Xarelto

Dosage Form: tablet, film coated
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

WARNINGS: (A) DISCONTINUING Xarelto IN PATIENTS WITH NONVALVULAR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION INCREASES RISK OF STROKE, (B) SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA

 A. DISCONTINUING Xarelto IN PATIENTS WITH NONVALVULAR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

 Discontinuing Xarelto places patients at an increased risk of thrombotic events. An increased rate of stroke was observed following Xarelto discontinuation in clinical trials in atrial fibrillation patients. If anticoagulation with Xarelto must be discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding, consider administering another anticoagulant [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Clinical Studies (14.1)].

B. SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA

Epidural or spinal hematomas have occurred in patients treated with Xarelto who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include:

• use of indwelling epidural catheters


• concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants


• a history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures


• a history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery

[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Indications and Usage for Xarelto

Reduction of Risk of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

 Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

 There are limited data on the relative effectiveness of Xarelto and warfarin in reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism when warfarin therapy is well-controlled [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is indicated for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery.

Xarelto Dosage and Administration

Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

 For patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) >50 mL/min, the recommended dose of Xarelto is 20 mg taken orally once daily with the evening meal. For patients with CrCl 15 to 50 mL/min, the recommended dose is 15 mg once daily with the evening meal [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].

 Switching from or to Warfarin - When switching patients from warfarin to Xarelto, discontinue warfarin and start Xarelto as soon as the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is below 3.0 to avoid periods of inadequate anticoagulation.

 No clinical trial data are available to guide converting patients from Xarelto to warfarin. Xarelto affects INR, so INR measurements made during co-administration with warfarin may not be useful for determining the appropriate dose of warfarin. One approach is to discontinue Xarelto and begin both a parenteral anticoagulant and warfarin at the time the next dose of Xarelto would have been taken.

 Switching from or to Anticoagulants other than Warfarin - For patients currently receiving an anticoagulant other than warfarin, start Xarelto 0 to 2 hours prior to the next scheduled evening administration of the drug (e.g., low molecular weight heparin or non-warfarin oral anticoagulant) and omit administration of the other anticoagulant. For unfractionated heparin being administered by continuous infusion, stop the infusion and start Xarelto at the same time.

 For patients currently taking Xarelto and transitioning to an anticoagulant with rapid onset, discontinue Xarelto and give the first dose of the other anticoagulant (oral or parenteral) at the time that the next Xarelto dose would have been taken [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].

Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis

The recommended dose of Xarelto is 10 mg taken orally once daily with or without food. The initial dose should be taken at least 6 to 10 hours after surgery once hemostasis has been established.

• For patients undergoing hip replacement surgery, treatment duration of 35 days is recommended.


• For patients undergoing knee replacement surgery, treatment duration of 12 days is recommended.

General Dosing Instructions

 Hepatic Impairment

 No clinical data are available for patients with severe hepatic impairment. Avoid use of Xarelto in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh B) and severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment or with any hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.8)].

 Renal Impairment

 Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

 Avoid the use of Xarelto in patients with CrCl <15 mL/min. Periodically assess renal function as clinically indicated (i.e., more frequently in situations in which renal function may decline) and adjust therapy accordingly. Discontinue Xarelto in patients who develop acute renal failure while on Xarelto [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].

 Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis

 Avoid the use of Xarelto in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) due to an expected increase in rivaroxaban exposure and pharmacodynamic effects in this patient population. Observe closely and promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss in patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min). Patients who develop acute renal failure while on Xarelto should discontinue the treatment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].

 Surgery and Intervention

 If anticoagulation must be discontinued to reduce the risk of bleeding with surgical or other procedures, Xarelto should be stopped at least 24 hours before the procedure. In deciding whether a procedure should be delayed until 24 hours after the last dose of Xarelto, the increased risk of bleeding should be weighed against the urgency of intervention. Xarelto should be restarted after the surgical or other procedures as soon as adequate hemostasis has been established. If oral medication cannot be taken after surgical intervention, consider administering a parenteral anticoagulant.

 Missed Dose

 If a dose of Xarelto is not taken at the scheduled time, administer the dose as soon as possible on the same day.

 Use with P-gp and Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors or Inducers

 Avoid concomitant use of Xarelto with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, ritonavir, indinavir/ritonavir, and conivaptan) [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

 Avoid concomitant use of Xarelto with drugs that are combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John's wort) [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

Dosage Forms and Strengths

• 10 mg tablets: Round, light red, biconvex and film-coated with a triangle pointing down above a "10" marked on one side and "Xa" on the other side


• 15 mg tablets: Round, red, biconvex, and film-coated with a triangle pointing down above a "15" marked on one side and "Xa" on the other side


• 20 mg tablets: Triangle-shaped, dark red, and film-coated with a triangle pointing down above a "20" marked on one side and "Xa" on the other side

Contraindications

Xarelto is contraindicated in patients with:

•  active pathological bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]


•  severe hypersensitivity reaction to Xarelto [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

Warnings and Precautions

Increased Risk of Stroke after Discontinuation in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

 Discontinuing Xarelto in the absence of adequate alternative anticoagulation increases the risk of thrombotic events. An increased rate of stroke was observed during the transition from Xarelto to warfarin in clinical trials in atrial fibrillation patients. If Xarelto must be discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding, consider administering another anticoagulant [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Clinical Studies (14.1)].

Risk of Bleeding

 Xarelto increases the risk of bleeding and can cause serious or fatal bleeding. In deciding whether to prescribe Xarelto to patients at increased risk of bleeding, the risk of thrombotic events should be weighed against the risk of bleeding.

 Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss. Discontinue Xarelto in patients with active pathological hemorrhage.

 A specific antidote for rivaroxaban is not available. Because of high plasma protein binding, rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialyzable [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Protamine sulfate and vitamin K are not expected to affect the anticoagulant activity of rivaroxaban. There is no experience with antifibrinolytic agents (tranexamic acid, aminocaproic acid) in individuals receiving rivaroxaban. There is neither scientific rationale for benefit nor experience with systemic hemostatics (desmopressin and aprotinin) in individuals receiving rivaroxaban. Use of procoagulant reversal agents such as prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC), or recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) may be considered, but has not been evaluated in clinical trials.

 Concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis increases the risk of bleeding. These include aspirin, P2Y12 platelet inhibitors, other antithrombotic agents, fibrinolytic therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [see Drug Interactions (7.3), (7.4), (7.5)].

 Concomitant use of drugs that are combined P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole and ritonavir) increases rivaroxaban exposure and may increase bleeding risk [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Spinal/Epidural Anesthesia or Puncture

When neuraxial anesthesia (spinal/epidural anesthesia) or spinal puncture is employed, patients treated with anticoagulant agents for prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk of developing an epidural or spinal hematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis [see Boxed Warning].

An epidural catheter should not be removed earlier than 18 hours after the last administration of Xarelto. The next Xarelto dose is not to be administered earlier than 6 hours after the removal of the catheter. If traumatic puncture occurs, the administration of Xarelto is to be delayed for 24 hours.

Risk of Pregnancy Related Hemorrhage

Xarelto should be used with caution in pregnant women and only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the mother and fetus. Xarelto dosing in pregnancy has not been studied. The anticoagulant effect of Xarelto cannot be monitored with standard laboratory testing nor readily reversed. Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms suggesting blood loss (e.g., a drop in hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, hypotension, or fetal distress).

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

 There were postmarketing cases of anaphylaxis in patients treated with Xarelto to reduce the risk of DVT. Patients who have a history of a severe hypersensitivity reaction to Xarelto should not receive Xarelto [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Adverse Reactions

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

During clinical development for the approved indications, 11598 patients were exposed to Xarelto. These included 7111 patients who received Xarelto 15 mg or 20 mg orally once daily for a mean of 19 months (5558 for 12 months and 2512 for 24 months) to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (ROCKET AF) and 4487 patients who received Xarelto 10 mg orally once daily for prophylaxis of DVT following hip or knee replacement surgery (RECORD 1–3).

Hemorrhage

The most common adverse reactions with Xarelto were bleeding complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

In the ROCKET AF trial, the most frequent adverse reactions associated with permanent drug discontinuation were bleeding events, with incidence rates of 4.3% for Xarelto vs. 3.1% for warfarin. The incidence of discontinuations for non-bleeding adverse events was similar in both treatment groups.

Table 1 shows the number of patients experiencing various types of bleeding events in the ROCKET AF study.

