, e.g. unfractionated heparin (UFH), low 
molecular weight heparins (enoxaparin, dalteparin, etc.), heparin derivatives (fondaparinux, etc.), oral 
anticoagulants (warfarin, dabigatran etexilate, apixaban, etc.) except under specific circumstances of 
switching anticoagulant therapy (see section 4.2) or when UFH is given at doses necessary to maintain 
an open central venous or arterial catheter (see section 4.5). 
 
Hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic 
patients with Child Pugh B and C (see section 5.2). 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding (see section 4.6). 
 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Clinical surveillance in line with anticoagulation practice is recommended throughout the treatment 
period. 
 
Haemorrhagic risk 
As with other anticoagulants, patients taking Rivaroxaban Accord are to be carefully observed for 
signs of bleeding. It is recommended to be used with caution in conditions with increased risk of 
haemorrhage. Rivaroxaban Accord administration should be discontinued if severe haemorrhage 
occurs. (see section 4.9) 
 
In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, gastrointestinal, genito urinary 
including abnormal vaginal or increased menstrual bleeding) and anaemia were seen more frequently 
during long term rivaroxaban treatment compared with VKA treatment. Thus, in addition to adequate 
clinical surveillance, laboratory testing of haemoglobin/haematocrit could be of value to detect occult 
bleeding and quantify the clinical relevance of overt bleeding, as judged to be appropriate. 
 
Several sub-groups of patients, as detailed below, are at increased risk of bleeding. These patients are 
to be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding complications and anaemia after 
initiation of treatment (see section 4.8).  
Any unexplained fall in haemoglobin or blood pressure should lead to a search for a bleeding site. 
 
Although treatment with rivaroxaban does not require routine monitoring of exposure, rivaroxaban 
levels measured with a calibrated quantitative anti-factor Xa assay may be useful in exceptional 
situations where knowledge of rivaroxaban exposure may help to inform clinical decisions, e.g. 
overdose and emergency surgery (see sections 5.1 and 5.2). 
 
Renal impairment 
 
In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) rivaroxaban plasma levels 
may be significantly increased (1.6-fold on average) which may lead to an increased bleeding risk. 
Rivaroxaban Accord is to be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearance 15-29 ml/min. Use 
is not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). 



105 

Rivaroxaban Accord should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment concomitantly 
receiving other medicinal products which increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations (see 
section 4.5). 
 
Interaction with other medicinal products 
 
The use of Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended in patients receiving concomitant systemic 
treatment with azole-antimycotics (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and 
posaconazole) or HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir). These active substances are strong inhibitors 
of both CYP3A4 and P-gp and therefore may increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations to a 
clinically relevant degree (2.6-fold on average) which may lead to an increased bleeding risk (see 
section 4.5). 
 
Care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with medicinal products affecting haemostasis 
such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicinal products (NSAIDs), acetylsalicylic acid and 
platelet aggregation inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin 
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). For patients at risk of ulcerative gastrointestinal disease 
an appropriate prophylactic treatment may be considered (see section 4.5). 
 
Other haemorrhagic risk factors 
 
As with other antithrombotics, rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients with an increased bleeding 
risk such as: 
• congenital or acquired bleeding disorders 
• uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension 
• other gastrointestinal disease without active ulceration that can potentially lead to bleeding 

complications (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, oesophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal 
reflux disease) 

• vascular retinopathy 
• bronchiectasis or history of pulmonary bleeding 
 
Patients with prosthetic valves 
 
Rivaroxaban should not be used for thromboprophylaxis in patients having recently undergone 
transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been 
studied in patients with prosthetic heart valves; therefore, there are no data to support that rivaroxaban 
provides adequate anticoagulation in this patient population. Treatment with Rivaroxaban Accord is 
not recommended for these patients. 
Haemodynamically unstable PE patients or patients who require thrombolysis or pulmonary 
embolectomy 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended as an alternative to unfractionated heparin in patients with 
pulmonary embolism who are haemodynamically unstable or may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary 
embolectomy since the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in these clinical 
situations. 
 
Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome  
 
Direct acting Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) including rivaroxaban are not recommended for patients 
with a history of thrombosis who are diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome. In particular for 
patients that are triple positive (for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta 
2-glycoprotein I antibodies), treatment with DOACs could be associated with increased rates of 
recurrent thrombotic events compared with vitamin K antagonist therapy. 
 
Spinal/epidural anaesthesia or puncture 
 



106 

When neuraxial anaesthesia (spinal/epidural anaesthesia) or spinal/epidural puncture is employed, 
patients treated with antithrombotic agents for prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk 
of developing an epidural or spinal haematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis. 
The risk of these events may be increased by the post-operative use of indwelling epidural catheters or 
the concomitant use of medicinal products affecting haemostasis. The risk may also be increased by 
traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture. Patients are to be frequently monitored for signs and 
symptoms of neurological impairment (e.g. numbness or weakness of the legs, bowel or bladder 
dysfunction). If neurological compromise is noted, urgent diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Prior 
to neuraxial intervention the physician should consider the potential benefit versus the risk in 
anticoagulated patients or in patients to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis. There is no clinical 
experience with the use of 15 mg or 20 mg rivaroxaban in these situations. 
To reduce the potential risk of bleeding associated with the concurrent use of rivaroxaban and 
neuraxial (epidural/spinal) anaesthesia or spinal puncture, consider the pharmacokinetic profile of 
rivaroxaban. Placement or removal of an epidural catheter or lumbar puncture is best performed when 
the anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban is estimated to be low. However, the exact timing to reach a 
sufficiently low anticoagulant effect in each patient is not known. 
For the removal of an epidural catheter and based on the general PK characteristics at least 2x 
half-life, i.e. at least 18 hours in young patients and 26 hours in elderly patients should elapse after the 
last administration of rivaroxaban (see section 5.2). Following removal of the catheter, at least 6 hours 
should elapse before the next rivaroxaban dose is administered. 
If traumatic puncture occurs the administration of rivaroxaban is to be delayed for 24 hours. 
 
Dosing recommendations before and after invasive procedures and surgical intervention 
 
If an invasive procedure or surgical intervention is required, Rivaroxaban Accord 15/20 mg should be 
stopped at least 24 hours before the intervention, if possible and based on the clinical judgement of the 
physician. 
If the procedure cannot be delayed the increased risk of bleeding should be assessed against the 
urgency of the intervention. 
Rivaroxaban Accord should be restarted as soon as possible after the invasive procedure or surgical 
intervention provided the clinical situation allows and adequate haemostasis has been established as 
determined by the treating physician (see section 5.2). 
 
Elderly population 
 
Increasing age may increase haemorrhagic risk (see section 5.2). 
 
Dermatological reactions 
 
Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis and DRESS 
syndrome, have been reported during post-marketing surveillance in association with the use of 
rivaroxaban (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the 
course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first weeks of 
treatment. Rivaroxaban should be discontinued at the first appearance of a severe skin rash (e.g. 
spreading, intense and/or blistering), or any other sign of hypersensitivity in conjunction with mucosal 
lesions. 
 
Information about excipients 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, 
total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product. 
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 
“sodium-free”. 
  
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors 



107 

 
Co-administration of rivaroxaban with ketoconazole (400 mg once a day) or ritonavir (600 mg twice a 
day) led to a 2.6-fold / 2.5-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.7-fold / 1.6-fold increase in 
mean rivaroxaban Cmax, with significant increases in pharmacodynamic effects which may lead to an 
increased bleeding risk. Therefore, the use of rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients receiving 
concomitant systemic treatment with azole-antimycotics such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, 
voriconazole and posaconazole or HIV protease inhibitors. These active substances are strong 
inhibitors of both CYP3A4 and P-gp (see section 4.4). 
 
Active substances strongly inhibiting only one of the rivaroxaban elimination pathways, either 
CYP3A4 or P-gp, are expected to increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations to a lesser extent. 
Clarithromycin (500 mg twice a day), for instance, considered as a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and 
moderate P-gp inhibitor, led to a 1.5-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.4-fold increase in 
Cmax. The interaction with clarithromycin is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be 
potentially significant in high-risk patients. (For patients with renal impairment: see section 4.4). 
 
Erythromycin (500 mg three times a day), which inhibits CYP3A4 and P-gp moderately, led to a 
1.3-fold increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax. The interaction with erythromycin is likely not 
clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in high-risk patients. 
In subjects with mild renal impairment erythromycin (500 mg three times a day) led to a 1.8-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and 1.6-fold increase in Cmax when compared to subjects with 
normal renal function. In subjects with moderate renal impairment, erythromycin led to a 2.0-fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and 1.6-fold increase in Cmax when compared to subjects with 
normal renal function. The effect of erythromycin is additive to that of renal impairment (see 
section 4.4). 
 
Fluconazole (400 mg once daily), considered as a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, led to a 1.4- fold 
increase in mean rivaroxaban AUC and a 1.3- fold increase in mean Cmax. The interaction with 
fluconazole is likely not clinically relevant in most patients but can be potentially significant in 
high-risk patients. (For patients with renal impairment: see section 4.4). 
 
Given the limited clinical data available with dronedarone, co-administration with rivaroxaban should 
be avoided. 
 
Anticoagulants 
 
After combined administration of enoxaparin (40 mg single dose) with rivaroxaban (10 mg single 
dose) an additive effect on anti-factor Xa activity was observed without any additional effects on 
clotting tests (PT, aPTT). Enoxaparin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban. 
Due to the increased bleeding risk care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with any 
other anticoagulants (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). 
 
NSAIDs/platelet aggregation inhibitors 
 
No clinically relevant prolongation of bleeding time was observed after concomitant administration of 
rivaroxaban (15 mg) and 500 mg naproxen. Nevertheless, there may be individuals with a more 
pronounced pharmacodynamic response. 
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when 
rivaroxaban was co-administered with 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid. 
Clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose followed by 75 mg maintenance dose) did not show a 
pharmacokinetic interaction with rivaroxaban (15 mg) but a relevant increase in bleeding time was 
observed in a subset of patients which was not correlated to platelet aggregation, P-selectin or 
GPIIb/IIIa receptor levels. 
Care is to be taken if patients are treated concomitantly with NSAIDs (including acetylsalicylic acid) 
and platelet aggregation inhibitors because these medicinal products typically increase the bleeding 
risk (see section 4.4). 
 



108 

SSRIs/SNRIs 
 
As with other anticoagulants the possibility may exist that patients are at increased risk of bleeding in 
case of concomitant use with SSRIs or SNRIs due to their reported effect on platelets. When 
concomitantly used in the rivaroxaban clinical programme, numerically higher rates of major or 
non-major clinically relevant bleeding were observed in all treatment groups. 
 
Warfarin 
 
Converting patients from the vitamin K antagonist warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) to rivaroxaban (20 mg) or 
from rivaroxaban (20 mg) to warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) increased prothrombin time/INR (Neoplastin) 
more than additively (individual INR values up to 12 may be observed), whereas effects on aPTT, 
inhibition of factor Xa activity and endogenous thrombin potential were additive. 
If it is desired to test the pharmacodynamic effects of rivaroxaban during the conversion period, 
anti-factor Xa activity, PiCT, and Heptest can be used as these tests were not affected by warfarin. On 
the fourth day after the last dose of warfarin, all tests (including PT, aPTT, inhibition of factor Xa 
activity and ETP) reflected only the effect of rivaroxaban. 
If it is desired to test the pharmacodynamic effects of warfarin during the conversion period, INR 
measurement can be used at the Ctrough of rivaroxaban (24 hours after the previous intake of 
rivaroxaban) as this test is minimally affected by rivaroxaban at this time point. 
No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between warfarin and rivaroxaban. 
 
CYP3A4 inducers 
 
Co-administration of rivaroxaban with the strong CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin led to an approximate 
50 % decrease in mean rivaroxaban AUC, with parallel decreases in its pharmacodynamic effects. The 
concomitant use of rivaroxaban with other strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, 
phenobarbital or St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)) may also lead to reduced rivaroxaban 
plasma concentrations. Therefore, concomitant administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers should be 
avoided unless the patient is closely observed for signs and symptoms of thrombosis. 
 
Other concomitant therapies 
 
No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when 
rivaroxaban was co-administered with midazolam (substrate of CYP3A4), digoxin (substrate of P-gp), 
atorvastatin (substrate of CYP3A4 and P-gp) or omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor). Rivaroxaban 
neither inhibits nor induces any major CYP isoforms like CYP3A4. 
 
Laboratory parameters 
 
Clotting parameters (e.g. PT, aPTT, HepTest) are affected as expected by the mode of action of 
rivaroxaban (see section 5.1). 
 
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Pregnancy 
 
Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in pregnant women. Studies in animals 
have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Due to the potential reproductive toxicity, the 
intrinsic risk of bleeding and the evidence that rivaroxaban passes the placenta, rivaroxaban is 
contraindicated during pregnancy (see section 4.3). 
Women of child-bearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with rivaroxaban. 
 
Breast-feeding 
 
Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in breast-feeding women. Data from 
animals indicate that rivaroxaban is secreted into milk. Therefore, rivaroxaban is contraindicated 



109 

during breast-feeding (see section 4.3). A decision must be made whether to discontinue 
breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from therapy. 
 
Fertility 
 
No specific studies with rivaroxaban in humans have been conducted to evaluate effects on fertility. In 
a study on male and female fertility in rats no effects were seen (see section 5.3). 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Rivaroxaban has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Adverse reactions like 
syncope (frequency: uncommon) and dizziness (frequency: common) have been reported (see 
section 4.8). 
Patients experiencing these adverse reactions should not drive or use machines. 
 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
The safety of rivaroxaban has been evaluated in thirteen phase III studies including 53,103 patients 
exposed to rivaroxaban (see Table 1). 
 
Table 1: Number of patients studied, total daily dose and maximum treatment duration in 
phase III studies 
Indication  
 
 

Number of 
patients* 

Total daily dose Maximum 
treatment 
duration 

Prevention of venous thromboembolism 
(VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective 
hip or knee replacement surgery 

6,097 10 mg 39 days 

Prevention of VTE in medically ill patients 3,997 10 mg 39 days 
 

Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of 
recurrence 
 

6,790 Day 1 - 21: 30 mg 
Day 22 and onwards: 
20 mg 
After at least 6 
months: 10 mg or 20 
mg 

21 months 

Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism 
in patients with non-valvular atrial 
fibrillation  

7,750  
 

20 mg  
 

41 months 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in 
patients after an acute coronary syndrome 
(ACS)  
 

10,225 5 mg or 10 mg 
respectively, co-
administered with 
either ASA or ASA 
plus clopidogrel or 
ticlopidine 

31 months 

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in 
patients with CAD/PAD  
 

18,244  
 

5 mg co-administered 
with ASA or 10 mg 
alone  

47 months  
 

*Patients exposed to at least one dose of rivaroxaban 
 
The most commonly reported adverse reactions in patients receiving rivaroxaban were bleedings (see 
also section 4.4. and ‘Description of selected adverse reactions’ below) (Table 2). The most commonly 
reported bleedings were epistaxis (4.5 %) and gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage (3.8 %). 
 



