Hi I am new here , diagnosed with unprovoked bilateral pulmonary embolism 2 1/2 weeks ago. I am currently on 2x 15mg rivaroxaban and change to 20mg daily in 5 days time. All a bit if a shock and getting used to taking medication . I'm getting a bit panic stricken about timings of meds , with food etc . Can anyone advise as to changing from 2x15mg to 1x20mg. If my last 15mg tablet is with my evening meal is it ok to then start the 20mg 24 hours later with next evening meal ?
Many thanks
Hi - my history is the same as yours. I decided to take my daily tablet with my breakfast, as the timing of that doesn't fluctuate as wildly as the timing of my evening meal. If you plan to take yours with your evening meal, then yes, do so 24 hours after your last 15 mg tablet; if you plan to take it in the mornings, take it the following morning (i.e. 12-15 hours after your final 15 mg tablet). It won't make much difference - what is important is to have it with food, otherwise it won't be quite as effective, and you will also have terrible indigestion!
Thank you , I think I will opt for breakfast for the same reason as yourself as evening meal times often differ. I really appreciate the advice .
I advise taking with breakfast, perhaps the best time of day that has a routine and less likely to forget
I would also suggest finishing your twice a day dose and then taking the following morning. Slight overlap with Anticoag but if you leave it to the following day you will have no anticoagulation overnight- putting you at risk of another clot.
Yes you should be fine to take the 20mg 24 hours after your last 15mg.
I had unprovoked pe back in 2017 and I found the communication to patients is crap for something that could have killed you.
When I was on the 2 x 15mg xarelto to start with sometimes I woukd take the 2 at the same time and when I went to the 20mg ones which was the day after boxing day 2017 I started the 20mg at breakfast that day and I have taken it at breakfast ever since then and it's worked out well.
Thank you , and yes communication / information woefully lacking . Anti coagulation clinic appointment next week which is 3 weeks after diagnosis , I would have appreciated more input initially if only to ease my anxiety. I finally managed to speak to the anti coagulation nurse on the phone today and she advised taking the 20 mg at breakfast as evening meals can vary on timings .
Where I work we are about to start patient forums to answer these questions.
Hi. I was the same, and as with all other replies, best to take it at breakfast time. If you do then forget to take it for any reason you have all day to catch up on taking it and there's less chance of skipping a tablet (if you're as forgetful as me !!)
Thank you Debbie , I am 4 days into taking the 20mg at breakfast and much easier than juggling with timings of evening meal. It is just taking me a while to get my head around being on long term medication , the anti coagulation nurse went through it all on Tuesday but all scary stuff.
Manse, how are you now?
INR levels in hot temperatures
Is it possible to re-clot while on meds. How to get it checked?
Why continue warfarin?
Side Effects of Rivaroxaban?
Needing some suggestions to sitting for hours in hospital
