Non-hemorrhage-related adverse effects of rivaroxaban

The direct oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban is useful in various indications that include venous deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis/treatment after knee/hip replacement surgery and prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Its mechanism of action has been mostly associated with hemorrhage-related adverse effects; thus a number of non-hemorrhage-related adverse effects of the drug have received less attention or go unrecognized. These adverse effects mainly include liver injury, hypersensitivity reactions, leukocytoclastic vasculitis and hair loss. Clinicians should be aware of these rare adverse reactions and advise their patients to contact them as soon as they observe any unexpected clinical response.