110 

Table 2: Bleeding* and anaemia events rates in patients exposed to rivaroxaban across the 
completed phase III studies 
Indication Any bleeding Anaemia 
Prevention of VTE in adult 
patients undergoing elective hip or 
knee replacement surgery 

6.8% of patients 5.9% of patients 

Prevention of VTE in medically ill 
patients 

12.6% of 
patients 

2.1% of patients 

Treatment of DVT, PE and 
prevention of recurrence 

23% of patients 1.6% of patients 

Prevention of stroke and systemic 
embolism in patients with non- 
valvular atrial fibrillation 

28 per 100 
patient years 

2.5 per 100 patient 
years 

Prevention of atherothrombotic 
events in patients after an ACS 

22 per 100 
patient years 

1.4 per 100 patient 
years 

Prevention of atherothrombotic 
events in patients with CAD/PAD  

6.7 per 100 
patient years  

0.15 per 100 patient 
years**  

* For all rivaroxaban studies all bleeding events are collected, reported and adjudicated.  
** In the COMPASS study, there is a low anaemia incidence as a selective approach to adverse event 
collection was applied  
 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
 
The frequencies of adverse reactions reported with rivaroxaban are summarised in table 3 below by 
system organ class (in MedDRA) and by frequency. 
 
Frequencies are defined as:  
very common (≥ 1/10) 
common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) 
uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100)  
rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000) 
very rare ( < 1/10,000)  
not known (cannot be estimated from the available data) 
 
Table 3: All adverse reactions reported in patients in phase III clinical trials or through post 
marketing use* 
Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
Blood and lymphatic system disorders 
Anaemia (incl. 
respective laboratory 
parameters) 

Thrombocytosis 
(incl. platelet 
count increased)A, 
Thrombocytopenia 

   

Immune system disorders 
 Allergic reaction, 

dermatitis allergic, 
Angioedema and 
allergic oedema 

 Anaphylactic 
reactions 
including 
anaphylactic 
shock 

 

Nervous system disorders 
Dizziness, headache  Cerebral and 

intracranial 
haemorrhage, 
syncope 

   

Eye disorders 
Eye haemorrhage 
(incl. conjunctival 
haemorrhage) 

    

Cardiac disorders 



111 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
 Tachycardia    
Vascular disorders 
Hypotension, 
haematoma 

    

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders 
Epistaxis, 
haemoptysis 

    

Gastrointestinal disorders 
Gingival bleeding, 
gastrointestinal tract 
haemorrhage (incl. 
rectal haemorrhage), 
gastrointestinal and 
abdominal pains, 
dyspepsia, nausea, 
constipationA, 
diarrhoea, vomitingA 

Dry mouth    

Hepatobiliary disorders 
Increase in 
transaminases 

Hepatic 
impairment, 
Increased 
bilirubin, 
increased blood 
alkaline 
phosphataseA, 
increased GGTA 

Jaundice, 
Bilirubin 
conjugated 
increased (with 
or without 
concomitant 
increase of ALT), 
Cholestasis, 
Hepatitis (incl. 
hepatocellular 
injury) 

  

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders 
Pruritus (incl. 
uncommon cases of 
generalised pruritus), 
rash, ecchymosis, 
cutaneous and 
subcutaneous 
haemorrhage 

Urticaria  Stevens-Johnson 
syndrome/ Toxic 
Epidermal 
Necrolysis , 
DRESS 
syndrome 

 

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders 
Pain in extremityA  Haemarthrosis  Muscle 

haemorrhage  
 Compartment 

syndrome 
secondary to a 
bleeding 

Renal and urinary disorders 
Urogenital tract 
haemorrhage (incl. 
haematuria and 
menorrhagiaB), renal 
impairment (incl. 
blood creatinine 
increased, blood urea 
increased) 

   Renal 
failure/acute 
renal failure 
secondary to a 
bleeding 
sufficient to 
cause 
hypoperfusion 

General disorders and administration site conditions 
FeverA, peripheral 
oedema, decreased 
general strength and 

Feeling unwell 
(incl. malaise) 

Localised 
oedemaA 

  



112 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Not known 
energy (incl. fatigue 
and asthenia) 
Investigations 
 Increased LDHA, 

increased lipaseA, 
increased 
amylaseA 

   

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications 
Postprocedural 
haemorrhage (incl. 
postoperative 
anaemia, and wound 
haemorrhage), 
contusion, wound 
secretionA 

 Vascular 
pseudoaneurysmC 

  

 
A: observed in prevention of VTE in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement 
surgery 
B: observed in treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence as very common in women 
< 55 years 
C: observed as uncommon in prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients after an ACS 
(following percutaneous coronary intervention) 
* A pre-specified selective approach to adverse event collection was applied. As incidence of adverse 
reactions did not increase and no new adverse reaction was identified, COMPASS study data were not 
included for frequency calculation in this table.  
 
Description of selected adverse reactions 
 
Due to the pharmacological mode of action, the use of rivaroxaban may be associated with an 
increased risk of occult or overt bleeding from any tissue or organ which may result in post 
haemorrhagic anaemia. The signs, symptoms, and severity (including fatal outcome) will vary 
according to the location and degree or extent of the bleeding and/or anaemia (see section 4.9 
“Management of bleeding”). In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, 
gastrointestinal, genito urinary including abnormal vaginal or increased menstrual bleeding) and 
anaemia were seen more frequently during long term rivaroxaban treatment compared with VKA 
treatment. Thus, in addition to adequate clinical surveillance, laboratory testing of 
haemoglobin/haematocrit could be of value to detect occult bleeding and quantify the clinical 
relevance of overt bleeding, as judged to be appropriate. The risk of bleedings may be increased in 
certain patient groups, e.g. those patients with uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension and/or on 
concomitant treatment affecting haemostasis (see section 4.4 “Haemorrhagic risk”). Menstrual 
bleeding may be intensified and/or prolonged. Haemorrhagic complications may present as weakness, 
paleness, dizziness, headache or unexplained swelling, dyspnoea and unexplained shock. In some 
cases as a consequence of anaemia, symptoms of cardiac ischaemia like chest pain or angina pectoris 
have been observed. 
Known complications secondary to severe bleeding such as compartment syndrome and renal failure 
due to hypoperfusion have been reported for rivaroxaban. Therefore, the possibility of haemorrhage is 
to be considered in evaluating the condition in any anticoagulated patient. 
 
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 
 
4.9 Overdose 

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113 

 
Rare cases of overdose up to 600 mg have been reported without bleeding complications or other 
adverse reactions. Due to limited absorption a ceiling effect with no further increase in average plasma 
exposure is expected at supratherapeutic doses of 50 mg rivaroxaban or above. 
A specific reversal agent (andexanet alfa) antagonising the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban is 
available (refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics of andexanet alfa). The use of activated 
charcoal to reduce absorption in case of rivaroxaban overdose may be considered.  
 
Management of bleeding 
 
Should a bleeding complication arise in a patient receiving rivaroxaban, the next rivaroxaban 
administration should be delayed or treatment should be discontinued as appropriate. Rivaroxaban has 
a half-life of approximately 5 to 13 hours (see section 5.2). Management should be individualised 
according to the severity and location of the haemorrhage. Appropriate symptomatic treatment could 
be used as needed, such as mechanical compression (e.g. for severe epistaxis), surgical haemostasis 
with bleeding control procedures, fluid replacement and haemodynamic support, blood products 
(packed red cells or fresh frozen plasma, depending on associated anaemia or coagulopathy) or 
platelets. 
If bleeding cannot be controlled by the above measures, either the administration of a specific factor 
Xa inhibitor reversal agent (andexanet alfa), which antagonises the pharmacodynamic effect of 
rivaroxaban, or a specific procoagulant reversal agent,  such as prothrombin complex concentrate 
(PCC), activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) or recombinant factor VIIa (r-FVIIa) 
should be considered. However, there is currently very limited clinical experience with the use of 
these medicinal products in individuals receiving rivaroxaban. The recommendation is also based on 
limited non-clinical data. Re-dosing of recombinant factor VIIa shall be considered and titrated 
depending on improvement of bleeding. 
Depending on local availability, a consultation with a coagulation expert should be considered in case 
of major bleedings (see section 5.1). 
 
Protamine sulphate and vitamin K are not expected to affect the anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban. 
There is limited experience with tranexamic acid and no experience with aminocaproic acid and 
aprotinin in individuals receiving rivaroxaban. There is neither scientific rationale for benefit nor 
experience with the use of the systemic haemostatic desmopressin in individuals receiving 
rivaroxaban. Due to the high plasma protein binding rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialysable. 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antithrombotic agents, direct factor Xa inhibitors, ATC code: B01AF01 
 
Mechanism of action 
 
Rivaroxaban is a highly selective direct factor Xa inhibitor with oral bioavailability. Inhibition of 
factor Xa interrupts the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade, inhibiting 
both thrombin formation and development of thrombi. Rivaroxaban does not inhibit thrombin 
(activated factor II) and no effects on platelets have been demonstrated. 
 
Pharmacodynamic effects 
 
Dose-dependent inhibition of factor Xa activity was observed in humans. Prothrombin time (PT) is 
influenced by rivaroxaban in a dose dependent way with a close correlation to plasma concentrations 
(r value equals 0.98) if Neoplastin is used for the assay. Other reagents would provide different results. 
The readout for PT is to be done in seconds, because the INR is only calibrated and validated for 
coumarins and cannot be used for any other anticoagulant. 



114 

In patients receiving rivaroxaban for treatment of DVT and PE and prevention of recurrence, the 
5/95 percentiles for PT (Neoplastin) 2 - 4 hours after tablet intake (i.e. at the time of maximum effect) 
for 15 mg rivaroxaban twice daily ranged from 17 to 32 s and for 20 mg rivaroxaban once daily from 
15 to 30 s. At trough (8 - 16 h after tablet intake) the 5/95 percentiles for 15 mg twice daily ranged 
from 14 to 24 s and for 20 mg once daily (18 - 30 h after tablet intake) from 13 to 20 s. 
In patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation receiving rivaroxaban for the prevention of stroke and 
systemic embolism, the 5/95 percentiles for PT (Neoplastin) 1 - 4 hours after tablet intake (i.e. at the 
time of maximum effect) in patients treated with 20 mg once daily ranged from 14 to 40 s and in 
patients with moderate renal impairment treated with 15 mg once daily from 10 to 50 s. At trough (16 
- 36 h after tablet intake) the 5/95 percentiles in patients treated with 20 mg once daily ranged from 12 
to 26 s and in patients with moderate renal impairment treated with 15 mg once daily from 12 to 26 s. 
In a clinical pharmacology study on the reversal of rivaroxaban pharmacodynamics in healthy adult 
subjects (n=22), the effects of single doses (50 IU/kg) of two different types of PCCs, a 3-factor PCC 
(Factors II, IX and X) and a 4-factor PCC (Factors II, VII, IX and X) were assessed. The 3-factor PCC 
reduced mean Neoplastin PT values by approximately 1.0 second within 30 minutes, compared to 
reductions of approximately 3.5 seconds observed with the 4-factor PCC. In contrast, the 3-factor PCC 
had a greater and more rapid overall effect on reversing changes in endogenous thrombin generation 
than the 4-factor PCC (see section 4.9). 
The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and HepTest are also prolonged dose-dependently; 
however, they are not recommended to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban. There is no 
need for monitoring of coagulation parameters during treatment with rivaroxaban in clinical routine. 
However, if clinically indicated rivaroxaban levels can be measured by calibrated quantitative 
anti-factor Xa tests (see section 5.2). 
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
 
Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE 
The rivaroxaban clinical programme was designed to demonstrate the efficacy of rivaroxaban in the 
initial and continued treatment of acute DVT and PE and prevention of recurrence. 
Over 12,800 patients were studied in four randomised controlled phase III clinical studies (Einstein 
DVT, Einstein PE, Einstein Extension and Einstein Choice) and additionally a predefined pooled 
analysis of the Einstein DVT and Einstein PE studies was conducted. The overall combined treatment 
duration in all studies was up to 21 months. 
 
In Einstein DVT 3,449 patients with acute DVT were studied for the treatment of DVT and the 
prevention of recurrent DVT and PE (patients who presented with symptomatic PE were excluded 
from this study). The treatment duration was for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the clinical 
judgement of the investigator. 
For the initial 3 week treatment of acute DVT 15 mg rivaroxaban was administered twice daily. This 
was followed by 20 mg rivaroxaban once daily. 
 
In Einstein PE, 4,832 patients with acute PE were studied for the treatment of PE and the prevention of 
recurrent DVT and PE. The treatment duration was for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the clinical 
judgement of the investigator.  
For the initial treatment of acute PE 15 mg rivaroxaban was administered twice daily for three weeks. 
This was followed by 20 mg rivaroxaban once daily. 
 
In both the Einstein DVT and the Einstein PE study, the comparator treatment regimen consisted of 
enoxaparin administered for at least 5 days in combination with vitamin K antagonist treatment until 
the PT/INR was in therapeutic range (≥ 2.0). Treatment was continued with a vitamin K antagonist 
dose-adjusted to maintain the PT/INR values within the therapeutic range of 2.0 to 3.0. 
 
In Einstein Extension 1,197 patients with DVT or PE were studied for the prevention of recurrent 
DVT and PE. The treatment duration was for an additional 6 or 12 months in patients who had 
completed 6 to 12 months of treatment for venous thromboembolism depending on the clinical 
judgment of the investigator. Rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily was compared with placebo. 
 



115 

Einstein DVT, PE and Extension used the same pre-defined primary and secondary efficacy outcomes. 
The primary efficacy outcome was symptomatic recurrent VTE defined as the composite of recurrent 
DVT or fatal or non-fatal PE. The secondary efficacy outcome was defined as the composite of 
recurrent DVT, non-fatal PE and all-cause mortality. 
 
In Einstein Choice, 3,396 patients with confirmed symptomatic DVT and/or PE who completed 6-12 
months of anticoagulant treatment were studied for the prevention of fatal PE or non-fatal 
symptomatic recurrent DVT or PE. Patients with an indication for continued therapeutic-dosed 
anticoagulation were excluded from the study. The treatment duration was up to 12 months depending 
on the individual randomisation date (median: 351 days). Rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily and 
rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily were compared with 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid once daily. 
The primary efficacy outcome was symptomatic recurrent VTE defined as the composite of recurrent 
DVT or fatal or non-fatal PE. 
 
In the Einstein DVT study (see Table 4) rivaroxaban was demonstrated to be non-inferior to 
enoxaparin/VKA for the primary efficacy outcome (p < 0.0001 (test for non-inferiority); HR: 0.680 
(0.443 - 1.042), p=0.076 (test for superiority)). The prespecified net clinical benefit (primary efficacy 
outcome plus major bleeding events) was reported with a HR of 0.67 ((95% CI: 0.47 - 0.95), nominal 
p value p=0.027) in favour of rivaroxaban. INR values were within the therapeutic range a mean of 
60.3% of the time for the mean treatment duration of 189 days, and 55.4%, 60.1%, and 62.8% of the 
time in the 3-, 6-, and 12-month intended treatment duration groups, respectively. In the 
enoxaparin/VKA group, there was no clear relation between the level of mean centre TTR (Time in 
Target INR Range of 2.0 - 3.0) in the equally sized tertiles and the incidence of the recurrent VTE 
(P=0.932 for interaction). Within the highest tertile according to centre, the HR with rivaroxaban 
versus warfarin was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.35 - 1.35). 
 
