What Could Cause A Bruise When On Xarelto?

Posted on Sat, 20 Sep 2014

Question: I am taking Xarelto for Afib [HAD ABLATION DONE IN APRIL] but I notice if I have a bruise that { have one in rt shoulder now} the bruise is very bad and travelled down my whole arm even into my hand. It is slowly clearing up [10 days so far] but lower arm is still swollen. is there any way to speed up the healing or should I be icing the arm or heating it to help?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Check PT,APTT, INR;Switch/PCC if required

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for giving me an opportunity to address your query.

Bruise is one of the side effects of taking Xarelto.I am glad that the bruise is clearing though it is taking quite a bit.Since the swelling is very evident and has involved a greater surface area I were to first evaluate whether you should be switched on another anticoagulant(like warfarin).Equally important is to evaluate your anticoagulation status(PT, INR and APTT).Depending on these results I were to administer prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) which can partially reverse the effects of Xarelto (to fasten the healing) since there is no specific antidote.

Hope this answers your query.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar