Drug interactions
Desirudin + Rivaroxaban
Severity: Major
Desirudin and Rivaroxaban: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Desirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor given subcutaneously, and together with rivaroxaban it produces additive anticoagulation. The result is a higher risk of major bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desirudin and Rivaroxaban can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive anticoagulant effect through thrombin inhibition and factor Xa inhibition.
What to do
Avoid overlapping use outside deliberate transitions, timing the switch by each drug's duration of action. Monitor for bleeding and hemoglobin changes.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Rivaroxaban
- Defibrotide + Rivaroxaban Contraindicated
- Ketoconazole + Rivaroxaban Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Rivaroxaban Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Rivaroxaban Major
- Acalabrutinib + Rivaroxaban Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Rivaroxaban Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desirudin with Rivaroxaban?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desirudin and Rivaroxaban can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Desirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor given subcutaneously, and together with rivaroxaban it produces additive anticoagulation. The result is a higher risk of major bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Desirudin and Rivaroxaban?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid overlapping use outside deliberate transitions, timing the switch by each drug's duration of action. Monitor for bleeding and hemoglobin changes.
What other medicines interact with Rivaroxaban?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Rivaroxaban with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketoconazole, Ketorolac. The full list is on the Rivaroxaban page.
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