The incidence rates for the primary safety outcome (major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding 
events) as well as the secondary safety outcome (major bleeding events) were similar for both 
treatment groups. 
 
Table 4: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein DVT 
Study population   3,449 patients with symptomatic acute deep vein thrombosis 
Treatment dose and duration Rivaroxabana) 

3, 6 or 12 months 
N=1,731 

Enoxaparin/VKAb) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=1,718 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 36 
(2.1%) 

51 
(3.0%) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 20 
(1.2%) 

18 
(1.0%) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 14 
(0.8%) 

28 
(1.6%) 

Symptomatic PE and DVT 1 
(0.1%) 

0 

Fatal PE/death where PE 
cannot be ruled out 

4 
(0.2%) 

6 
(0.3%) 

Major or clinically relevant non-
major bleeding 

139 
(8.1%) 

138 
(8.1%) 

Major bleeding events 14 
(0.8%) 

20 
(1.2%) 

a) Rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 mg once daily 
b) Enoxaparin for at least 5 days, overlapped with and followed by VKA 
* p < 0.0001 (non-inferiority to a prespecified HR of 2.0); HR: 0.680 (0.443 - 1.042), p=0.076 
(superiority) 
 
In the Einstein PE study (see Table 5) rivaroxaban was demonstrated to be non-inferior to 
enoxaparin/VKA for the primary efficacy outcome (p=0.0026 (test for non-inferiority); hazard ratio: 
1.123 (0.749 - 1.684)). The prespecified net clinical benefit (primary efficacy outcome plus major 



116 

bleeding events) was reported with a HR of 0.849 ((95% CI: 0.633 - 1.139), nominal p value 
p= 0.275). INR values were within the therapeutic range a mean of 63% of the time for the mean 
treatment duration of 215 days, and 57%, 62%, and 65% of the time in the 3-, 6-, and 12-month 
intended treatment duration groups, respectively. In the enoxaparin/VKA group, there was no clear 
relation between the level of mean centre TTR (Time in Target INR Range of 2.0 - 3.0) in the equally 
sized tertiles and the incidence of the recurrent VTE (p=0.082 for interaction). Within the highest 
tertile according to centre, the HR with rivaroxaban versus warfarin was 0.642 (95% CI: 
0.277 - 1.484). 
 
The incidence rates for the primary safety outcome (major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding 
events) were slightly lower in the rivaroxaban treatment group (10.3% (249/2412)) than in the 
enoxaparin/VKA treatment group (11.4% (274/2405)). The incidence of the secondary safety outcome 
(major bleeding events) was lower in the rivaroxaban group (1.1% (26/2412)) than in the 
enoxaparin/VKA group (2.2% (52/2405)) with a HR 0.493 (95% CI: 0.308 - 0.789). 
 
Table 5: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein PE 
Study population   4,832 patients with an acute symptomatic PE 
Treatment dose and duration Rivaroxabana) 

3, 6 or 12 months 
N=2,419 

Enoxaparin/VKAb) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=2,413 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 50 
(2.1%) 

44 
(1.8%) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 23 
(1.0%) 

20 
(0.8%) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 18 
(0.7%) 

17 
(0.7%) 

Symptomatic PE and DVT 0 2 
(<0.1%) 

Fatal PE/death where PE 
cannot be ruled out 

11 
(0.5%) 

7 
(0.3%) 

Major or clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

249 
(10.3%) 

274 
(11.4%) 

Major bleeding events 26 
(1.1%) 

52 
(2.2%) 

a) Rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 mg once daily 
b) Enoxaparin for at least 5 days, overlapped with and followed by VKA 
* p < 0.0026 (non-inferiority to a prespecified HR of 2.0); HR: 1.123 (0.749-1.684) 
 
A prespecified pooled analysis of the outcome of the Einstein DVT and PE studies was conducted (see 
Table 6). 
 
Table 6: Efficacy and safety results from pooled analysis of phase III Einstein DVT and 
Einstein PE 
Study population 8,281 patients with an acute symptomatic DVT or PE 
Treatment dose and duration Rivaroxabana) 

3, 6 or 12 months 
N=4,150 

Enoxaparin/VKAb) 
3, 6 or 12 months 
N=4,131 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 86 
(2.1%) 

95 
(2.3%) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 
 

43 
(1.0%) 

38 
(0.9%) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 
 

32 
(0.8%) 

45 
(1.1%) 

Symptomatic PE and DVT 
 

1 
(<0.1%) 

2 
(<0.1%) 

Fatal PE/death where PE 15 13 



117 

cannot be ruled out (0.4%) (0.3%) 
Major or clinically relevant 
non-major bleeding 

388 
(9.4%) 

412 
(10.0%) 

Major bleeding events 
 

40 
(1.0%) 

72 
(1.7%) 

a) Rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 mg once daily 
b) Enoxaparin for at least 5 days, overlapped with and followed by VKA 
* p < 0.0001 (non-inferiority to a prespecified HR of 1.75); HR: 0.886 (0.661 - 1.186) 
 
The prespecified net clinical benefit (primary efficacy outcome plus major bleeding events) of the 
pooled analysis was reported with a HR of 0.771 ((95% CI: 0.614 - 0.967), nominal p value 
p= 0.0244). 
 
In the Einstein Extension study (see Table 7) rivaroxaban was superior to placebo for the primary and 
secondary efficacy outcomes. For the primary safety outcome (major bleeding events) there was a 
non-significant numerically higher incidence rate for patients treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg once 
daily compared to placebo. The secondary safety outcome (major or clinically relevant non-major 
bleeding events) showed higher rates for patients treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily compared 
to placebo. 
 
Table 7: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein Extension 
Study population 1,197 patients continued treatment and prevention of 

recurrent venous thromboembolism 
Treatment dose and duration Rivaroxabana) 

6 or 12 months 
N=602 

Placebo 
6 or 12 months 
N=594 

Symptomatic recurrent VTE* 8 
(1.3%) 

42 
(7.1%) 

Symptomatic recurrent PE 
 

2 
(0.3%) 

13 
(2.2%) 

Symptomatic recurrent DVT 5 
(0.8%) 

31 
(5.2%) 

Fatal PE/death where PE cannot 
be ruled out 

1 
(0.2%) 

1 
(0.2%) 

Major bleeding events  
 

4 
(0.7%) 

0 
(0.0%) 

Clinically relevant non-major 
bleeding 

32 
(5.4%) 

7 
(1.2%) 

 
a) Rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily 
* p < 0.0001 (superiority), HR: 0.185 (0.087 - 0.393) 
 
In the Einstein Choice study (see Table 8) rivaroxaban 20 mg and 10 mg were both superior to 100 mg 
acetylsalicylic acid for the primary efficacy outcome. The principal safety outcome (major bleeding 
events) was similar for patients treated with rivaroxaban 20 mg and 10 mg once daily compared to 
100 mg acetylsalicylic acid. 
 
Table 8: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein Choice 

Study population 3,396 patients continued 
prevention of recurrent venous 
thromboembolism 

Treatment dose Rivaroxaban 
20 mg od 
N=1,107 

Rivaroxaban 
10 mg od 
N=1,127 

ASA 100 mg 
od N=1,131 

Treatment duration 
median [interquartile 

349 [189-362] days 353 [190-362] days 350 [186 362] days 



118 

range] 
Symptomatic recurrent 
VTE 

17 
(1.5%)
* 

13 
(1.2%)*
* 

50 
(4.4%) 

Symptomatic recurrent 
PE 

6 
(0.5%) 

6 
(0.5%) 

19 
(1.7%) 

Symptomatic recurrent 
DVT 

9 
(0.8%) 

8 
(0.7%) 

30 
(2.7%) 

Fatal PE/death where PE 2 0 2 
cannot be ruled out (0.2%) (0.0%) (0.2%) 

Symptomatic  recurrent 
VTE, MI, stroke, or 
non- CNS systemic 
embolism 

19 
(1.7%) 

18 
(1.6%) 

56 
(5.0%) 

Major bleeding events 6 
(0.5%) 

5 
(0.4%) 

3 
(0.3%) 

Clinically relevant non- 30 22 20 
major bleeding (2.7%) (2.0%) (1.8%) 
Symptomatic recurrent 
VTE or major bleeding 
(net clinical benefit) 

23 
(2.1%)+ 

17 
(1.5%)++ 

53 
(4.7%) 

 
* →p<0.001(superiority) rivaroxaban 20 mg od vs ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.34 (0.20-0.59) 
** →p<0.001 (superiority) rivaroxaban 10 mg od vs ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.26 (0.14-0.47) 
+ →Rivaroxaban 20 mg od vs. ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.44 (0.27-0.71), p=0.0009 (nominal) 
++ →Rivaroxaban 10 mg od vs. ASA 100 mg od; HR=0.32 (0.18-0.55), p<0.0001 (nominal) 

 
In addition to the phase III EINSTEIN programme, a prospective, non-interventional, open-label 
cohort study (XALIA) with central outcome adjudication including recurrent VTE, major bleeding and 
death has been conducted. 5,142 patients with acute DVT were enrolled to investigate the long-term 
safety of rivaroxaban compared with standard-of-care anticoagulation therapy in clinical practice. 
Rates of major bleeding, recurrent VTE and all-cause mortality for rivaroxaban were 0.7%, 1.4% and 
0.5%, respectively. There were differences in patient baseline characteristics including age, cancer and 
renal impairment. A pre-specified propensity score stratified analysis was used to adjust for measured 
baseline differences but residual confounding may, in spite of this, influence the results. Adjusted HRs 
comparing rivaroxaban and standard-of-care for major bleeding, recurrent VTE and all-cause mortality 
were 0.77 (95% CI 0.40 - 1.50), 0.91 (95% CI 0.54 - 1.54) and 0.51 (95% CI 0.24 - 1.07), respectively. 
These results in clinical practice are consistent with the established safety profile in this indication. 
 
Patients with high risk triple positive antiphospholipid syndrome  
 
In an investigator sponsored, randomised open-label multicenter study with blinded endpoint 
adjudication, rivaroxaban was compared to warfarin in patients with a history of thrombosis, 
diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome and at high risk for thromboembolic events (positive for all 
3 antiphospholipid tests: lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I 
antibodies). The trial was terminated prematurely after the enrolment of 120 patients due to an excess 
of events among patients in the rivaroxaban arm. Mean follow-up was 569 days. 59 patients were 
randomised to rivaroxaban 20 mg (15 mg for patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) <50 mL/min) 
and 61 to warfarin (INR 2.0- 3.0). Thromboembolic events occurred in 12% of patients randomised to 
rivaroxaban (4 ischaemic strokes and 3 myocardial infarctions). No events were reported in patients 
randomised to warfarin. Major bleeding occurred in 4 patients (7%) of the rivaroxaban group and 2 
patients (3%) of the warfarin group. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with the 
reference medicinal product containing rivaroxaban in one or more subsets of the paediatric 
population in the treatment of thromboembolic events. 



119 

The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with the 
reference medicinal product containing rivaroxaban in all subsets of the paediatric population in the 
prevention of thromboembolic events (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use). 
 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Absorption 
 
Rivaroxaban is rapidly absorbed with maximum concentrations (Cmax) appearing 2 - 4 hours after 
tablet intake. 
Oral absorption of rivaroxaban is almost complete and oral bioavailability is high (80 - 100%) for the 
2.5 mg and 10 mg tablet dose, irrespective of fasting/fed conditions. Intake with food does not affect 
rivaroxaban AUC or Cmax at the 2.5 mg and 10 mg dose. 
Due to a reduced extent of absorption an oral bioavailability of 66% was determined for the 20 mg 
tablet under fasting conditions. When rivaroxaban 20 mg tablets are taken together with food increases 
in mean AUC by 39% were observed when compared to tablet intake under fasting conditions, 
indicating almost complete absorption and high oral bioavailability. Rivaroxaban 15 mg and 20 mg are 
to be taken with food (see section 4.2). 
Rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics are approximately linear up to about 15 mg once daily in fasting state. 
Under fed conditions rivaroxaban 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg tablets demonstrated dose-proportionality. 
At higher doses rivaroxaban displays dissolution limited absorption with decreased bioavailability and 
decreased absorption rate with increased dose. 
Variability in rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics is moderate with inter-individual variability (CV%) 
ranging from 30% to 40%. 
Absorption of rivaroxaban is dependent on the site of its release in the gastrointestinal 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 rivaroxaban is released in 
the distal small intestine, or ascending colon. Therefore, administration of rivaroxaban distal to the 
stomach should be avoided since this can result in reduced absorption and related rivaroxaban 
exposure. 
Bioavailability (AUC and Cmax) was comparable for 20 mg rivaroxaban administered orally as a 
crushed tablet mixed in apple puree, or suspended in water and administered via a gastric tube 
followed by a liquid meal, compared to a whole tablet. Given the predictable, dose-proportional 
pharmacokinetic profile of rivaroxaban, the bioavailability results from this study are likely applicable 
to lower rivaroxaban doses. 
 
Distribution 
 
Plasma protein binding in humans is high at approximately 92% to 95%, with serum albumin being 
the main binding component. The volume of distribution is moderate with Vss being approximately 
50 litres. 
 
Biotransformation and elimination 
 
Of the administered rivaroxaban dose, approximately 2/3 undergoes metabolic degradation, with half 
then being eliminated renally and the other half eliminated by the faecal route. The final 1/3 of the 
administered dose undergoes direct renal excretion as unchanged active substance in the urine, mainly 
via active renal secretion. 
Rivaroxaban is metabolised via CYP3A4, CYP2J2 and CYP-independent mechanisms. Oxidative 
degradation of the morpholinone moiety and hydrolysis of the amide bonds are the major sites of 
biotransformation. Based on in vitro investigations rivaroxaban is a substrate of the transporter 
proteins P-gp (P-glycoprotein) and Bcrp (breast cancer resistance protein). 
Unchanged rivaroxaban is the most important compound in human plasma, with no major or active 
circulating metabolites being present. With a systemic clearance of about 10 l/h, rivaroxaban can be 
classified as a low-clearance substance. After intravenous administration of a 1 mg dose the 
elimination half-life is about 4.5 hours. After oral administration the elimination becomes absorption 



120 

rate limited. Elimination of rivaroxaban from plasma occurs with terminal half-lives of 5 to 9 hours in 
young individuals, and with terminal half-lives of 11 to 13 hours in the elderly. 
 
Special populations 
 
Gender 
There were no clinically relevant differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between 
male and female patients. 
 
Elderly population 
Elderly patients exhibited higher plasma concentrations than younger patients, with mean AUC values 
being approximately 1.5-fold higher, mainly due to reduced (apparent) total and renal clearance. No 
dose adjustment is necessary. 
 
Different weight categories 
Extremes in body weight (< 50 kg or > 120 kg) had only a small influence on rivaroxaban plasma 
concentrations (less than 25 %). No dose adjustment is necessary. 
 
Inter-ethnic differences 
No clinically relevant inter-ethnic differences among Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, 
Japanese or Chinese patients were observed regarding rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics and 
pharmacodynamics. 
 