Table 1: Bleeding Events in ROCKET AF*

Parameter	Xarelto N = 7111 n (%)	Event Rate (per 100 Pt-yrs)	Warfarin N = 7125 n (%)	Event Rate (per 100 Pt-yrs)
* For all sub-types of major bleeding, single events may be represented in more than one row, and individual patients may have more than one event. † Defined as clinically overt bleeding associated with a decrease in hemoglobin of ≥ 2 g/dL, transfusion of ≥ 2 units of packed red blood cells or whole blood, bleeding at a critical site, or with a fatal outcome. Hemorrhagic strokes are counted as both bleeding and efficacy events. Major bleeding rates excluding strokes are 3.3 per 100 Pt-yrs for Xarelto vs. 2.9 per 100 Pt-yrs for warfarin. ‡ The majority of the events were intracranial, and also included intraspinal, intraocular, pericardial, intraarticular, intramuscular with compartment syndrome, or retroperitoneal.
Major bleeding†	395 (5.6)	3.6	386 (5.4)	3.5
Bleeding into a critical organ‡	91 (1.3)	0.8	133 (1.9)	1.2
Fatal bleeding	27 (0.4)	0.2	55 (0.8)	0.5
Bleeding resulting in transfusion of ≥ 2 units of whole blood or packed red blood cells	183 (2.6)	1.7	149 (2.1)	1.3
Gastrointestinal bleeding	221 (3.1)	2.0	140 (2.0)	1.2

Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis

In the RECORD clinical trials, the overall incidence rate of adverse reactions leading to permanent treatment discontinuation was 3.7% with Xarelto.

The mean duration of Xarelto treatment was 11.9 days in the total knee replacement study and 33.4 days in the total hip replacement studies. Overall, in the RECORD program, the mean age of the patients studied in the Xarelto group was 64 years, 59% were female and 82% were Caucasian. Twenty-seven percent (1206) of patients underwent knee replacement surgery and 73% (3281) underwent hip replacement surgery.

The rates of major bleeding events and any bleeding events observed in patients in the RECORD clinical trials are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Bleeding Events* in Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Replacement Surgeries (RECORD 1–3)

	Xarelto 10 mg	Enoxaparin†
* Bleeding events occurring any time following the first dose of double-blind study medication (which may have been prior to administration of active drug) until two days after the last dose of double-blind study medication. Patients may have more than one event. † Includes the placebo-controlled period for RECORD 2, enoxaparin dosing was 40 mg once daily (RECORD 1–3) ‡ Includes major bleeding events
Total treated patients	N = 4487 n (%)	N = 4524 n (%)
Major bleeding event	14 (0.3)	9 (0.2)
Fatal bleeding	1 (<0.1)	0
Bleeding into a critical organ	2 (<0.1)	3 (0.1)
Bleeding that required re-operation	7 (0.2)	5 (0.1)
Extra-surgical site bleeding requiring transfusion of >2 units of whole blood or packed cells	4 (0.1)	1 (<0.1)
Any bleeding event‡	261 (5.8)	251 (5.6)
Hip Surgery Studies	N = 3281 n (%)	N = 3298 n (%)
Major bleeding event	7 (0.2)	3 (0.1)
Fatal bleeding	1 (<0.1)	0
Bleeding into a critical organ	1 (<0.1)	1 (<0.1)
Bleeding that required re-operation	2 (0.1)	1 (<0.1)
Extra-surgical site bleeding requiring transfusion of >2 units of whole blood or packed cells	3 (0.1)	1 (<0.1)
Any bleeding event‡	201 (6.1)	191 (5.8)
Knee Surgery Study	N = 1206 n (%)	N = 1226 n (%)
Major bleeding event	7 (0.6)	6 (0.5)
Fatal bleeding	0	0
Bleeding into a critical organ	1 (0.1)	2 (0.2)
Bleeding that required re-operation	5 (0.4)	4 (0.3)
Extra-surgical site bleeding requiring transfusion of >2 units of whole blood or packed cells	1 (0.1)	0
Any bleeding event‡	60 (5.0)	60 (4.9)

Following Xarelto treatment, the majority of major bleeding complications (≥60%) occurred during the first week after surgery.

