Keep out of reach of children.
Read the directions carefully before use.
For prescription only.
QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Active ingredient
Rivaroxaban.......................10 mg
Excipients: q.s ……………… 1 tablet
Film coated tablet.
Product description: A round, light pink, film-coated tablet, plain on both sides, undamaged edges.
Box of 1 blister x 14 film coated tablets.
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 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 Overdose).
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 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
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 Contraindications).
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 Posology and Method of administration; Special warnings and precautions for use).
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 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 post-surgery and steady state.
Paediatric population
Safety and efficacy have not been established for children and adolescents up to 18 years.
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 Undesirable effects). Patients experiencing these adverse reactions should not drive or use machines.
Pregnancy
Safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban have not been established in pregnant women.
Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity. 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 Contraindications).
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 Contraindications). 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.
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 Special warnings and precautions for use).
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 Special warnings and precautions for use).
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 Special warnings and precautions for use).
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 Special warnings and precautions for use).
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 section Special warnings and precautions for use).
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 Special warnings and precautions for use).
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.
The frequencies of adverse reactions reported with rivaroxaban are summarised by system organ class 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)
All adverse reactions reported in patients in phase III clinical trials or through post-marketing use*
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Common: Anaemia (incl. respective laboratory parameters)
Uncommon: Thrombocytosis (incl. platelet count increased)A, Thrombocytopenia
Immune system disorders
Uncommon: Allergic reaction, dermatitis allergic, angioedema and allergic oedema
Very rare: Anaphylactic reactions including anaphylactic shock
Nervous system disorders
Common: Dizziness, headache
Uncommon: Cerebral and intracranial haemorrhage, syncope
Eye disorders
Common: Eye haemorrhage (incl. conjunctival haemorrhage)
Cardiac disorders
Uncommon: Tachycardia
Vascular disorders
Common: Hypotension, haematoma
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Common: Epistaxis, haemoptysis
Gastrointestinal disorders
Common: Gingival bleeding, gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage (incl. rectal haemorrhage), gastrointestinal and abdominal pains, dyspepsia, nausea, constipationA, diarrhoea, vomitingA
Uncommon: Dry mouth
Hepatobiliary disorders
Common: Increase in transaminases
Uncommon: Hepatic impairment, Increased bilirubin, increased blood alkaline phosphataseA, increased GGTA
Rare: Jaundice, Bilirubin conjugated increased (with or without concomitant increase of ALT), Cholestasis, Hepatitis (incl. hepatocellular injury)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Common: Pruritus (incl. uncommon cases of generalised pruritus), rash, ecchymosis, cutaneous and subcutaneous haemorrhage
Uncommon: Urticaria
Very rare: Stevens-Johnson syndrome/ Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis , DRESS syndrome
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Common: Pain in extremityA
Uncommon: Haemarthrosis
Rare: Muscle haemorrhage
Not known: Compartment syndrome secondary to a bleeding
Renal and urinary disorders
Common: Urogenital tract haemorrhage (incl. haematuria and menorrhagiaB), renal impairment (incl. blood creatinine increased, blood urea increased)
Not known: Renal failure/acute renal failure secondary to a bleeding sufficient to cause hypoperfusion
General disorders and administration site conditions
Common: FeverA, peripheral oedema, decreased general strength and energy (incl. fatigue and asthenia)
Uncommon: Feeling unwell (incl. malaise)
Rare: Localised oedemaA
Investigations
Uncommon: Increased LDHA, increased lipaseA, increased amylaseA
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Common: Postprocedural haemorrhage (incl. postoperative anaemia, and wound haemorrhage), contusion, wound secretionA
Rare: 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 Overdose/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 Special warnings and precautions for use).
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.
Please inform your doctor of all undesirable effects upon drug administration.
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. 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 Pharmacokinetic properties).
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.
Store in dry places, not exceeding 300C, protect from light.
Clinical surveillance in line with anticoagulation practice is recommended throughout the treatment period.
Haemorrhagic risk
As with other anticoagulants, patients taking rivaroxaban 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 administration should be discontinued if severe haemorrhage occurs.
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 Undesirable effects). 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 Pharmacodynamic properties and Pharmacokinetic properties).
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 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 Posology and Method of administration; Pharmacokinetic properties).
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 Interactions).
Interaction with other medicinal products
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 (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 Interactions).
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 Interactions).
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 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.
Haemodynamically unstable PE patients or patients who require thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy
Rivaroxaban 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 Pharmacokinetic properties).
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
If an invasive procedure or surgical intervention is required, rivaroxaban 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 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.
Elderly population
Increasing age may increase haemorrhagic risk (see section Pharmacokinetic properties).
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 Undesirable effects). 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
Lactose monohydrate. Patients with problems of galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially “sodium-free”.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in the product.
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 Posology and Method of administration) or when UFH is given at doses necessary to maintain an open central venous or arterial catheter (see section Interactions).
Hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C.
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
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 10 mg 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.
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 Special warnings and precautions for use).
To support the dose switch from 15 mg to 20 mg after Day 21 a first 4 weeks treatment initiation pack of rivaroxaban 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 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 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 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 Interactions).
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 is discontinued INR testing may be done reliably at least 24 hours after the last dose (see sections Interactions; Posology and Method of administration).
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 is to be used with caution in these patients. Use is not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min (see sections Special warnings and precautions for use; Pharmacokinetic properties).
- 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 Pharmacokinetic properties).
- 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 Pharmacokinetic properties).
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 Special warnings and precautions for use, Pharmacodynamic properties, Pharmacokinetic properties).
When the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily, no dose adjustment from the recommended dose is necessary.
Hepatic impairment: 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 sections Contraindications and Pharmacokinetic properties).
Elderly population: No dose adjustment (see section Pharmacokinetic properties)
Body weight: No dose adjustment (see section Pharmacokinetic properties)
Gender: No dose adjustment (see section Pharmacokinetic properties)
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 is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age.
METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION
Rivaroxaban is for oral use.
The tablets are to be taken with food (see section Pharmacokinetic properties).
For patients who are unable to swallow whole tablets, rivaroxaban tablet may be crushed and mixed with water or apple puree immediately prior to use and administered orally.
The crushed rivaroxaban 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 Pharmacokinetic properties).
Or as directed by the physician.
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