Hepatic impairment 
Cirrhotic patients with mild hepatic impairment (classified as Child Pugh A) exhibited only minor 
changes in rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics (1.2-fold increase in rivaroxaban AUC on average), nearly 
comparable to their matched healthy control group. In cirrhotic patients with moderate hepatic 
impairment (classified as Child Pugh B), rivaroxaban mean AUC was significantly increased by 
2.3-fold compared to healthy volunteers. Unbound AUC was increased 2.6-fold. These patients also 
had reduced renal elimination of rivaroxaban, similar to patients with moderate renal impairment. 
There are no data in patients with severe hepatic impairment. 
The inhibition of factor Xa activity was increased by a factor of 2.6 in patients with moderate hepatic 
impairment as compared to healthy volunteers; prolongation of PT was similarly increased by a factor 
of 2.1. Patients with moderate hepatic impairment were more sensitive to rivaroxaban resulting in a 
steeper PK/PD relationship between concentration and PT. 
Rivaroxaban is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and 
clinically relevant bleeding risk, including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C (see 
section 4.3). 
 
Renal impairment 
There was an increase in rivaroxaban exposure correlated to decrease in renal function, as assessed via 
creatinine clearance measurements. In individuals with mild (creatinine clearance 50 - 80 ml/min), 
moderate (creatinine clearance 30 - 49 ml/min) and severe (creatinine clearance 15 - 29 ml/min) renal 
impairment, rivaroxaban plasma concentrations (AUC) were increased 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6-fold 
respectively. Corresponding increases in pharmacodynamic effects were more pronounced. In 
individuals with mild, moderate and severe renal impairment the overall inhibition of factor Xa 
activity was increased by a factor of 1.5, 1.9 and 2.0 respectively as compared to healthy volunteers; 
prolongation of PT was similarly increased by a factor of 1.3, 2.2 and 2.4 respectively. There are no 
data in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min. 
Due to the high plasma protein binding rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialysable. 
Use is not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min. Rivaroxaban Accord is to 
be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearance 15 - 29 ml/min (see section 4.4). 
 
Pharmacokinetic data in patients 
 
In patients receiving rivaroxaban for treatment of acute DVT 20 mg once daily the geometric mean 
concentration (90% prediction interval) 2 - 4 h and about 24 h after dose (roughly representing 



121 

maximum and minimum concentrations during the dose interval) was 215 (22 - 535) and 32 
(6 - 239) mcg/l, respectively. 
 
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship 
 
The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship between rivaroxaban plasma 
concentration and several PD endpoints (factor Xa inhibition, PT, aPTT, Heptest) has been evaluated 
after administration of a wide range of doses (5 - 30 mg twice a day). The relationship between 
rivaroxaban concentration and factor Xa activity was best described by an Emax model. For PT, the 
linear intercept model generally described the data better. Depending on the different PT reagents 
used, the slope differed considerably. When Neoplastin PT was used, baseline PT was about 13 s and 
the slope was around 3 to 4 s/(100 mcg/l). The results of the PK/PD analyses in Phase II and III were 
consistent with the data established in healthy subjects. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
Safety and efficacy have not been established for children and adolescents up to 18 years. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety 
pharmacology, single dose toxicity, phototoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential and juvenile 
toxicity. 
Effects observed in repeat-dose toxicity studies were mainly due to the exaggerated pharmacodynamic 
activity of rivaroxaban. In rats, increased IgG and IgA plasma levels were seen at clinically relevant 
exposure levels. 
In rats, no effects on male or female fertility were seen. Animal studies have shown reproductive 
toxicity related to the pharmacological mode of action of rivaroxaban (e.g. haemorrhagic 
complications). Embryo-foetal toxicity (post-implantation loss, retarded/progressed ossification, 
hepatic multiple light coloured spots) and an increased incidence of common malformations as well as 
placental changes were observed at clinically relevant plasma concentrations. In the pre-and postnatal 
study in rats, reduced viability of the offspring was observed at doses that were toxic to the dams. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Tablet core 
 
Lactose monohydrate 
Croscarmellose sodium (E468) 
Sodium laurilsulfate (E487) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460)  
Silica, colloidal anhydrous (E551) 
Magnesium stearate (E572) 
 
Film-coating 
 
Macrogol 4000 (E1521) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Titanium dioxide (E171) 
Iron oxide red (E172) 
 



122 

6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
Not applicable. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
2 years. 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container 
 
Treatment initiation pack for the first 4 weeks of treatment: 
Clear PVC/Aluminium blisters in a wallet containing 49 film-coated tablets: 
42 film-coated tablets Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg and 7 film-coated tablets Rivaroxaban Accord 
20 mg. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and handling 
 
After confirming gastric placement of the tube, rivaroxaban tablets may be crushed and suspended in 
50 mL of water and administered via an nasogastric 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. Enteral feeding is not required following administration of the 2.5 mg or 
10 mg tablets. 
 
Crushed rivaroxaban tablets are stable in water and in apple sauce for up to 4 hours. 
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.  
 
 
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
 
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/039 
 
 
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 
 
 
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
 



123 

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 



124 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

ANNEX II 
 

A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH 
RELEASE 

 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 

AND USE 
 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 
MARKETING AUTHORISATION 

 
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO 

THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL 
PRODUCT 



125 

A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 
 
Name and address of the manufacturer(s) responsible for batch release 
 
Accord Healthcare Polska Sp. z o.o. 
Ul. Lutomierska 50,  
95-200 Pabianice, Poland 
 
Pharmadox Healthcare Limited  
KW20A Kordin Industrial Park, Paola  
PLA 3000, Malta 
 
Laboratori Fundació DAU 
C/ C, 12-14 Pol. Ind. Zona Franca, 
08040 Barcelona, Spain 
 
Accord Healthcare B.V 
Winthontlaan 200, 3526KV Utrecht, 
Netherland 
 
The printed package leaflet of the medicinal product must state the name and address of the 
manufacturer responsible for the release of the concerned batch. 
 
 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE  
 
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription. 
 
 
C.  OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION 
 
• Periodic safety update reports (PSURs) 
 
The requirements for submission of PSURs for this medicinal product are set out in the list of 
Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC 
and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal. 
 
 
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT   
 
• Risk management plan (RMP) 

 
The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall perform the required pharmacovigilance 
activities and interventions detailed in the agreed RMP presented in Module1.8.2 of the 
marketing authorisation and any agreed subsequent updates of the RMP. 
 
An updated RMP should be submitted: 

• At the request of the European Medicines Agency; 
• Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information 

being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of 
an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached. 

 



126 

• Additional risk minimisation measures  
 
The MAH shall provide an educational pack prior to launch, targeting all physicians who are expected 
to prescribe/use Rivaroxaban Accord. The educational pack is aimed at increasing awareness about the 
potential risk of bleeding during treatment with Rivaroxaban Accord and providing guidance on how 
to manage that risk. The physician educational pack should contain: 

• The Summary of Product Characteristics  
• Prescriber Guide  
• Patient Alert Cards [Text included in Annex III] 

 
The MAH must agree the content and format of the Prescriber Guide together with a communication 
plan, with the national competent authority in each Member State prior to distribution of the 
educational pack in their territory. The Prescriber Guide should contain the following key safety 
messages: 

• Details of populations potentially at higher risk of bleeding  
• Recommendations for dose reduction in at risk populations  
• Guidance regarding switching from or to rivaroxaban treatment  
• The need for intake of the 15 mg and 20 mg tablets with food  
• Management of overdose situations  
• The use of coagulation tests and their interpretation  
• That all patients should be counselled about:  
 Signs or symptoms of bleeding and when to seek attention from a health care provider.  
 Importance of treatment compliance  
 The need for intake of the 15 mg and 20 mg tablets with food  
 Necessity to carry the Patient Alert Card that is included in each pack, with them at all 
times  
 The need to inform Health Care Professionals that they are taking Rivaroxaban Accord if 
they need to have any surgery or invasive procedure.  

 
The MAH shall also provide a Patient Alert Card in each medicine pack, the text of which is included 
in Annex III. 



127 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX III 
 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 



128 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A. LABELLING 



129 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 
 
OUTER CARTON FOR 2.5 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg film-coated tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 2.5 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Contains lactose monohydrate. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
28 film-coated tablets 
56 film-coated tablets 
98 film-coated tablets 
100 film-coated tablets 
168 film-coated tablets 
196 film-coated tablets 
10 x 1 film-coated tablets 
100 x 1 film-coated tablets 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use.  
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING (S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 



130 

 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/001-008  
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg  
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC  
SN  
NN 



131 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
BLISTER FOR 2.5 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
 



132 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS  
 
UNIT DOSE BLISTER PACK (10 x 1 TABLETS, 100 x 1 TABLETS) FOR 2.5 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg tablets 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
 



133 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS  
 
BLISTER FOR 2.5 MG (14 TABLETS CALENDAR PACK) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
Mon. 
Tue. 
Wed. 
Thu. 
Fri. 
Sat. 
Sun. 



134 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING AND IMMEDIATE 
PACKAGING 
 
OUTER CARTON AND LABEL FOR HDPE BOTTLE FOR 2.5 MG 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg film-coated tablets 
rivaroxaban 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 2.5 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Contains lactose monohydrate. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
30 film-coated tablets 
90 film-coated tablets 
500 film-coated tablets 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use.  
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING (S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 



135 

 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label)  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/009-011 (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable 
for bottle label) 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
SN (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
NN (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
 
 



136 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 
 
OUTER CARTON FOR 10 MG 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg film-coated tablets 
rivaroxaban 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 10 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Contains lactose monohydrate.  
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
5 film-coated tablets 
10 film-coated tablets 
14 film-coated tablets 
28 film-coated tablets 
30 film-coated tablets 
98 film-coated tablets 
100 film-coated tablets 
10 x 1 film-coated tablets 
100 x 1 film-coated tablets 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use.  
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING (S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
 



137 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/012-020 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg  
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC  
SN  
NN 



138 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
BLISTER FOR 10 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 



139 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
UNIT DOSE BLISTER PACK (10 x 1 TABLETS, 100 x 1 TABLETS) FOR 10 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg tablets 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
 
 



140 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
BLISTER FOR 10 MG (14 TABLETS CALENDAR PACK) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
Mon.  
Tue.  
Wed.  
Thu.  
Fri.  
Sat.  
Sun. 
 



141 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING AND THE IMMEDIATE 
PACKAGING 
 
OUTER CARTON AND LABEL FOR HDPE BOTTLE FOR 10 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg film-coated tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 10 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Contains lactose monohydrate. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
30 film-coated tablets 
90 film-coated tablets 
500 film-coated tablets 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use.  
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING (S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
 



142 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label)  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/021-023 (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable 
for bottle label) 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
SN (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
NN (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
 
 



143 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 
 
OUTER CARTON FOR 15 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg film-coated tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 15 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Contains lactose monohydrate.  
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
10 film-coated tablets 
14 film-coated tablets 
28 film-coated tablets 
30 film-coated tablets 
42 film-coated tablets 
48 film-coated tablets 
56 film-coated tablets 
90 film-coated tablets 
98 film-coated tablets 
100 film-coated tablets 
10 x 1 film-coated tablets 
100 x 1 film-coated tablets 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use.  
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING (S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 



144 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/024-035 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg  
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC  
SN  
NN 



145 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS  
 
BLISTER FOR 15 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
 
 



146 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
UNIT DOSE BLISTER PACK (10 x 1 TABLETS, 100 x 1 TABLETS) FOR 15 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg tablets 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
 



147 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
BLISTER FOR 15 MG (14 TABLETS CALENDAR PACK) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
Mon.  
Tue.  
Wed.  
Thu.  
Fri.  
Sat.  
Sun. 



148 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING AND THE IMMEDIATE 
PACKAGING 
 
OUTER CARTON AND LABEL FOR HDPE BOTTLE FOR 15 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg film-coated tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 15 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Contains lactose monohydrate.  
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
30 film-coated tablets 
90 film-coated tablets 
500 film-coated tablets 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use.  
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING (S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
 



149 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label)  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/036-038 (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable 
for bottle label) 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
SN (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
NN (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
 
 



150 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 
 
OUTER CARTON FOR 20 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg film-coated tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 20 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Contains lactose monohydrate. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
10 film-coated tablets 
14 film-coated tablets 
28 film-coated tablets 
30 film-coated tablets 
42 film-coated tablets 
56 film-coated tablets 
90 film-coated tablets 
98 film-coated tablets 
100 film-coated tablets 
10 x 1 film-coated tablets 
100 x 1 film-coated tablets 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use.  
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING (S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 



151 

8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/040-050 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC  
SN  
NN 



152 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
BLISTER FOR 20 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 



153 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
UNIT DOSE BLISTER PACK (10 x 1 TABLETS, 100 x 1 TABLETS) FOR 20 MG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg tablets 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
 



154 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
BLISTER FOR 20 MG (14 TABLETS CALENDAR PACK) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
Mon. 
Tue. 
Wed. 
Thu. 
Fri. 
Sat. 
Sun. 
 



155 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING AND THE IMMEDIATE 
PACKAGING 
 
OUTER CARTON AND LABEL FOR HDPE BOTTLE FOR 20 MG  
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg film-coated tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 20 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Contains lactose monohydrate. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
30 film-coated tablets 
90 film-coated tablets 
500 film-coated tablets 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use.  
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING (S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 



156 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label)  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/051-053 (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label)  
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - 2D BARCODE 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable 
for bottle label) 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
SN (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
NN (only applicable for outer carton, not applicable for bottle label) 
 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 
 
OUTER CARTON OF TREATMENT INITIATION PACK (42 FILM-COATED TABLETS OF 
15 MG AND 7 FILM-COATED TABLETS OF 20 MG) (INCLUDING BLUE BOX) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg  
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg  
film-coated tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 



157 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each red film-coated tablet for week 1, 2 and 3 contains 15 mg rivaroxaban. 
Each dark red film-coated tablet for week 4 contains 20 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Contains lactose monohydrate. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Each pack of 49 film-coated tablets contains: 
42 film-coated tablets of 15 mg rivaroxaban 
7 film-coated tablets of 20 mg rivaroxaban 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use.  
 
Treatment Initiation Pack 
 
This treatment initiation pack is only for the first 4 weeks of treatment. 
 
DOSE 
Day 1 to 21: One 15 mg tablet twice a day (one 15 mg tablet in the morning and one in the evening) 
together with food. 
From Day 22: One 20 mg tablet once a day (taken at same time each day) together with food. 
 
Day 1 to 21: 15 mg 1 tablet twice a day (one 15 mg tablet in the morning and one in the evening) 
together with food. 
From Day 22: 20 mg 1 tablet once a day (taken at same time each day) together with food. 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING (S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
 



158 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/20/1488/039 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg  
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg  
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC  
SN  
NN 



159 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 
 
WALLET OF TREATMENT INITIATION PACK (42 FILM-COATED TABLETS OF 15 MG 
AND 7 FILM-COATED TABLETS OF 20 MG) (WITHOUT BLUE BOX) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg  
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg  
film-coated tablets 
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each red film-coated tablet for week 1, 2 and 3 contains 15 mg rivaroxaban. 
Each dark red film-coated tablet for week 4 contains 20 mg rivaroxaban. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Contains lactose monohydrate. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Each pack of 49 film-coated tablets contains: 
42 film-coated tablets of 15 mg rivaroxaban 
7 film-coated tablets of 20 mg rivaroxaban 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use.  
 
Treatment Initiation Pack 
 
This treatment initiation pack is only for the first 4 weeks of treatment. 
 