Other Adverse Reactions

Non-hemorrhagic adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported in ≥1% of Xarelto-treated patients are shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Other Adverse Drug Reactions* Reported by ≥1% of Xarelto-Treated Patients in RECORD 1–3 Studies

System/Organ Class   Adverse Reaction	Xarelto 10 mg (N = 4487) n (%)	Enoxaparin†   (N = 4524) n (%)
* ADR occurring any time following the first dose of double-blind medication, which may have been prior to administration of active drug, until two days after the last dose of double-blind study medication. † Includes the placebo-controlled period of RECORD 2, enoxaparin dosing was 40 mg once daily (RECORD 1–3)
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Wound secretion	125 (2.8)	89 (2.0)
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Pain in extremity	74 (1.7)	55 (1.2)
Muscle spasm	52 (1.2)	32 (0.7)
Nervous system disorders
Syncope	55 (1.2)	32 (0.7)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Pruritus	96 (2.1)	79 (1.8)
Blister	63 (1.4)	40 (0.9)

Other clinical trial experience: In an investigational study of acute medically ill patients being treated with Xarelto 10 mg tablets, cases of pulmonary hemorrhage and pulmonary hemorrhage with bronchiectasis were observed.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of rivaroxaban. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: agranulocytosis

Gastrointestinal disorders: retroperitoneal hemorrhage

Hepatobiliary disorders: jaundice, cholestasis, cytolytic hepatitis

Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity, anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactic shock

Nervous system disorders: cerebral hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, epidural hematoma, hemiparesis

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Drug Interactions

Rivaroxaban is a substrate of CYP3A4/5, CYP2J2, and the P-gp and ATP-binding cassette G2 (ABCG2) transporters. Inhibitors and inducers of these CYP450 enzymes or transporters (e.g., P-gp) may result in changes in rivaroxaban exposure.

Drugs that Inhibit Cytochrome P450 3A4 Enzymes and Drug Transport Systems

In drug interaction studies evaluating the concomitant use with drugs that are combined P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors, increases in rivaroxaban exposure and pharmacodynamic effects (i.e., factor Xa inhibition and PT prolongation) were observed. Significant increases in rivaroxaban exposure may increase bleeding risk.

• Ketoconazole (combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitor): Steady-state rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax increased by 160% and 70%, respectively. Similar increases in pharmacodynamic effects were also observed.


• Ritonavir (combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitor): Single-dose rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax increased by 150% and 60%, respectively. Similar increases in pharmacodynamic effects were also observed.


• Clarithromycin (combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitor): Single-dose rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax increased by 50% and 40%, respectively. The smaller increases in exposure observed for clarithromycin compared to ketoconazole or ritonavir may be due to the relative difference in P-gp inhibition.


• Erythromycin (combined P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor): Both the single-dose rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax increased by 30%.


• Fluconazole (moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor): Single-dose rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax increased by 40% and 30%, respectively.

Avoid concomitant administration of Xarelto with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, ritonavir, indinavir/ritonavir, and conivaptan), which cause significant increases in rivaroxaban exposure that may increase bleeding risk.

Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis

When clinical data suggest a change in exposure is unlikely to affect bleeding risk (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), no precautions are necessary during coadministration with drugs that are combined P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Drugs that Induce Cytochrome P450 3A4 Enzymes and Drug Transport Systems

In a drug interaction study, co-administration of Xarelto (20 mg single dose with food) with a drug that is a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducer (rifampicin titrated up to 600 mg once daily) led to an approximate decrease of 50% and 22% in AUC and Cmax, respectively. Similar decreases in pharmacodynamic effects were also observed. These decreases in exposure to rivaroxaban may decrease efficacy.

Avoid concomitant use of Xarelto with drugs that are combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John's wort).

Anticoagulants

In a drug interaction study, single doses of enoxaparin (40 mg subcutaneous) and Xarelto (10 mg) given concomitantly resulted in an additive effect on anti-factor Xa activity. Enoxaparin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban. In another study, single doses of warfarin (15 mg) and Xarelto (5 mg) resulted in an additive effect on factor Xa inhibition and PT. Warfarin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban.

Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Avoid concurrent use of Xarelto with other anticoagulants due to the increased bleeding risk. Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

NSAIDs/Aspirin

In ROCKET AF, concomitant aspirin use (almost exclusively at a dose of 100 mg or less) during the double-blind phase was identified as an independent risk factor for major bleeding. NSAIDs are known to increase bleeding, and bleeding risk may be increased when NSAIDs are used concomitantly with Xarelto. In a single-dose drug interaction study there were no pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions observed after concomitant administration of naproxen or aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) with Xarelto.

Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss if patients are treated concomitantly with aspirin, other platelet aggregation inhibitors, or NSAIDs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Clopidogrel

In two drug interaction studies where clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose followed by 75 mg daily maintenance dose) and Xarelto (15 mg single dose) were co-administered in healthy subjects, an increase in bleeding time to 45 minutes was observed in approximately 45% and 30% of subjects in these studies, respectively. The change in bleeding time was approximately twice the maximum increase seen with either drug alone. There was no change in the pharmacokinetics of either drug.

Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss if patients are treated concomitantly with clopidogrel [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Drug-Disease Interactions with Drugs that Inhibit Cytochrome P450 3A4 Enzymes and Drug Transport Systems

Based on simulated pharmacokinetic data, patients with renal impairment receiving full dose Xarelto in combination with drugs classified as combined P-gp and weak or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., amiodarone, diltiazem, verapamil, quinidine, ranolazine, dronedarone, felodipine, erythromycin, and azithromycin) may have significant increases in exposure compared with patients with normal renal function and no inhibitor use, since both pathways of rivaroxaban elimination are affected.

While increases in rivaroxaban exposure can be expected under such conditions, results from an analysis in the ROCKET AF trial, which allowed concomitant use with combined P-gp and weak or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., amiodarone, diltiazem, verapamil, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, and erythromycin), did not show an increase in bleeding in patients with CrCl 30 to <50 mL/min [Hazard Ratio (95% CI): 1.05 (0.77, 1.42)]. Xarelto should be used in patients with CrCL 15 to 50 mL/min who are receiving concomitant combined P-gp and weak or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C

There are no adequate or well-controlled studies of Xarelto in pregnant women, and dosing for pregnant women has not been established. Use Xarelto with caution in pregnant patients because of the potential for pregnancy related hemorrhage and/or emergent delivery with an anticoagulant that is not readily reversible. The anticoagulant effect of Xarelto cannot be reliably monitored with standard laboratory testing. Animal reproduction studies showed no increased risk of structural malformations, but increased post-implantation pregnancy loss occurred in rabbits. Xarelto should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to mother and fetus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Rivaroxaban crosses the placenta in animals. Animal reproduction studies have shown pronounced maternal hemorrhagic complications in rats and an increased incidence of post-implantation pregnancy loss in rabbits. Rivaroxaban increased fetal toxicity (increased resorptions, decreased number of live fetuses, and decreased fetal body weight) when pregnant rabbits were given oral doses of ≥10 mg/kg rivaroxaban during the period of organogenesis. This dose corresponds to about 4 times the human exposure of unbound drug, based on AUC comparisons at the highest recommended human dose of 20 mg/day. Fetal body weights decreased when pregnant rats were given oral doses of 120 mg/kg. This dose corresponds to about 14 times the human exposure of unbound drug.

Labor and Delivery

Safety and effectiveness of Xarelto during labor and delivery have not been studied in clinical trials. However, in animal studies maternal bleeding and maternal and fetal death occurred at the rivaroxaban dose of 40 mg/kg (about 6 times maximum human exposure of the unbound drug at the human dose of 20 mg/day).

Nursing Mothers

It is not known if rivaroxaban is excreted in human milk. Rivaroxaban and/or its metabolites were excreted into the milk of rats. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from rivaroxaban, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue Xarelto, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use

Of the total number of patients in the RECORD 1–3 clinical studies evaluating Xarelto, about 54% were 65 years and over, while about 15% were >75 years. In ROCKET AF, approximately 77% were 65 years and over and about 38% were >75 years. In clinical trials the efficacy of Xarelto in the elderly (65 years or older) was similar to that seen in patients younger than 65 years. Both thrombotic and bleeding event rates were higher in these older patients, but the risk-benefit profile was favorable in all age groups [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14)].

Females of Reproductive Potential

Females of reproductive potential requiring anticoagulation should discuss pregnancy planning with their physician.

Renal Impairment

The safety and pharmacokinetics of single-dose Xarelto (10 mg) were evaluated in a study in healthy subjects [CrCl ≥80 mL/min (n=8)] and in subjects with varying degrees of renal impairment (see Table 4). Compared to healthy subjects with normal creatinine clearance, rivaroxaban exposure increased in subjects with renal impairment. Increases in pharmacodynamic effects were also observed.

