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 antidote antagonising the pharmacodynamic effect of rivaroxaban is not available.
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, administration of a specific procoagulant reversal agent should be considered, such as prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) or recombinant factor VIIa (r-FVIIa). However, there is currently very limited clinical experience with the use of these 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.
Protamine sulfate 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.
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 or when UFH is given at doses necessary to maintain an open central venous or arterial catheter.
Hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C.
Pregnancy and breast feeding.
Not applicable.
Summary of the safety profile
The safety of rivaroxaban has been evaluated in eleven phase III studies including 32,625 patients exposed to rivaroxaban (see Table 1).
Table 1: Number of patients studied, maximum daily dose and treatment duration in phase III studies
| Indication | Number of patients* | Maximum 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 | 4,556 | Day 1 - 21: 30 mg Day 22 and onwards: 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 |
*Patients exposed to at least one dose of rivaroxaban
and 'Description of selected adverse reactions' below). The most commonly reported bleedings (>4 %) were epistaxis (5.9 %) and gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage (4.2 %).In total about 67% of patients exposed to at least one dose of rivaroxaban were reported with treatment emergent adverse events. About 22% of the patients experienced adverse events considered related to treatment as assessed by investigators. In patients treated with 10 mg Ксарелто undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery and in hospitalised medically ill patients, bleeding events occurred in approximately 6.8% and 12.6% of patients, respectively, and anaemia occurred in approximately 5.9% and 2.1% of patients, respectively. In patients treated with either 15 mg twice daily Ксарелто followed by 20 mg once daily for treatment of DVT or PE, or with 20 mg once daily for prevention of recurrent DVT and PE, bleeding events occurred in approximately 27.8% of patients and anaemia occurred in approximately 2.2% of patients. In patients treated for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism, bleeding of any type or severity was reported with an event rate of 28 per 100 patient years, and anaemia with an event rate of 2.5 per 100 patient years. In patients treated for prevention of cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), bleeding of any type or severity was reported with an event rate of 22 per 100 patient years. Anaemia was reported with an event rate of 1.4 per 100 patient years.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The frequencies of adverse reactions reported with Ксарелто are summarised in table 2 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 2: All treatment-emergent adverse reactions reported in patients in phase III studies
| Common | Uncommon | Rare | Not known |
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | |||
| Anaemia (incl. respective laboratory parameters) | Thrombocythemia (incl. platelet count increased)A | ||
| Immune system disorders | |||
| Allergic reaction, dermatitis allergic | |||
| 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 | |||
| Hepatic function abnormal | Jaundice | ||
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | |||
| Pruritus (incl. uncommon cases of generalised pruritus), rash, ecchymosis, cutaneous and subcutaneous haemorrhage | Urticaria, | ||
| 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)A | 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 | |||
| Increase in transaminases | Increased bilirubin, increased blood alkaline phosphataseA, increased LDHA, increased lipaseA, increased amylaseA, increased GGTA | Bilirubin conjugated increased (with or without concomitant increase of ALT) | |
| Injury, poisoning and procedural complications | |||
| Postprocedural haemorrhage (incl. postoperative anaemia, and wound haemorrhage), contusion, wound secretionA | Vascular pseudoaneurysmC | ||
A: observed in prevention of venous thromboembolism (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)
Description of selected adverse reactions
Due to the pharmacological mode of action, the use of Ксарелто may be associated with an increased risk of occult or overt bleeding from any tissue or organ which may result in post haemorrhagic anaemia.).). 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 Ксарелто. Therefore, the possibility of haemorrhage is to be considered in evaluating the condition in any anticoagulated patient.
Post-marketing observations
The following adverse reactions have been reported post-marketing in temporal association with the use of Ксарелто. The frequency of these adverse reactions reported from post-marketing experience cannot be estimated.
Immune system disorders: Angioedema and allergic oedema (In the pooled phase III trials, these events were uncommon (> 1/1,000 to < 1/100)).
Hepatobiliary disorders: Cholestasis, Hepatitis (incl. hepatocellular injury) (In the pooled phase III trials, these events were rare (> 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000)).
Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Thrombocytopenia (In the pooled phase III trials, these events were uncommon (> 1/1,000 to < 1/100)).
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (In the pooled phase III trials, these events were estimated as very rare (<1/10,000)).
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.
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 post-natal study in rats, reduced viability of the offspring was observed at doses that were toxic to the dams.
Pharmacotherapeutic group: 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 (International Normalised Ratio) 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 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.
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.
Clinical efficacy and safety
Treatment of DVT, PE and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE
The Ксарелто clinical program was designed to demonstrate the efficacy of Ксарелто in the initial and continued treatment of acute DVT and PE and prevention of recurrence.
Over 9,400 patients were studied in three randomised controlled phase III clinical studies (Einstein DVT, Einstein PE and Einstein Extension) 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. Ксарелто 20 mg once daily was compared with placebo.
All phase III studies 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 the Einstein DVT study (see Table 3) rivaroxaban was demonstrated to be non-inferior to enoxaparin/VKA for the primary efficacy outcome (p < 0.0001 (test for non-inferiority); hazard ratio: 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 hazard ratio 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 hazard ratio 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 3: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein DVT | ||
| Study population | 3,449 patients with symptomatic acute deep vein thrombosis | |
| Treatment dosage and duration | Ксарелтоa) 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 hazard ratio of 2.0); hazard ratio: 0.680 (0.443 - 1.042), p=0.076 (superiority) | ||
In the Einstein PE study (see Table 4) 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 hazard ratio 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 hazard ratio 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 hazard ratio 0.493 (95% CI: 0.308 - 0.789).
| Table 4: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein PE | ||
| Study population | 4,832 patients with an acute symptomatic PE | |
| Treatment dosage and duration | Ксарелтоa) 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 hazard ratio of 2.0); hazard ratio: 1.123 (0.749 - 1.684) | ||
A prespecified pooled analysis of the outcome of the Einstein DVT and PE studies was conducted (see Table 5).
| Table 5: 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 dosage and duration | Ксарелтоa) 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 hazard ratio of 1.75); hazard ratio: 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 hazard ratio of 0.771 ((95% CI: 0.614 - 0.967), nominal p value p= 0.0244).
In the Einstein Extension study (see Table 6) 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 6: Efficacy and safety results from phase III Einstein Extension | ||
| Study population | 1,197 patients continued treatment and prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism | |
| Treatment dosage and duration | Ксарелтоa) 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), hazard ratio: 0.185 (0.087 - 0.393) | ||
In addition to the phase III EINSTEIN program, 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 hazard ratios 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.
Paediatric population
The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with Ксарелто in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in the treatment of thromboembolic events.).
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 Ксарелто 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. Ксарелто 15 mg and 20 mg are to be taken with food.
Rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics are approximately linear up to about 15 mg once daily in fasting state. Under fed conditions Ксарелто 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 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.
Ксарелто is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and clinically relevant bleeding risk, including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C.
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. Ксарелто is to be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearance 15 - 29 ml/min.
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) μg/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 µg/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.
Clinical surveillance in line with anticoagulation practice is recommended throughout the treatment period.
Haemorrhagic risk
As with other anticoagulants, patients taking Ксарелто are to be carefully observed for signs of bleeding. It is recommended to be used with caution in conditions with increased risk of haemorrhage. Ксарелто administration should be discontinued if severe haemorrhage occurs.
In the clinical studies mucosal bleedings (i.e. epistaxis, gingival, gastrointestinal, genito urinary) 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, 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.
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.
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. Ксарелто 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.
Ксарелто should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment concomitantly receiving other medicinal products which increase rivaroxaban plasma concentrations.
Interaction with other medicinal products
The use of Ксарелто 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.
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. For patients at risk of ulcerative gastrointestinal disease an appropriate prophylactic treatment may be considered.
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
Haemodynamically unstable PE patients or patients who require thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy
Ксарелто 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 Ксарелто 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. 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. 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, Ксарелто 15 mg/ Ксарелто 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.
Ксарелто 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.
Dermatological reactions
Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, have been reported during post-marketing surveillance in association with the use of rivaroxaban. 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
Ксарелто contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.
Ксарелто has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Adverse reactions like syncope (frequency: uncommon) and dizziness (frequency: common) have been reported. Patients experiencing these adverse reactions should not drive or use machines.
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, as indicated in the table below.
| Dosing schedule | Maximum daily dose | |
| Day 1 - 21 | 15 mg twice daily | 30 mg |
| Day 22 and onwards | 20 mg once daily | 20 mg |
The 4-week treatment initiation pack of Ксарелто is dedicated to patients who will transition from 15 mg twice daily to 20 mg once daily from Day 22 onwards.
For patients with moderate or severe renal impairment where the decision has been taken for 15 mg once daily from Day 22 onwards, other presentations only containing 15 mg film-coated tablets are available (see dosing instructions in section Special populations below).
The duration of therapy should be individualised after careful assessment of the treatment benefit against the risk for bleeding. Short duration of therapy (at least 3 months) should be based on transient risk factors (e.g. recent surgery, trauma, immobilisation) and longer durations should be based on permanent risk factors or idiopathic DVT or PE.
If a dose is missed during the 15 mg twice daily treatment phase (day 1 - 21), the patient should take Ксарелто immediately to ensure intake of 30 mg Ксарелто 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 (day 22 and onwards), the patient should take Ксарелто 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 Ксарелто
For patients treated for DVT, PE and prevention of recurrence, VKA treatment should be stopped and Ксарелто therapy should be initiated once the INR is ≤ 2.5.
When converting patients from VKAs to Ксарелто, INR values will be falsely elevated after the intake of Ксарелто. The INR is not valid to measure the anticoagulant activity of Ксарелто, and therefore should not be used.
Converting from Ксарелто to Vitamin K antagonists (VKA)
There is a potential for inadequate anticoagulation during the transition from Ксарелто to VKA. Continuous adequate anticoagulation should be ensured during any transition to an alternate anticoagulant. It should be noted that Ксарелто can contribute to an elevated INR.
In patients converting from Ксарелто 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 Ксарелто and VKA the INR should not be tested earlier than 24 hours after the previous dose but prior to the next dose of Ксарелто. Once Ксарелто is discontinued INR testing may be done reliably at least 24 hours after the last dose.
Converting from parenteral anticoagulants to Ксарелто
For patients currently receiving a parenteral anticoagulant, discontinue the parenteral anticoagulant and start Ксарелто 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 Ксарелто to parenteral anticoagulants
Give the first dose of parenteral anticoagulant at the time the next Ксарелто 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, Ксарелто is to be used with caution in these patients. Use is not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance < 15 ml/min.
In patients with moderate (creatinine clearance 30 - 49 ml/min) or severe (creatinine clearance 15 - 29 ml/min) renal impairment the following dosage 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, 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.
No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 50 - 80 ml/min).
Hepatic impairment
Ксарелто is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy and clinically relevant bleeding risk including cirrhotic patients with Child Pugh B and C.
Elderly population
No dose adjustment.
Body weight
No dose adjustment.
Gender
No dose adjustment.
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of Ксарелто in children aged 0 to 18 years have not been established. No data are available. Therefore, Ксарелто is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age.
Method of administration
For oral use.
The tablets are to be taken with food.
For patients who are unable to swallow whole tablets, Ксарелто tablet may be crushed and mixed with water or apple puree immediately prior to use and administered orally. After the administration of crushed Ксарелто 15 mg or 20 mg film-coated tablets, the dose should be immediately followed by food.
The crushed Ксарелто 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 Ксарелто15 mg or 20 mg film-coated tablets, the dose should then be immediately followed by enteral feeding.
No special requirements for disposal.