Day 1 to 21: 15 mg 1 tablet twice a day (one 15 mg tablet in the morning and one in the evening) 
together with food. 
From Day 22: 20 mg 1 tablet once a day (taken at same time each day) together with food. 
 
DOSE and DOSING SCHEME 
Day 1 to 21: One 15 mg tablet twice a day (one 15 mg tablet in the morning and one in the evening). 
From Day 22: One 20 mg tablet once a day (taken at same time each day). 
 
Initial treatment Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg twice a day First 3 weeks 
Continuous treatment Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg once a day Week 4 onwards Visit your doctor to 
ensure continued treatment. 
To be taken with food. 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg 



160 

Start of therapy 
15 mg 
twice a day 
Start date 
WEEK 1, WEEK 2, WEEK 3 
DAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 
 
sun as symbol 
moon as symbol 
 
Dose change 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg 
20 mg 
once a day 
taken at same time each day 
Date of dose change 
WEEK 4 
DAY 22 DAY 23 DAY 24 DAY 25 DAY 26 DAY 27 DAY 28 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING (S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
 



161 

13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Justification for not including Braille accepted. 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - 2D BARCODE 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 



162 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
BLISTER OF TREATMENT INITIATION PACK IN WALLET (42 FILM-COATED 
TABLETS OF 15 MG AND 7 FILM-COATED TABLETS OF 20 MG) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg  
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg  
rivaroxaban 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Accord 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 



163 

 
PATIENT ALERT CARD 
 
Patient Alert Card 
Accord 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg (tick box to tick the prescribed dose) 
Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg (tick box to tick the prescribed dose) 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg (tick box to tick the prescribed dose) 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg (tick box to tick the prescribed dose) 
 
♦  Keep this card with you at all times 
♦  Present this card to every physician or dentist prior to treatment 
 
I am under anticoagulation treatment with Rivaroxaban Accord (rivaroxaban) 
Name: 
Address: 
Birth date: 
Weight: 
Other medicines / conditions: 
 
In case of emergency, please notify: 
Doctor’s name: 
Doctor’s phone: 
Doctor’s stamp: 
 
Please also notify: 
Name: 
Phone: 
Relationship: 
 
Information for health care providers: 
♦  INR values should not be used as they are not a dependable measure of the anticoagulant activity of 

Rivaroxaban Accord. 
 
What should I know about Rivaroxaban Accord? 
♦  Rivaroxaban Accord thins the blood, which prevents you from getting dangerous blood clots. 
♦  Rivaroxaban Accord must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. To ensure optimal 

protection from blood clots, never skip a dose. 
♦  You must not stop taking Rivaroxaban Accord without first talking to your doctor as your risk of 

blood clots may increase. 
♦  Tell your health care provider about any other medicines you are currently taking, took recently or 

intend to start taking, before you start Rivaroxaban Accord. 
♦  Tell your health care provider that you are taking Rivaroxaban Accord before any surgery or 

invasive procedure. 
 
When should I seek advice from my health care provider? 
When taking a blood thinner such as Rivaroxaban Accord it is important to be aware of its possible 
side effects. 
Bleeding is the most common side effect. Do not start taking Rivaroxaban Accord if you know you are 
at risk of bleeding, without first discussing this with your doctor. Tell your health care provider 
straight away if you have any signs or symptoms of bleeding such as the following: 
♦  pain 
♦  swelling or discomfort 
♦  headache, dizziness or weakness 
♦  unusual bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding of gums, cuts that take a long time to stop bleeding 
♦  menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding that is heavier than normal 



164 

♦  blood in your urine which may be pink or brown, red or black stools 
♦  coughing up blood, or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds 
 
How do I take Rivaroxaban Accord? 
♦  To ensure optimal protection, Rivaroxaban Accord 

-  2.5 mg can be taken with or without food 
-  10 mg can be taken with or without food 
-  15 mg must be taken with food 
-  20 mg must be taken with food 

 
 



165 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 



166 

Package leaflet: Information for the user 
 

Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg film-coated tablets 
rivaroxaban 

 
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains 
important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. 
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side 

effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. 
 
What is in this leaflet 
1. What Rivaroxaban Accord is and what it is used for 
2. What you need to know before you take Rivaroxaban Accord 
3. How to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
4. Possible side effects 
5. How to store Rivaroxaban Accord 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1. What Rivaroxaban Accord is and what it is used for 
 
You have been given Rivaroxaban Accord because  

- you have been diagnosed with an acute coronary syndrome (a group of conditions that 
includes heart attack and unstable angina, a severe type of chest pain) and have been 
shown to have had an increase in certain cardiac blood tests. 
Rivaroxaban Accord reduces the risk in adults of having another heart attack or reduces 
the risk of dying from a disease related to your heart or your blood vessels. 
Rivaroxaban Accord will not be given to you on its own. Your doctor will also tell you to 
take either:  
• acetylsalicylic acid or  
• acetylsalicylic acid plus ticlopidine.  

 
or  

 
- you have been diagnosed with a high risk of getting a blood clot due to a coronary artery 

disease or peripheral artery disease which causes symptoms. Rivaroxaban Accord reduces 
the risk in adults of getting blot clots (atherothrombotic events). Rivaroxaban Accord will 
not be given to you on its own. Your doctor will also tell you to take acetylsalicylic acid.  

 
Rivaroxaban Accord contains the active substance rivaroxaban and belongs to a group of medicines 
called antithrombotic agents. It works by blocking a blood clotting factor (factor Xa) and thus 
reducing the tendency of the blood to form clots. 
 
 
2. What you need to know before you take Rivaroxaban Accord 
 
Do not take Rivaroxaban Accord 
- if you are allergic to rivaroxaban or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed 

in section 6) 
- if you are bleeding excessively 



167 

- if you have a disease or condition in an organ of the body that increases the risk of 
serious bleeding (e.g., stomach ulcer, injury or bleeding in the brain, recent surgery of 
the brain or eyes) 

- if you are taking medicines to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban or 
heparin), except when changing anticoagulant treatment or while getting heparin through a 
venous or arterial line to keep it open 

- if you have an acute coronary syndrome and previously had a bleeding or a blood clot in 
your brain (stroke)  

- if you have coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease and previously had a 
bleeding in your brain (stroke) or where there was a blockage of the small arteries providing 
blood to the brain’s deep tissues (lacunar stroke) or if you had a blood clot in your brain 
(ischaemic, non-lacunar stroke) in the previous month 

- if you have a liver disease which leads to an increased risk of bleeding 
- if you are pregnant or breast feeding 
Do not take Rivaroxaban Accord and tell your doctor if any of these apply to you. 
 
Warnings and precautions 
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Rivaroxaban Accord. 
Rivaroxaban Accord should not be used in combination with certain other medicines which reduce 
blood clotting such as prasugrel or ticagrelor other than acetylsalicylic acid and ticlopidine. 
 
Take special care with Rivaroxaban Accord 
• if you have an increased risk of bleeding, as could be the case in situations such as: 

• severe kidney disease, since your kidney function may affect the amount of medicine that 
works in your body 

• if you are taking other medicines to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, dabigatran, 
apixaban or heparin), when changing anticoagulant treatment or while getting heparin 
through a venous or arterial line to keep it open (see section ‘Other medicines and 
Rivaroxaban Accord’) 

• bleeding disorders 
• very high blood pressure, not controlled by medical treatment 
• diseases of your stomach or bowel that might result in bleeding, e.g. inflammation of the 

bowels or stomach, or inflammation of the oesophagus (gullet), e.g. due to 
gastroesophageal reflux disease (disease where stomach acid goes upwards into the 
oesophagus) 

• a problem with the blood vessels in the back of your eyes (retinopathy) 
• a lung disease where your bronchi are widened and filled with pus (bronchiectasis), or 

previous bleeding from your lung 
• you are older than 75 years  
• you weigh 60 kg or less  
• you have a coronary artery disease with severe symptomatic heart failure  

• if you have a prosthetic heart valve 
• if you know that you have a disease called antiphospholipid syndrome (a disorder of the 

immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots), tell your doctor who will decide if 
the treatment may need to be changed. 

 
If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor before you take Rivaroxaban Accord. Your doctor 
will decide, if you should be treated with this medicine and if you should be kept under closer 
observation. 
 
If you need to have an operation: 
• it is very important to take Rivaroxaban Accord before and after the operation exactly at the 

times you have been told by your doctor. 



168 

• If your operation involves a catheter or injection into your spinal column (e.g. for 
epidural or spinal anaesthesia or pain reduction): 
• it is very important to take Rivaroxaban Accord before and after the injection or removal 

of the catheter exactly at the times you have been told by your doctor 
• tell your doctor immediately if you get numbness or weakness of your legs or problems 

with your bowel or bladder after the end of anaesthesia, because urgent care is necessary. 
 
Children and adolescents 
Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended for people under 18 years of age. There is not enough 
information on its use in children and adolescents. 
 
Other medicines and Rivaroxaban Accord 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. 
- If you are taking: 

• some medicines for fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, 
posaconazole), unless they are only applied to the skin  

• ketoconazole tablets (used to treat Cushing’s syndrome - when the body produces an 
excess of cortisol)  

• some medicines for bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin) 
• some anti-viral medicines for HIV / AIDS (e.g. ritonavir) 
• other medicines to reduce blood clotting (e.g. enoxaparin, clopidogrel or vitamin K 

antagonists such as warfarin and acenocoumarol prasugrel and ticagrelor (see section 
“Warnings and Precautions”)) 

• anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medicines (e.g. naproxen or acetylsalicylic 
acid) 

• dronedarone, a medicine to treat abnormal heart beat 
• some medicines to treat depression (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or 

serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)). 
 
If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor before taking Rivaroxaban Accord, because the 
effect of Rivaroxaban Accord may be increased. Your doctor will decide, if you should be treated with 
this medicine and if you should be kept under closer observation. 
If your doctor thinks that you are at increased risk of developing stomach or bowel ulcers, he may also 
use a preventative ulcer treatment. 
 
- If you are taking: 

• some medicines for treatment of epilepsy (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital) 
• St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), a herbal product used for depression 
• rifampicin, an antibiotic 

If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor before taking Rivaroxaban Accord, 
because the effect of Rivaroxaban Accord may be reduced. Your doctor will decide, if you 
should be treated with Rivaroxaban Accord and if you should be kept under closer 
observation. 

 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
Do not take Rivaroxaban Accord if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If there is a chance that you 
could become pregnant, use a reliable contraceptive while you are taking Rivaroxaban Accord. If you 
become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately, who will decide 
how you should be treated. 
 
Driving and using machines 
Rivaroxaban Accord may cause dizziness (common side effect) or fainting (uncommon side effect) 
(see section 4, ‘Possible side effects’). You should not drive or use machines if you are affected by 
these symptoms. 



169 

 
Rivaroxaban Accord contains lactose and sodium 
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor 
before taking this medicine. 
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 
“sodium-free”. 
 
 
3. How to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
 
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist 
if you are not sure. 
 
How much to take 
The recommended dose is one 2.5 mg tablet twice a day. Take Rivaroxaban Accord around the same 
time every day (for example, one tablet in the morning and one in the evening). This medicine can be 
taken with or without food. 

 
If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, talk to your doctor about other ways to take 
Rivaroxaban Accord. The tablet may be crushed and mixed with water or apple puree immediately 
before you take it. 
If necessary, your doctor may also give you the crushed Rivaroxaban Accord tablet through a stomach 
tube. 
In case of enteral feeding, your doctor may crush and suspend rivaroxaban tablets in 50 mL of water 
and administer via a nasogastric tube or gastric feeding tube. After the administration of a crushed 
rivaroxaban 15 mg or 20 tablet, enteral feeding is immediately followed.  
 
Crushed rivaroxaban tablets are stable in water and in applesauce for up to 4 hours.  
 
Rivaroxaban Accord will not be given to you on its own.  
Your doctor will also tell you to take acetylsalicylic acid. If you get Rivaroxaban Accord after an acute 
coronary syndrome, your doctor may tell you to also take ticlopidine. 
 
Your doctor will tell you how much of these to take (usually between 75 to 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid 
daily or a daily dose of 75 to 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid plus standard daily dose of ticlopidine). 
 
When to start Rivaroxaban Accord 
Treatment with Rivaroxaban Accord after an acute coronary syndrome should be started as soon as 
possible after stabilisation of the acute coronary syndrome, at the earliest 24 hours after admission to 
hospital and at the time when parenteral (via injection) anticoagulation therapy would normally be 
stopped.  
Your doctor will tell you when to start treatment with Rivaroxaban Accord if you have been diagnosed 
with coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease.  
Your doctor will decide how long you must continue treatment.  
 
If you take more Rivaroxaban Accord than you should 
Contact your doctor immediately if you have taken too many Rivaroxaban Accord tablets. Taking too 
much Rivaroxaban Accord increases the risk of bleeding. 
 
If you forget to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at 
the usual time. 
 



170 

If you stop taking Rivaroxaban Accord 
Take Rivaroxaban Accord on a regular basis and for as long as your doctor keeps prescribing it. 
 
Do not stop taking Rivaroxaban Accord without talking to your doctor first. If you stop taking this 
medicine, it may increase your risk of having another heart attack or stroke or dying from a disease 
related to your heart or your blood vessels. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 
4. Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 
 
Like other similar medicines (antithrombotic agents), Rivaroxaban Accord may cause bleeding which 
may potentially be life threatening. Excessive bleeding may lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure 
(shock). In some cases the bleeding may not be obvious. 
 
Possible side effects which may be a sign of bleeding 
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: 
• long or excessive bleeding 
• exceptional weakness, tiredness, paleness, dizziness, headache, unexplained swelling, 

breathlessness, chest pain or angina pectoris, which may be signs of bleeding. 
Your doctor may decide to keep you under closer observation or change how you should be treated. 
 
Possible side effects which may be a sign of severe skin reaction 
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience skin reactions such as:  
• spreading intense skin rash, blisters or mucosal lesions, e.g. in the mouth or eyes  

(Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). The frequency of this side effect is 
very rare (up to 1 in 10,000).  

• a drug reaction that causes rash, fever, inflammation of internal organs, hematologic 
abnormalities and systemic illness (DRESS syndrome). The frequency of this side effect is very 
rare (up to 1 in 10,000). 

 
Possible side effects which may be a sign of severe allergic reactions 
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: 
• swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat; difficulty swallowing; hives and breathing 

difficulties; sudden drop in blood pressure. The frequencies of these side effects are very rare 
(anaphylactic reactions, including anaphylactic shock; may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) and 
uncommon (angioedema and allergic oedema; may affect up to 1 in 100 people). 