Table 4: Percent Increase of Rivaroxaban PK and PD Parameters from Normal in Subjects with Renal Insufficiency from a Dedicated Renal Impairment Study

		Renal Impairment Class [CrCl (mL/min)]
Parameter		Mild	Moderate	Severe
		[50 to 79] N=8	[30 to 49] N=8	[15 to 29] N=8
PT = Prothrombin time; FXa = Coagulation factor Xa; AUC = Area under the concentration or effect curve; Cmax = maximum concentration; Emax = maximum effect; and CrCl = creatinine clearance
Exposure	AUC	44	52	64
(% increase relative to normal)	Cmax	28	12	26
FXa Inhibition	AUC	50	86	100
(% increase relative to normal)	Emax	9	10	12
PT Prolongation	AUC	33	116	144
(% increase relative to normal)	Emax	4	17	20

Patients with renal impairment taking P-gp and weak to moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors may have significant increases in exposure which may increase bleeding risk [see Drug Interactions (7.6)].

Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

In the ROCKET AF trial, patients with CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min were administered Xarelto 15 mg once daily resulting in serum concentrations of rivaroxaban and clinical outcomes similar to those in patients with better renal function administered Xarelto 20 mg once daily. Patients with CrCl 15 to 30 mL/min were not studied, but administration of Xarelto 15 mg once daily is also expected to result in serum concentrations of rivaroxaban similar to those in patients with normal renal function [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis

The combined analysis of the RECORD 1–3 clinical efficacy studies did not show an increase in bleeding risk for patients with moderate renal impairment and reported a possible increase in total VTE in this population. Observe closely and promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss in patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30 to <50 mL/min). Avoid the use of Xarelto in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Hepatic Impairment

The safety and pharmacokinetics of single-dose Xarelto (10 mg) were evaluated in a study in healthy subjects (n=16) and subjects with varying degrees of hepatic impairment (see Table 5). No patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) were studied. Compared to healthy subjects with normal liver function, significant increases in rivaroxaban exposure were observed in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B). Increases in pharmacodynamic effects were also observed.

Table 5: Percent Increase of Rivaroxaban PK and PD Parameters from Normal in Subjects with Hepatic Insufficiency from a Dedicated Hepatic Impairment Study

		Hepatic Impairment Class (Child-Pugh Class)
Parameter		Mild	Moderate
		(Child-Pugh A) N=8	(Child-Pugh B) N=8
PT = Prothrombin time; FXa = Coagulation factor Xa; AUC = Area under the concentration or effect curve; Cmax = maximum concentration; Emax = maximum effect
Exposure	AUC	15	127
(% increase relative to normal)	Cmax	0	27
FXa Inhibition	AUC	8	159
(% increase relative to normal)	Emax	0	24
PT Prolongation	AUC	6	114
(% increase relative to normal)	Emax	2	41

Avoid the use of Xarelto in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh B) and severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment or with any hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Overdosage

Overdose of Xarelto may lead to hemorrhage. A specific antidote for rivaroxaban is not available. Rivaroxaban systemic exposure is not further increased at single doses >50 mg due to limited absorption. Discontinue Xarelto and initiate appropriate therapy if bleeding complications associated with overdosage occur. The use of activated charcoal to reduce absorption in case of Xarelto overdose may be considered. Due to the high plasma protein binding, rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialyzable [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Xarelto Description

Rivaroxaban, a factor Xa inhibitor, is the active ingredient in Xarelto Tablets with the chemical name 5 - Chloro - N - ({(5S) - 2 - oxo - 3 - [4 - (3 - oxo - 4 - morpholinyl)phenyl] - 1,3 - oxazolidin - 5 - yl}methyl) - 2 - thiophenecarboxamide. The molecular formula of rivaroxaban is C19H18ClN3O5S and the molecular weight is 435.89. The structural formula is:

Rivaroxaban is a pure (S)-enantiomer. It is an odorless, non-hygroscopic, white to yellowish powder. Rivaroxaban is only slightly soluble in organic solvents (e.g., acetone, polyethylene glycol 400) and is practically insoluble in water and aqueous media.

Each Xarelto tablet contains 10 mg, 15 mg, or 20 mg of rivaroxaban. The inactive ingredients of Xarelto are: croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Additionally, the proprietary film coating mixture used for Xarelto 10 mg tablets is Opadry® Pink and Xarelto 15 mg tablets is Opadry® Red, containing ferric oxide red, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 3350, and titanium dioxide, and for Xarelto 20 mg tablets is Opadry® II Dark Red, containing ferric oxide red, polyethylene glycol 3350, polyvinyl alcohol (partially hydrolyzed), talc, and titanium dioxide.

Xarelto - Clinical Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Xarelto is an orally bioavailable factor Xa inhibitor that selectively blocks the active site of factor Xa and does not require a cofactor (such as Anti-thrombin III) for