 
Overall list of possible side effects 
 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) 
• reduction in red blood cells which can make the skin pale and cause weakness or breathlessness 
• bleeding in the stomach or bowel, urogenital bleeding (including blood in the urine and heavy 

menstrual bleeding), nose bleed, bleeding in the gum 
• bleeding into the eye (including bleeding from the whites of the eyes) 
• bleeding into tissue or a cavity of the body (haematoma, bruising) 
• coughing up blood 
• bleeding from the skin or under the skin 
• bleeding following an operation 
• oozing of blood or fluid from surgical wound 
• swelling in the limbs 
• pain in the limbs 



171 

• impaired function of the kidneys (may be seen in tests performed by your doctor) 
• fever 
• stomach ache, indigestion, feeling or being sick, constipation, diarrhoea 
• low blood pressure (symptoms may be feeling dizzy or fainting when standing up) 
• decreased general strength and energy (weakness, tiredness), headache, dizziness 
• rash, itchy skin 
• blood tests may show an increase in some liver enzymes 
 
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) 
• bleeding into the brain or inside the skull 
• bleeding into a joint causing pain and swelling 
• thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets, which are cells that help blood to clot) 
• allergic reactions, including allergic skin reactions 
• impaired function of the liver (may be seen in tests performed by your doctor) 
• blood tests may show an increase in bilirubin, some pancreatic or liver enzymes or in the 

number of platelets 
• fainting 
• feeling unwell 
• faster heartbeat 
• dry mouth 
• hives 
 
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) 
• bleeding into a muscle 
• cholestasis (decreased bile flow), hepatitis incl. hepatocellular injury (inflamed liver incl. liver 

injury) 
• yellowing of the skin and eye (jaundice) 
• localised swelling 
• collection of blood (haematoma) in the groin as a complication of the cardiac procedure where a 

catheter is inserted in your leg artery (pseudoaneurysm) 
 
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) 
• kidney failure after a severe bleeding 
• increased pressure within muscles of the legs or arms after a bleeding, which leads to pain, 

swelling, altered sensation, numbness or paralysis (compartment syndrome after a bleeding) 
 
Reporting of side effects 
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects 
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of 
this medicine. 
 
 
5. How to store Rivaroxaban Accord 
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on both the carton and on each blister or 
bottle after EXP.  The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 
 
This medicine does not require any special storage conditions.  
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


172 

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 
 
 
6.  Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What Rivaroxaban Accord contains 
• The active substance is rivaroxaban. Each tablet contains 2.5 mg of rivaroxaban. 
• The other ingredients are:  

 
Tablet core 
Lactose monohydrate 
Croscarmellose sodium (E468) 
Sodium laurilsulfate (E487) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460) 
Silica, colloidal anhydrous (E551) 
Magnesium stearate (E572) 
 
Film-coating 
Macrogol 4000 (E1521) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Titanium dioxide (E171) 
Iron oxide yellow (E172) 
 
What Rivaroxaban Accord looks like and contents of the pack 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 2.5 mg film-coated tablets are light yellow coloured, round, biconvex, 
approximately 6.00 mm in diameter, film coated tablets debossed with “IL4” on one side and plain on 
other side. 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord film-coated tablets are packed in clear PVC/Aluminium blisters available in:  

- blister of 28, 56, 98, 100, 168 or 196 tablets, or  
- perforated unit dose blisters of 10 x 1 or 100 x 1 tablets.  

 
Rivaroxaban Accord film-coated tablets are also available in HDPE bottles containing 30, 90 or 
500 tablets. 
 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.  
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
Manufacturer 
Accord Healthcare Polska Sp. z o.o. 
Ul. Lutomierska 50,  
95-200 Pabianice, Poland 
 
Pharmadox Healthcare Limited  
KW20A Kordin Industrial Park, Paola  
PLA 3000, Malta 
 
Laboratori Fundació DAU 
C/ C, 12-14 Pol. Ind. Zona Franca, 



173 

08040 Barcelona, Spain 
 
Accord Healthcare B.V 
Winthontlaan 200, 3526KV Utrecht, 
Netherland 
 
This leaflet was last revised in 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu/.    

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


174 

Package leaflet: Information for the user 
 

Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg film-coated tablets 
rivaroxaban 

 
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains 
important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. 
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side 

effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. 
 
What is in this leaflet 
1. What Rivaroxaban Accord is and what it is used for 
2. What you need to know before you take Rivaroxaban Accord 
3. How to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
4. Possible side effects 
5. How to store Rivaroxaban Accord 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1. What Rivaroxaban Accord is and what it is used for 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord contains the active substance rivaroxaban and is used in adults to 
• prevent blood clots in the veins after a hip or knee replacement operation. Your doctor has 

prescribed this medicine for you because after an operation you are at an increased risk of 
getting blood clots. 

• treat blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis) and in the blood vessels of 
your lungs (pulmonary embolism), and to prevent blood clots from re-occurring in the blood 
vessels of your legs and/or lungs. 

 
Rivaroxaban Accord belongs to a group of medicines called antithrombotic agents. It works by 
blocking a blood clotting factor (factor Xa) and thus reducing the tendency of the blood to form clots. 
 
 
2. What you need to know before you take Rivaroxaban Accord 
 
Do not take Rivaroxaban Accord 
• if you are allergic to rivaroxaban or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed 

in section 6) 
• if you are bleeding excessively 
• if you have a disease or condition in an organ of the body that increases the risk of 

serious bleeding (e.g., stomach ulcer, injury or bleeding in the brain, recent surgery of 
the brain or eyes) 

• if you are taking medicines to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban or 
heparin), except when changing anticoagulant treatment or while getting heparin through a 
venous or arterial line to keep it open 

• if you have a liver disease which leads to an increased risk of bleeding 
• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding 
Do not take Rivaroxaban Accord and tell your doctor if any of these apply to you. 
 
Warnings and precautions 
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Rivaroxaban Accord. 
 



175 

Take special care with Rivaroxaban Accord 
• if you have an increased risk of bleeding, as could be the case in situations such as: 

• moderate or severe kidney disease, since your kidney function may affect the 
amount of medicine that works in your body 

• if you are taking other medicines to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, dabigatran, 
apixaban or heparin), when changing anticoagulant treatment or while getting heparin 
through a venous or arterial line to keep it open (see section ‘Other medicines and 
Rivaroxaban Accord’) 

• bleeding disorders 
• very high blood pressure, not controlled by medical treatment 
• diseases of your stomach or bowel that might result in bleeding, e.g. inflammation of the 

bowels or stomach, or inflammation of the oesophagus (gullet), e.g. due to 
gastroesophageal reflux disease (disease where stomach acid goes upwards into the 
oesophagus) 

• a problem with the blood vessels in the back of your eyes (retinopathy) 
• a lung disease where your bronchi are widened and filled with pus (bronchiectasis), or 

previous bleeding from your lung 
• if you have a prosthetic heart valve 
• if your doctor determines that your blood pressure is unstable or another treatment or 

surgical procedure to remove the blood clot from your lungs is planned. 
• if you know that you have a disease called antiphospholipid syndrome (a disorder of the 

immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots), tell your doctor who will decide if 
the treatment may need to be changed. 

 
If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor before you take Rivaroxaban Accord. Your doctor 
will decide, if you should be treated with this medicine and if you should be kept under closer 
observation. 
 
If you need to have an operation 
• it is very important to take Rivaroxaban Accord before and after the operation exactly at the 

times you have been told by your doctor. 
• If your operation involves a catheter or injection into your spinal column (e.g. for 

epidural or spinal anaesthesia or pain reduction): 
o it is very important to take Rivaroxaban Accord exactly at the times you have been 

told by your doctor 
o tell your doctor immediately if you get numbness or weakness of your legs or 

problems with your bowel or bladder after the end of anaesthesia, because urgent 
care is necessary. 

 
Children and adolescents 
Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended for people under 18 years of age. There is not enough 
information on its use in children and adolescents. 
 
Other medicines and Rivaroxaban Accord 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. 
 
If you are taking 
• some medicines for fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, 

posaconazole), unless they are only applied to the skin  
• ketoconazole tablets (used to treat Cushing’s syndrome - when the body produces an excess of 

cortisol)  
• some medicines for bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin) 
• some anti-viral medicines for HIV / AIDS (e.g. ritonavir) 



176 

• other medicines to reduce blood clotting (e.g. enoxaparin, clopidogrel or vitamin K antagonists 
such as warfarin and acenocoumarol) 

• anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medicines (e.g. naproxen or acetylsalicylic acid) 
• dronedarone, a medicine to treat abnormal heart beat 
• some medicines to treat depression (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin 

norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)). 
 
If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor before taking Rivaroxaban Accord, because the 
effect of Rivaroxaban Accord may be increased. Your doctor will decide, if you should be treated with 
this medicine and if you should be kept under closer observation. 
If your doctor thinks that you are at increased risk of developing stomach or bowel ulcers, he may also 
use a preventative ulcer treatment. 
 
If you are taking: 
• some medicines for treatment of epilepsy (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital) 
• St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), a herbal product used for depression 
• rifampicin, an antibiotic 
 
If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor before taking Rivaroxaban Accord, because the 
effect of Rivaroxaban Accord may be reduced. Your doctor will decide, if you should be treated with 
Rivaroxaban Accord and if you should be kept under closer observation. 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
Do not take Rivaroxaban Accord if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If there is a chance that you 
could become pregnant, use a reliable contraceptive while you are taking Rivaroxaban Accord. If you 
become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately, who will decide 
how you should be treated. 
 
Driving and using machines 
Rivaroxaban Accord may cause dizziness (common side effect) or fainting (uncommon side effect) 
(see section 4, ‘Possible side effects’). You should not drive or use machines if you are affected by 
these symptoms. 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord contains lactose and sodium 
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor 
before taking this medicine. 
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 
“sodium-free”. 
 
 
3. How to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
 
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist 
if you are not sure. 
 
How much to take 
• To prevent blood clots in the veins after a hip or knee replacement operation  

The recommended dose is one tablet Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg once a day.  
 
• To treat blood clots in the veins of your legs and blood clots in the blood vessels of your lungs, 

and for preventing blood clots from re-occurring 
After at least 6 months blood clot treatment, the recommended dose is either one 10 mg tablet 
once a day or one 20 mg tablet once a day. Your doctor has prescribed you Rivaroxaban Accord 
10 mg once a day. 

 
Swallow the tablet preferably with water. 



177 

Take Rivaroxaban Accord can be taken with or without food. 
 
If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, talk to your doctor about other ways to take 
Rivaroxaban Accord. The tablet may be crushed and mixed with water or apple puree immediately 
before you take it.  
If necessary, your doctor may also give you the crushed Rivaroxaban Accord tablet through a stomach 
tube. 
In case of enteral feeding, your doctor may crush and suspend rivaroxaban tablets in 50 mL of water 
and administer via a nasogastric tube or gastric feeding tube. After the administration of a crushed 
rivaroxaban 15 mg or 20 tablet, enteral feeding is immediately followed.   
 
Crushed rivaroxaban tablets are stable in water and in apple sauce for up to 4 hours.  
 
When to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
Take the tablet every day until your doctor tells you to stop. 
Try to take the tablet at the same time every day to help you to remember it. 
Your doctor will decide how long you must continue treatment. 
 
To prevent blood clots in the veins after a hip or knee replacement operation: 
Take the first tablet 6-10 hours after your operation. 
If you have had a major hip operation you will usually take the tablets for 5 weeks. 
If you have had a major knee operation you will usually take the tablets for 2 weeks. 
  
If you take more Rivaroxaban Accord than you should 
Contact your doctor immediately if you have taken too many Rivaroxaban Accord tablets. Taking too 
much Rivaroxaban Accord increases the risk of bleeding. 
 
If you forget to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Take the next tablet on the following day 
and then carry on taking a tablet once a day as normal. 
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. 
 
If you stop taking Rivaroxaban Accord 
Do not stop taking Rivaroxaban Accord without talking to your doctor first, because Rivaroxaban 
Accord prevents the development of a serious condition. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 
4. Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 
 
Like other similar medicines (antithrombotic agents), Rivaroxaban Accord may cause bleeding which 
may potentially be life threatening. Excessive bleeding may lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure 
(shock). In some cases the bleeding may not be obvious. 
 
Possible side effects which may be a sign of bleeding 
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: 
• long or excessive bleeding 
• exceptional weakness, tiredness, paleness, dizziness, headache, unexplained swelling, 

breathlessness, chest pain or angina pectoris, which may be signs of bleeding. 
Your doctor may decide to keep you under closer observation or change how you should be treated. 
 
Possible side effects which may be a sign of severe skin reaction 
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience skin reactions such as:  



178 

• spreading intense skin rash, blisters or mucosal lesions, e.g. in the mouth or eyes  
(Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). The frequency of this side effect is 
very rare (up to 1 in 10,000).  

• a drug reaction that causes rash, fever, inflammation of internal organs, hematologic 
abnormalities and systemic illness (DRESS syndrome). The frequency of this side effect is very 
rare (up to 1 in 10,000). 

 
Possible side effects which may be a sign of severe allergic reactions 
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: 
• swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat; difficulty swallowing; hives and breathing 

difficulties; sudden drop in blood pressure. The frequencies of these side effects are very rare 
(anaphylactic reactions, including anaphylactic shock; may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) and 
uncommon (angioedema and allergic oedema; may affect up to 1 in 100 people). 

 
Overall list of possible side effects 
 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) 
• reduction in red blood cells which can make the skin pale and cause weakness or breathlessness 
• bleeding in the stomach or bowel, urogenital bleeding (including blood in the urine and heavy 

menstrual bleeding), nose bleed, bleeding in the gum 
• bleeding into the eye (including bleeding from the whites of the eyes) 
• bleeding into tissue or a cavity of the body (haematoma, bruising) 
• coughing up blood 
• bleeding from the skin or under the skin 
• bleeding following an operation 
• oozing of blood or fluid from surgical wound 
• swelling in the limbs 
• pain in the limbs 
• impaired function of the kidneys (may be seen in tests performed by your doctor) 
• fever 
• stomach ache, indigestion, feeling or being sick, constipation, diarrhoea 
• low blood pressure (symptoms may be feeling dizzy or fainting when standing up) 
• decreased general strength and energy (weakness, tiredness), headache, dizziness 
• rash, itchy skin 
• blood tests may show an increase in some liver enzymes 
 
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) 
• bleeding into the brain or inside the skull 
• bleeding into a joint causing pain and swelling 
• thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets, which are cells that help blood to clot) 
• allergic reactions, including allergic skin reactions 
• impaired function of the liver (may be seen in tests performed by your doctor) 
• blood tests may show an increase in bilirubin, some pancreatic or liver enzymes or in the 

number of platelets 
• fainting 
• feeling unwell 
• faster heartbeat 
• dry mouth 
• hives 
 
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) 
• bleeding into a muscle 



179 

• cholestasis (decreased bile flow), hepatitis incl. hepatocellular injury (inflamed liver incl. liver 
injury) 

• yellowing of the skin and eye (jaundice) 
• localised swelling 
• collection of blood (haematoma) in the groin as a complication of the cardiac procedure where a 

catheter is inserted in your leg artery (pseudoaneurysm) 
 
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) 
• kidney failure after a severe bleeding 
• increased pressure within muscles of the legs or arms after a bleeding, which leads to pain, 

swelling, altered sensation, numbness or paralysis (compartment syndrome after a bleeding) 
 
Reporting of side effects 
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects 
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of 
this medicine. 
 
 
5. How to store Rivaroxaban Accord 
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on each blister or 
bottle after “EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 
 
This medicine does not require any special storage conditions.  
 
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 
 
 
6.  Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What Rivaroxaban Accord contains 
• The active substance is rivaroxaban. Each tablet contains 10 mg of rivaroxaban. 
• The other ingredients are:  

 
Tablet core 
Lactose monohydrate 
Croscarmellose sodium (E468) 
Sodium laurilsulfate (E487) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460) 
Silica, colloidal anhydrous (E551) 
Magnesium stearate(E572) 
 
Film-coating 
Macrogol 4000 (E1521) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Titanium dioxide (E171) 
Iron oxide red (E172) 
 
What Rivaroxaban Accord looks like and contents of the pack 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


180 

Rivaroxaban Accord 10 mg film-coated tablets are light pink to pink coloured, round, biconvex, 
approximately 6.00 mm in diameter, film coated tablets debossed with “IL1” on one side and plain on 
other side. 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord film-coated tablets are packed in clear PVC/Aluminium blisters available in:  

- blister of 5, 10, 14, 28, 30, 98 or 100 tablets, or  
- perforated unit dose blisters of 10 x 1 or 100 x 1 tablets.  

 
Rivaroxaban Accord film-coated tablets are also available in HDPE bottles containing 30, 90 or 
500 tablets. 
 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.  
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
Manufacturer 
Accord Healthcare Polska Sp. z o.o. 
Ul. Lutomierska 50,  
95-200 Pabianice, Poland 
 
Pharmadox Healthcare Limited  
KW20A Kordin Industrial Park, Paola  
PLA 3000, Malta 
 
Laboratori Fundació DAU 
C/ C, 12-14 Pol. Ind. Zona Franca, 
08040 Barcelona, Spain 
 
Accord Healthcare B.V 
Winthontlaan 200, 3526KV Utrecht, 
Netherland 
 
This leaflet was last revised in 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu/.    
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


181 

Package leaflet: Information for the user 
 

Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg film-coated tablets 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg film-coated tablets 

rivaroxaban 
 

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains 
important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. 
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side 

effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. 
 
What is in this leaflet 
1. What Rivaroxaban Accord is and what it is used for 
2. What you need to know before you take Rivaroxaban Accord 
3. How to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
4. Possible side effects 
5. How to store Rivaroxaban Accord 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1. What Rivaroxaban Accord is and what it is used for 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord contains the active substance rivaroxaban and is used in adults to: 
• prevent blood clots in brain (stroke) and other blood vessels in your body if you have a form of 

irregular heart rhythm called non-valvular atrial fibrillation. 
• treat blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis) and in the blood vessels of 

your lungs (pulmonary embolism), and to prevent blood clots from re-occurring in the blood 
vessels of your legs and/or lungs. 

 
Rivaroxaban Accord belongs to a group of medicines called antithrombotic agents. It works by 
blocking a blood clotting factor (factor Xa) and thus reducing the tendency of the blood to form clots. 
 
 
2. What you need to know before you take Rivaroxaban Accord 
 
Do not take Rivaroxaban Accord 
• if you are allergic to rivaroxaban or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed 

in section 6) 
• if you are bleeding excessively 
• if you have a disease or condition in an organ of the body that increases the risk of 

serious bleeding (e.g., stomach ulcer, injury or bleeding in the brain, recent surgery of 
the brain or eyes) 

• if you are taking medicines to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban or 
heparin), except when changing anticoagulant treatment or while getting heparin through a 
venous or arterial line to keep it open 

• if you have a liver disease which leads to an increased risk of bleeding 
• if you are pregnant or breast feeding 
Do not take Rivaroxaban Accord and tell your doctor if any of these apply to you. 
 
Warnings and precautions 
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Rivaroxaban Accord. 
 



182 

Take special care with Rivaroxaban Accord 
• if you have an increased risk of bleeding, as could be the case in situations such as: 

• severe kidney disease, since your kidney function may affect the amount of medicine that 
works in your body 

• if you are taking other medicines to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, dabigatran, 
apixaban or heparin), when changing anticoagulant treatment or while getting heparin 
through a venous or arterial line to keep it open (see section ‘Other medicines and 
Rivaroxaban Accord’) 

• bleeding disorders 
• very high blood pressure, not controlled by medical treatment 
• diseases of your stomach or bowel that might result in bleeding, e.g. inflammation of the 

bowels or stomach, or inflammation of the oesophagus (gullet) e.g. due to 
gastroesophageal reflux disease (disease where stomach acid goes upwards into the 
oesophagus) 

• a problem with the blood vessels in the back of your eyes (retinopathy) 
• a lung disease where your bronchi are widened and filled with pus (bronchiectasis), or 

previous bleeding from your lung 
• if you have a prosthetic heart valve 
• if your doctor determines that your blood pressure is unstable or another treatment or surgical 

procedure to remove the blood clot from your lungs is planned. 
• if you know that you have a disease called antiphospholipid syndrome (a disorder of the 

immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots), tell your doctor who will decide if 
the treatment may need to be changed. 

 
If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor before you take Rivaroxaban Accord. Your doctor 
will decide, if you should be treated with this medicine and if you should be kept under closer 
observation. 
 
If you need to have an operation 
• it is very important to take Rivaroxaban Accord before and after the operation exactly at the 

times you have been told by your doctor. 
• If your operation involves a catheter or injection into your spinal column (e.g. for 

epidural or spinal anaesthesia or pain reduction): 
• it is very important to take Rivaroxaban Accord before and after the injection or 

removal of the catheter exactly at the times you have been told by your doctor 
• tell your doctor immediately if you get numbness or weakness of your legs or problems with 

your bowel or bladder after the end of anaesthesia, because urgent care is necessary. 
 
Children and adolescents 
Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended for people under 18 years of age. There is not enough 
information on its use in children and adolescents. 
 
Other medicines and Rivaroxaban Accord 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. 
 
If you are taking 
• some medicines for fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, 

posaconazole), unless they are only applied to the skin 
• ketoconazole tablets (used to treat Cushing’s syndrome - when the body produces an excess of 

cortisol)  
• some medicines for bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin) 
• some anti-viral medicines for HIV / AIDS (e.g. ritonavir) 
• other medicines to reduce blood clotting (e.g. enoxaparin, clopidogrel or vitamin K antagonists 

such as warfarin and acenocoumarol) 



183 

• anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medicines (e.g. naproxen or acetylsalicylic acid) 
• dronedarone, a medicine to treat abnormal heart beat 
• some medicines to treat depression (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin 

norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)). 
 
If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor before taking Rivaroxaban Accord, because the 
effect of Rivaroxaban Accord may be increased. Your doctor will decide, if you should be treated with 
this medicine and if you should be kept under closer observation. 
If your doctor thinks that you are at increased risk of developing stomach or bowel ulcers, he may also 
use a preventative ulcer treatment. 
 
If you are taking 
• some medicines for treatment of epilepsy (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital) 
• St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), a herbal product used for depression 
• rifampicin, an antibiotic 
 
If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor before taking Rivaroxaban Accord, because the 
effect of Rivaroxaban Accord may be reduced. Your doctor will decide, if you should be treated with 
Rivaroxaban Accord and if you should be kept under closer observation. 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
Do not take Rivaroxaban Accord if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If there is a chance that you 
could become pregnant, use a reliable contraceptive while you are taking Rivaroxaban Accord. If you 
become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately, who will decide 
how you should be treated. 
 
Driving and using machines 
Rivaroxaban Accord may cause dizziness (common side effect) or fainting (uncommon side effect) 
(see section 4, ‘Possible side effects’). You should not drive or use machines if you are affected by 
these symptoms. 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord contains lactose and sodium 
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor 
before taking this medicine. 
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 
“sodium-free”. 
 
 
3. How to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
 
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist 
if you are not sure. 
 
You must take Rivaroxaban Accord together with a meal. 
Swallow the tablet(s) preferably with water. 
 
If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, talk to your doctor about other ways to take 
Rivaroxaban Accord. The tablet may be crushed and mixed with water or apple puree immediately 
before you take it. This mixture should be immediately followed by food. 
If necessary, your doctor may also give you the crushed Rivaroxaban Accord tablet through a stomach 
tube. 
In case of enteral feeding, your doctor may crush and suspend rivaroxaban tablets in 50 mL of water 
and administer via a nasogastric tube or gastric feeding tube. After the administration of a crushed 
rivaroxaban 15 mg or 20 tablet, enteral feeding is immediately followed. 
 
Crushed rivaroxaban tablets are stable in water and in apple sauce for up to 4 hours.  
 



184 

How much to take 
• To prevent blood clots in brain (stroke) and other blood vessels in your body  

The recommended dose is one tablet Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg once a day.  
If you have kidney problems, the dose may be reduced to one tablet Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg 
once a day. 
 
If you need a procedure to treat blocked blood vessels in your heart (called a percutaneous 
coronary intervention - PCI with an insertion of a stent), there is limited evidence to reduce the 
dose to one tablet Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg once a day (or to one tablet Rivaroxaban Accord 
10 mg once a day in case your kidneys are not working properly) in addition to an antiplatelet 
medicinal product such as clopidogrel. 

 
• To treat blood clots in the veins of your legs and blood clots in the blood vessels of your lungs, 

and for preventing blood clots from re-occurring.  
The recommended dose is one tablet Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg twice a day for the first 
3 weeks. For treatment after 3 weeks, the recommended dose is one tablet Rivaroxaban Accord 
20 mg once a day.  
After at least 6 months blood clot treatment your doctor may decide to continue treatment with 
either one 10 mg tablet once a day or one 20 mg tablet once a day. 
If you have kidney problems and take one tablet Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg once a day, your 
doctor may decide to reduce the dose for the treatment after 3 weeks to one tablet Rivaroxaban 
Accord 15 mg once a day if the risk for bleeding is greater than the risk for having another 
blood clot. 

 
When to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
Take the tablet(s) every day until your doctor tells you to stop. 
Try to take the tablet(s) at the same time every day to help you to remember it. 
Your doctor will decide how long you must continue treatment. 
 
To prevent blood clots in the brain (stroke) and other blood vessels in your body: 
If your heart beat needs to be restored to normal by a procedure called cardioversion, take 
Rivaroxaban Accord at the times your doctor tells you. 
  
If you take more Rivaroxaban Accord than you should 
 
Contact your doctor immediately if you have taken too many Rivaroxaban Accord tablets. Taking too 
much Rivaroxaban Accord increases the risk of bleeding. 
 
If you forget to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
• If you are taking one 20 mg tablet or one 15 mg tablet once a day and have missed a dose, take 

it as soon as you remember. Do not take more than one tablet in a single day to make up for a 
forgotten dose. Take the next tablet on the following day and then carry on taking one tablet 
once a day. 

• If you are taking one 15 mg tablet twice a day and have missed a dose, take it as soon as you 
remember. Do not take more than two 15 mg tablets in a single day. If you forget to take a dose 
you can take two 15 mg tablets at the same time to get a total of two tablets (30 mg) on one day. 

On the following day you should carry on taking one 15 mg tablet twice a day. 
 
If you stop taking Rivaroxaban Accord 
Do not stop taking Rivaroxaban Accord without talking to your doctor first, because Rivaroxaban 
Accord treats and prevents serious conditions. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 



185 

4. Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 
 
Like other similar medicines (antithrombotic agents), Rivaroxaban Accord may cause bleeding which 
may potentially be life threatening. Excessive bleeding may lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure 
(shock). In some cases the bleeding may not be obvious. 
 
Possible side effects which may be a sign of bleeding 
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: 
• long or excessive bleeding 
• exceptional weakness, tiredness, paleness, dizziness, headache, unexplained swelling, 

breathlessness, chest pain or angina pectoris, which may be signs of bleeding. 
Your doctor may decide to keep you under closer observation or change how you should be treated. 
 
Possible side effects which may be a sign of severe skin reaction 
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience skin reactions such as:  
• spreading intense skin rash, blisters or mucosal lesions, e.g. in the mouth or eyes  

(Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). The frequency of this side effect is 
very rare (up to 1 in 10,000).  

• a drug reaction that causes rash, fever, inflammation of internal organs, hematologic 
abnormalities and systemic illness (DRESS syndrome). The frequency of this side effect is very 
rare (up to 1 in 10,000). 

 
Possible side effects which may be a sign of severe allergic reactions 
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: 
• swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat; difficulty swallowing; hives and breathing 

difficulties; sudden drop in blood pressure. The frequencies of these side effects are very rare 
(anaphylactic reactions, including anaphylactic shock; may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) and 
uncommon (angioedema and allergic oedema; may affect up to 1 in 100 people). 

 
Overall list of possible side effects 
 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) 
• reduction in red blood cells which can make the skin pale and cause weakness or breathlessness 
• bleeding in the stomach or bowel, urogenital bleeding (including blood in the urine and heavy 

menstrual bleeding), nose bleed, bleeding in the gum 
• bleeding into the eye (including bleeding from the whites of the eyes) 
• bleeding into tissue or a cavity of the body (haematoma, bruising) 
• coughing up blood 
• bleeding from the skin or under the skin 
• bleeding following an operation 
• oozing of blood or fluid from surgical wound 
• swelling in the limbs 
• pain in the limbs 
• impaired function of the kidneys (may be seen in tests performed by your doctor) 
• fever 
• stomach ache, indigestion, feeling or being sick, constipation, diarrhoea 
• low blood pressure (symptoms may be feeling dizzy or fainting when standing up) 
• decreased general strength and energy (weakness, tiredness), headache, dizziness 
• rash, itchy skin 
• blood tests may show an increase in some liver enzymes 
 
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) 



186 

 
• bleeding into the brain or inside the skull 
• bleeding into a joint causing pain and swelling 
• thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets, which are cells that help blood to clot) 
• allergic reactions, including allergic skin reactions 
• impaired function of the liver (may be seen in tests performed by your doctor) 
• blood tests may show an increase in bilirubin, some pancreatic or liver enzymes or in the 

number of platelets 
• fainting 
• feeling unwell 
• faster heartbeat 
• dry mouth 
• hives 
 
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): 
• bleeding into a muscle 
• cholestasis (decreased bile flow), hepatitis incl. hepatocellular injury (inflamed liver incl. liver 

injury) 
• yellowing of the skin and eye (jaundice) 
• localised swelling 
• collection of blood (haematoma) in the groin as a complication of the cardiac procedure where a 

catheter is inserted in your leg artery (pseudoaneurysm) 
 
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) 
• kidney failure after a severe bleeding 
• increased pressure within muscles of the legs or arms after a bleeding, which leads to pain, 

swelling, altered sensation, numbness or paralysis (compartment syndrome after a bleeding) 
 
Reporting of side effects 
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects 
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of 
this medicine. 
 
 
5. How to store Rivaroxaban Accord  
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on each blister or 
bottle after EXP.  
The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 
 
This medicine does not require any special storage conditions.  
 
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 
 6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What Rivaroxaban Accord contains 
• The active substance is rivaroxaban. Each tablet contains 15 mg or 20 mg of rivaroxaban. 
• The other ingredients are:  

 
Tablet core 

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187 

Lactose monohydrate 
Croscarmellose sodium (E468) 
Sodium laurilsulfate (E487) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460)  
Silica, colloidal anhydrous (E551) 
Magnesium stearate (E572) 
 
Film-coating 
Macrogol 4000 (E1521) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Titanium dioxide (E171) 
Iron oxide red (E172) 
 
What Rivaroxaban Accord looks like and contents of the pack 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg: Red coloured, round, biconvex, approximately 5.00 mm in diameter, film 
coated tablets debossed with ‘‘IL’’ on one side and ‘‘2’’ on other side. 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg film-coated tablets are packed in clear PVC/Aluminium blisters available 
in:  

- blister of 10, 14, 28, 30, 42, 48, 56, 90, 98 or 100 tablets, or  
- perforated unit dose blisters of 10 x 1 or 100 x 1 tablets.  

 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg film-coated tablets are also available in HDPE bottles containing 30, 90 or 
500 tablets. 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg: Dark red coloured, round, biconvex, approximately 6.00 mm in diameter, 
film coated tablets debossed with ‘‘IL3’’ on one side and plain on other side. 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg film-coated tablets are packed in clear PVC/Aluminium blisters available 
in:  

- blister of 10, 14, 28, 30, 42, 56, 90, 98 or 100 tablets or  
- perforated unit dose blisters of 10 x 1 or 100 x 1 tablets.  

 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg film-coated tablets are also available in HDPE bottles containing 30, 90 or 
500 tablets. 
 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.  
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
Manufacturer 
Accord Healthcare Polska Sp. z o.o. 
Ul. Lutomierska 50,  
95-200 Pabianice, Poland 
 
Pharmadox Healthcare Limited  
KW20A Kordin Industrial Park, Paola  
PLA 3000, Malta 
 
Laboratori Fundació DAU 
C/ C, 12-14 Pol. Ind. Zona Franca, 



188 

08040 Barcelona, Spain 
 
Accord Healthcare B.V 
Winthontlaan 200, 3526KV Utrecht, 
Netherland 
 
This leaflet was last revised in 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu/.  

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


189 

Package leaflet: Information for the user 
 

Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg film-coated tablets 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg film-coated tablets 

 
Treatment Initiation Pack 

rivaroxaban 
 

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains 
important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. 
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side 

effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. 
 
What is in this leaflet 
1. What Rivaroxaban Accord is and what it is used for 
2. What you need to know before you take Rivaroxaban Accord 
3. How to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
4. Possible side effects 
5. How to store Rivaroxaban Accord 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1. What Rivaroxaban Accord is and what it is used for 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord contains the active substance rivaroxaban and is used in adults to: 
• treat blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis) and in the blood vessels of 

your lungs (pulmonary embolism), and to prevent blood clots from re-occurring in the blood 
vessels of your legs and/or lungs. 

 
Rivaroxaban Accord belongs to a group of medicines called antithrombotic agents. It works by 
blocking a blood clotting factor (factor Xa) and thus reducing the tendency of the blood to form clots. 
 
 
2. What you need to know before you take Rivaroxaban Accord 
 
Do not take Rivaroxaban Accord 
• if you are allergic to rivaroxaban or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed 

in section 6) 
• if you are bleeding excessively 
• if you have a disease or condition in an organ of the body that increases the risk of 

serious bleeding (e.g., stomach ulcer, injury or bleeding in the brain, recent surgery of 
the brain or eyes) 

• if you are taking medicines to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban or 
heparin), except when changing anticoagulant treatment or while getting heparin through a 
venous or arterial line to keep it open 

• if you have a liver disease which leads to an increased risk of bleeding 
• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding 
Do not take Rivaroxaban Accord and tell your doctor if any of these apply to you. 
 
Warnings and precautions 
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Rivaroxaban Accord. 
 



190 

Take special care with Rivaroxaban Accord 
• if you have an increased risk of bleeding, as could be the case in situations such as: 

• severe kidney disease, since your kidney function may affect the amount of medicine that 
works in your body 

• if you are taking other medicines to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, dabigatran, 
apixaban or heparin), when changing anticoagulant treatment or while getting heparin 
through a venous or arterial line to keep it open (see section ‘Other medicines and 
Rivaroxaban Accord’) 

• bleeding disorders 
• very high blood pressure, not controlled by medical treatment 
• diseases of your stomach or bowel that might result in bleeding, e.g. inflammation of the 

bowels or stomach, or inflammation of the oesophagus (gullet), e.g. due to 
gastroesophageal reflux disease (disease where stomach acid goes upwards into the 
oesophagus) 

• a problem with the blood vessels in the back of your eyes (retinopathy) 
• a lung disease where your bronchi are widened and filled with pus (bronchiectasis), or 

previous bleeding from your lung 
• if you have a prosthetic heart valve 
• if your doctor determines that your blood pressure is unstable or another treatment or surgical 

procedure to remove the blood clot from your lungs is planned. 
• if you know that you have a disease called antiphospholipid syndrome (a disorder of the 

immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots), tell your doctor who will decide if 
the treatment may need to be changed. 

 
If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor before you take Rivaroxaban Accord. Your doctor 
will decide, if you should be treated with this medicine and if you should be kept under closer 
observation. 
 
If you need to have an operation: 
• it is very important to take Rivaroxaban Accord before and after the operation exactly at the times 

you have been told by your doctor. 
• If your operation involves a catheter or injection into your spinal column (e.g. for 

epidural or spinal anaesthesia or pain reduction): 
• it is very important to take Rivaroxaban Accord before and after the injection or 

removal of the catheter exactly at the times you have been told by your doctor 
• tell your doctor immediately if you get numbness or weakness of your legs or problems with 

your bowel or bladder after the end of anaesthesia, because urgent care is necessary. 
 
Children and adolescents 
Rivaroxaban Accord is not recommended for people under 18 years of age. There is not enough 
information on its use in children and adolescents. 
 
Other medicines and Rivaroxaban Accord 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. 
If you are taking 
• some medicines for fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, 

posaconazole), unless they are only applied to the skin  
• ketoconazole tablets (used to treat Cushing’s syndrome - when the body produces an excess of 

cortisol)  
• some medicines for bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin) 
• some anti-viral medicines for HIV / AIDS (e.g. ritonavir) 
• other medicines to reduce blood clotting (e.g. enoxaparin, clopidogrel or vitamin K antagonists 

such as warfarin and acenocoumarol) 
• anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medicines (e.g. naproxen or acetylsalicylic acid) 



191 

• dronedarone, a medicine to treat abnormal heart beat 
• some medicines to treat depression (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin 

norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)). 
 
If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor before taking Rivaroxaban Accord, because the 
effect of Rivaroxaban Accord may be increased. Your doctor will decide, if you should be treated with 
this medicine and if you should be kept under closer observation. 
If your doctor thinks that you are at increased risk of developing stomach or bowel ulcers, he may also 
use a preventative ulcer treatment. 
 
If you are taking: 
• some medicines for treatment of epilepsy (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital) 
• St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), a herbal product used for depression 
• rifampicin, an antibiotic 
 
If any of the above apply to you, tell your doctor before taking Rivaroxaban Accord, because the 
effect of Rivaroxaban Accord may be reduced. Your doctor will decide, if you should be treated with 
Rivaroxaban Accord and if you should be kept under closer observation. 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
Do not take Rivaroxaban Accord if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If there is a chance that you 
could become pregnant, use a reliable contraceptive while you are taking Rivaroxaban Accord. If you 
become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately, who will decide 
how you should be treated. 
 
Driving and using machines 
Rivaroxaban Accord may cause dizziness (common side effect) or fainting (uncommon side effect) 
(see section 4, ‘Possible side effects’). You should not drive or use machines if you are affected by 
these symptoms. 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord contains lactose and sodium 
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor 
before taking this medicine. 
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet that is to say essentially 
“sodium-free”. 
 
 
3. How to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
 
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist 
if you are not sure. 
 
You must take Rivaroxaban Accord together with a meal. 
Swallow the tablet(s) preferably with water. 
 
If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, talk to your doctor about other ways to take 
Rivaroxaban Accord. The tablet may be crushed and mixed with water or apple puree immediately 
before you take it. This mixture should be immediately followed by food. 
If necessary, your doctor may also give you the crushed Rivaroxaban Accord tablet through a stomach 
tube. 
In case of enteral feeding, your doctor may crush and suspend rivaroxaban tablets in 50 mL of water 
and administer via a nasogastric tube or gastric feeding tube. After the administration of a crushed 
rivaroxaban 15 mg or 20 tablet, enteral feeding is immediately followed.   
 
Crushed rivaroxaban tablets are stable in water and in apple sauce for up to 4 hours.  
 



192 

How much to take 
The recommended dose is one tablet Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg twice a day for the first 3 weeks. For 
treatment after 3 weeks, the recommended dose is one tablet Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg once a day.  
This Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg and 20 mg treatment initiation pack is only for the first 
4 weeks of treatment. Upon completion of this pack, treatment will continue on Rivaroxaban Accord 
20 mg once daily as your doctor has told you. 
If you have kidney problems, your doctor may decide to reduce the dose for the treatment after 
3 weeks to one tablet Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg once a day if the risk for bleeding is greater than the 
risk for having another blood clot. 
 
When to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
Take the tablet(s) every day until your doctor tells you to stop. 
Try to take the tablet(s) at the same time every day to help you to remember it. 
Your doctor will decide how long you must continue treatment. 
 
If you take more Rivaroxaban Accord than you should 
Contact your doctor immediately if you have taken too many Rivaroxaban Accord tablets. Taking too 
much Rivaroxaban Accord increases the risk of bleeding. 
 
If you forget to take Rivaroxaban Accord 
• If you are taking one 15 mg tablet twice a day and have missed a dose, take it as soon as you 

remember. Do not take more than two 15 mg tablets in a single day. If you forget to take a dose 
you can take two 15 mg tablets at the same time to get a total of two tablets (30 mg) on one day. 
On the following day you should carry on taking one 15 mg tablet twice a day. 

• If you are taking one 20 mg tablet once a day and have missed a dose, take it as soon as you 
remember. Do not take more than one tablet in a single day to make up for a forgotten dose. 
Take the next tablet on the following day and then carry on taking one tablet once a day. 

 
If you stop taking Rivaroxaban Accord 
Do not stop taking Rivaroxaban Accord without talking to your doctor first, because Rivaroxaban 
Accord treats and prevents serious conditions. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 
4. Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 
 
Like other similar medicines (antithrombotic agents), Rivaroxaban Accord may cause bleeding which 
may potentially be life threatening. Excessive bleeding may lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure 
(shock). In some cases the bleeding may not be obvious. 
 
Possible side effects which may be a sign of bleeding 
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: 
• long or excessive bleeding 
• exceptional weakness, tiredness, paleness, dizziness, headache, unexplained swelling, 

breathlessness, chest pain or angina pectoris, which may be signs of bleeding. 
Your doctor may decide to keep you under closer observation or change how you should be treated. 
 



193 

Possible side effects which may be a sign of severe skin reaction 
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience skin reactions such as:  
• spreading intense skin rash, blisters or mucosal lesions, e.g. in the mouth or eyes 

(Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). The frequency of this side effect is 
very rare (up to 1 in 10,000).  

• a drug reaction that causes rash, fever, inflammation of internal organs, hematologic 
abnormalities and systemic illness (DRESS syndrome). The frequency of this side effect is very 
rare (up to 1 in 10,000). 

 
Possible side effects which may be a sign of severe allergic reactions 
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: 
• swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat; difficulty swallowing; hives and breathing 

difficulties; sudden drop in blood pressure. The frequencies of these side effects are very rare 
(anaphylactic reactions, including anaphylactic shock; may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) and 
uncommon (angioedema and allergic oedema; may affect up to 1 in 100 people). 

 
Overall list of possible side effects 
 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): 
• reduction in red blood cells which can make the skin pale and cause weakness or breathlessness 
• bleeding in the stomach or bowel, urogenital bleeding (including blood in the urine and heavy 

menstrual bleeding), nose bleed, bleeding in the gum 
• bleeding into the eye (including bleeding from the whites of the eyes) 
• bleeding into tissue or a cavity of the body (haematoma, bruising) 
• coughing up blood 
• bleeding from the skin or under the skin 
• bleeding following an operation 
• oozing of blood or fluid from surgical wound 
• swelling in the limbs 
• pain in the limbs 
• impaired function of the kidneys (may be seen in tests performed by your doctor) 
• fever 
• stomach ache, indigestion, feeling or being sick, constipation, diarrhoea 
• low blood pressure (symptoms may be feeling dizzy or fainting when standing up) 
• decreased general strength and energy (weakness, tiredness), headache, dizziness 
• rash, itchy skin 
• blood tests may show an increase in some liver enzymes 
 
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) 
• bleeding into the brain or inside the skull 
• bleeding into a joint causing pain and swelling 
• thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets, which are cells that help blood to clot) 
• allergic reactions, including allergic skin reactions 
• impaired function of the liver (may be seen in tests performed by your doctor) 
• blood tests may show an increase in bilirubin, some pancreatic or liver enzymes or in the 

number of platelets 
• fainting 
• feeling unwell 
• faster heartbeat 
• dry mouth 
• hives 
 
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) 



194 

• bleeding into a muscle 
• cholestasis (decreased bile flow), hepatitis incl. hepatocellular injury (inflamed liver incl. liver 

injury) 
• yellowing of the skin and eye (jaundice) 
• localised swelling 
• collection of blood (haematoma) in the groin as a complication of the cardiac procedure where a 

catheter is inserted in your leg artery (pseudoaneurysm) 
 
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) 
• kidney failure after a severe bleeding 
• increased pressure within muscles of the legs or arms after a bleeding, which leads to pain, 

swelling, altered sensation, numbness or paralysis (compartment syndrome after a bleeding) 
 
Reporting of side effects 
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects 
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of 
this medicine. 
 
 
5. How to store Rivaroxaban Accord 
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister after “EXP”. 
The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 
 
This medicine does not require any special storage conditions.  
 
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 
 
 
Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What Rivaroxaban Accord contains 
• The active substance is rivaroxaban. Each tablet contains 15 mg or 20 mg of rivaroxaban 

respectively. 
• The other ingredients are:  

 
Tablet core 
Lactose monohydrate 
Croscarmellose sodium (E468) 
Sodium laurilsulfate (E487) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460)  
Silica, colloidal anhydrous (E551) 
Magnesium stearate (E572) 
 
Film-coating 
Macrogol 4000 (E1521) 
Hypromellose 2910 (nominal viscosity 5.1 mPa.S) (E464) 
Titanium dioxide (E171) 
Iron oxide red (E172) 
 

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195 

What Rivaroxaban Accord looks like and contents of the pack 
 
Rivaroxaban Accord 15 mg: Red coloured, round, biconvex, approximately 5.00 mm in diameter, film 
coated tablets debossed with ‘‘IL’’ on one side and ‘‘2’’ on other side. 
Rivaroxaban Accord 20 mg: Dark red coloured, round, biconvex, approximately 6.00 mm in diameter, 
film coated tablets debossed with ‘‘IL3’’ on one side and plain on other side. 
First 4 weeks treatment initiation pack: each pack of 49 film-coated tablets for the first 4 weeks of 
treatment contains: 42 film-coated tablets of 15 mg rivaroxaban and 7 film-coated tablets of 20 mg 
rivaroxaban in a wallet. 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder 
Accord Healthcare S.L.U. 
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est, 6a Planta,  
Barcelona, 08039 
Spain 
 
Manufacturer 
Accord Healthcare Polska Sp. z o.o. 
Ul. Lutomierska 50,  
95-200 Pabianice, Poland 
 
Pharmadox Healthcare Limited  
KW20A Kordin Industrial Park, Paola  
PLA 3000, Malta 
 
Laboratori Fundació DAU 
C/ C, 12-14 Pol. Ind. Zona Franca, 
08040 Barcelona, Spain 
 
Accord Healthcare B.V 
Winthontlaan 200, 3526KV Utrecht, 
Netherland 
 
This leaflet was last revised in 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu/.    
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/

	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET