Weight Gain After Starting Xarelto

I just started (09/29/2016) Xarelto - 15 mg 2x/day for a large DVT and multiple PE's. In one month I have ballooned 20+ lbs. My legs look like tree trunks, but feel like cement blocks. My arms and hands are swollen, and my stomach looks like I've been sucking on a helium tank. Now, to make matters worse, I started severe dizziness and nausea.....I couldn't walk a straight line if I was forced to!! I spoke with my cardiologist but he had no answers. Of course, I'm told it's probably my diet, but I know this is not the problem. This is what provoked me to search the internet. I'm obviously not the only one feeling like they should be floating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I'm calling my PCP tomorrow!! Best of health to everyone :)

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Hello, Nicole! How are you doing? Has there been any change?

Xarelto can cause edema as a side effect, in some people that take it, according to FDA reports, it can also cause the other issues that you've mentioned, as well as headaches, and easy bruising.

You most likely would be better off trying a different medication.

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I am post DVT and multiple PE and have been anti coagulating for 2.5 yrs. First yr i took warfarin, that was ineffective for me. I then started xarelto, which has been good EXCEPT, i have gained about 35 pounds which seems impossible to lose. The increase in size is particularly obvious in my face, arms, and abdomen. HELP! What can i do?

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I too have been dealing with the severe bloating issue as everyone on this forum. I was on for 3 months & gained 25 lbs in that time. I have been off for a little over 3 months but absolutely no change in my bloat. I told my dr my concerns & he ran lots of blood tests which I am presently awaiting results from. He said he hasn't seen anyone else with my symptoms from Xarelto. I filed an adverse effect claim w/ Xarelto on Monday & I am awaiting contact from the company. We are not all imagining these extreme symptoms. If nothing turns up on my blood work I am going to see a hematologist. I went up 3 pants sizes in 3 months. Something is definitely wrong here.

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Found out that i had a blood clot a 6 mos after having ankle surgery. Was taking xarelto for 6 months, had the weight gain as all of you have shared and all the pain associated with taking the medicine as everyone else experienced...i had eventually had problems with my lungs and was hospitalized 3 times during taking the medicine for bloody stools which they say were hemrroids. I am 47 never had hemrroids in my life. My legs swelled terribly bad they hurt. They feel as though im carrying cement. I have found a lump in my arm as well as in my inner thighs which the doctors say is nothing to worry about but i didnt have any of these before taking the medicine. Its been about a year since being taken off the medicine however i still have the lumps an i still experience the pain in my thigh which is still bigger then the other one very heavy and lots of pain!

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Hi. I've been following your story, because I too was on xarelto for 5 1/2 monthes and got off it in May 2016. Like you I gained 20lbs that won't leave my body. I look and feel 8mo's pregnant. My stomache is very distended and I feel like someone filled me up with water. I have always worked out and ate healthy befort my DVT. I found out people in my family carry the Leiden factor 5 bloodclotting gene. I was also on birth control pills. Please continue to share your news. It's so frustrating and depressing!

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Hi. I've been following your posts. Hoping you might learn something and share it. Since getting off xarelto in may 2016, I can't lose the 20lbs. I gained. Plus I feel (and look) 8mo's pregnant still. sometimes my right rib hurts like something is pushing into it. I continue to work out,but nothing changes. Still tired as well. Thank you for your posts. It's so scary, and I just want to be normal again!

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I have similar things happening. 25+ pounds gained, listless and exhausted. I feel like a big fat shadow of my former self. Used to compete in triathlons and play water polo. Now I have trouble finding energy to get dressed, keep up with laundry.

First I was on too high of a dose of Xarelto so my period was lasting 10-12 days and there were a couple days I just had to remain near the bathroom because there was so much blood. Specialist reduced my dosage and I got an ivf inserted in June so that part is better.

But still I gain weight and feel like I am half dead. Not just a little fatigued, but weighted down. So tired it hurts. I shouldn't really be driving tired. Achy joints and muscles, chills, tender muscles. So Very Tired.

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I'm 46 and have been on xarelto since Oct'16. I was diagnosed with a chronic DVT and was hospitalized for 2 months off and on trying to get rid of it with TPA drug. Unfortunately it wasn't successful. It was completely blocked but they were able to get it open in a few spots but after 4 tries couldn't get it all removed. I still have swelling pain numbness tingling because of it. The xarelto has made mr gain at least 20 lbs. I have pain in all my joints and most days my muscles feel like they've ran in a marathon. I'm bloated feel ill the majority of the time even though I take a pill for my stomach too. I'm self employed which my job has been cut in half do to my present condition. So no medical to cover the cost of these drugs either.
I'm hoping that bein on xarelto will help diminish the remaining clot but I don't think it's working .

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What was the outcome of your claim with the Xarelto? I intend to do the same.

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I have been taking Xarelto 20 mg for over a year to dissolve a clot in my femoral artery. I am 42 was in excellent health before this DVT.
I also have gained 20 lbs in my stomach area that diet and exercise doesn't touch. Very frustrating! I am following this post for additional information.

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Elequis the same drug by another name has caused all the same side effects with my mother she has been off it for 2 years and still her legs are all swollen & the feet have twisted somehow she can hardly walk. These truck companies need to pay for what they have done under these people

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I've been on Xarelto for 3 months ... I've gained 6 kilos in weight ... I look like a happy event is on the way ... I'm constantly tired ... I'm very dizzy when changing from lying to upright ... I previously had two unprovoked P.E.s but I'm going back to Aspirin with a good dose of garlic daily ... I'm aged 77yrs ...........

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Re: Supermommy43 (# 3)

Can you please give us an update on the adverse effect filing? I am considering the same. Thank you!

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Re: Supermommy43 (# 3)

I also have gained weight with Eliquis and now xarelto and it is not from eating. I also take 1/2 sotalol with it. I don't know what the solution is and I am afraid to stop.
I have AFIB.

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OMG I really hope to loose the weight I have been gaining while on Xarelto! Two months ago I had six packs, amazing athletic frame, and plenty vigorous energy to go around —Karate, beach volleyball, sprinting, weight training — now, my legs can not carry me past two hours! I went clothing shopping and an hour later had to take the elevator and go home! My legs hurt most of the time .. they scream pain by the end of the day. I am 44 years old with DVT, seven weeks post meniscus tear repair surgery, and in PT (elliptical, hamstring curls and leg presses for the most part) along with doing my own calisthenics. I went for one hour vigorous walk with my girlfriend on asphalt the other day and had to cancel today because I am yet to recover from the pain in my legs from the walk! I DON’T RECOGNIZE MY LEGS ANYMORE - I call them the elephant legs! Stomach looks pregnant! Wouldn’t dare expose my arms! Each day is a shocker! I am in total disbelief - how can one gain weight so fast!? Not even two months on Xarelto and I put on 10 pounds. I can not believe how fast my body is transforming! Trying very hard not to be depressed. I am an athlete, my diet is great! My period lasted much longer too! I was also wondering why my face started to break out - - this is just great! What’s in Xarelto!? I am thankful to be alive and well ... waiting patiently for Doppler next week.

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Not to mention being loopy most of the time... forgetful, slow, and making silly mistakes. My awareness is delayed. Most importantly, week after starting Xarelto, I experienced brutal groin pains! It came on as groin pull/strain then it came to a point where I could not walk or lay still. Had to purchase a raised toilet seat and it was of no help. Went away in 7 days. Surgeon, Hematologist and general doctor all said “muscular overuse”; however, a listed side effect is muscle spasm.

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Re: Patience (# 15)

I am truly sorry for your situation. I empathize with the similar experience. Sense 1/1/18 I have been on the anti-inflammatory diet which is very restrictive, no sugar no dairy no meat no nightshades. I’ve lost 22 pounds I gained from Xarelto. However, I have a leaky card and that takes a couple of years to heal. My daughter was playing on Eliquis After a blood clot and gained 53 pounds. I took myself off Xarelto a year ago after I had a cardioversion which eradicated the a fib. I doubt I will ever lose all of the weight that I gained from Xarelto. It’s an evil drug and there are 1400 wrongful death suit against Bayer for it.

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I have also had the same effects and I am a 38 year old male. Gained 20lbs in 6 months and I workout hard as my job requires it. Is there anyone who has been able to lose weight while on Xarelto? I am also wondering what the lawsuit is about against Bayer.

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I had a blood clot that turned into a pulmonary embolism in my lungs. It was so big it was pressing on my heart. If I hadn’t had an appointment already scheduled the day this happened, they said I would’ve died. I had to have emergency surgery that same day. The doctors put me on Xarelto to prevent blood clots. This is the worst medication I’ve ever been prescribed. The side effects mimicked having another pulmonary embolism. And I was gaining weight to where I stopped taking it. My doctor then put me on Warfarin, and have lost the weight, and have no side effects. You just have to get your blood taken. These drug companies try to put you on the $ 400 a month prescription, when old reliable Warfarin worked for me, with no side effects.

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Just like everyone, I started Xarelto after a provoked DVT. I was prescribed the med for 3 months. In my second month, the sudden weight came on. I was bloated and tired. My body structure changed.

When I finished my 3-month therapy, the ore joints and weakness and fatigue persisted. I couldn’t do much without running out of breath.
The frustration forced me to research and focus on getting my body and wellness back. Here are some of the things I did:

- I started taking apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons mixed with warm water) every morning.
- As soon as I stopped Xarelto, I started taking turmeric capsules and omega 3 supplements. You can research the benefits of each. They both helped me with the pain in my joints.
- I also started taking ginger and lemon in hot water, at different times from the apple cider vinegar. Ginger and lemon aid weight loss.
I did these for about 6 weeks, didn’t see any change with my weight but I started feeling better and stronger.

Because I was feeling healthier, I added daily walking (or every other day). To my surprise, this simple activity brought back strength to my joints and bones. It increased my endurance. I recommend staying away from heavy exercise or cardio until your body feels stronger.

Along with these, I was taking vitamin D and zinc to help strengthen my weakened immune system.

About 8 weeks later, which coincided with the new year 2021, I started a 21-day Daniel fast (no wheat, bread or dairy products but grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes). This was when I literally started seeing the combined results from all these interventions.

I don’t think the diet/fast alone would have helped me lose weight. I needed to heal/treat the inflammation and pain first, then build some endurance.

Now I have added some weight exercise to help build my lost muscles from inactivity over the period of 3 months that Xarelto kept me fatigued.

If you are struggling to lose the weight, consider that you may need a sequence, for me it was:
Treat inflammation - build endurance - strengthen immune system - low-key exercise - diet restriction - add some cardio

I believe it’s not possible to lose weight when the body has a lot of inflammation. I focused on treating the inflammation before I started seeing some weight loss.

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Re: Daniel (# 28)

Daniel, I've been taking 120,000mg (2 pills) of serrapeptase, and 2000(2pills) of nattokinase .Dr.'s Best Brand. Either take at night, 2 hours after dinner, or when you first get up, 1/2 hr before milk in coffee or any food .I have not had another clot since 2016 with factor v leiden. I also intermittent fast 12-15 hrs and take a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar in a half a glass of water mornings and after dinner. Dr. Berg on youtube explains these 2 practices. hope it helps! (I've been off all meds since 2016)

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Re: Supermommy43 (# 3)

Started Xarelto in September after taken to ER for a33 pulse it was determined I have arrithmia/Afib and put on 20mg Xarelto every day
I seldom take pills as my health before covid/vaccine was simply amazing for 55 years I have had same body weight as former athlete and presently fitness instructor suddenly I put on 12lb in 3 months, have stomach problems and headache I’m extremely depressed

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Re: Daniel (# 28)

Sounds very consistent to what some of us experienced. Sadly doctors deny this. You have to insist and mention the community here on medschat. I did that with my doctors and they have stopped insisting i take xarelto.

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Re: Diane (# 26)

I believe you! It’s awful and the manufacturers keep denying the issue of unnatural weight gain.

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Re: Tamara (# 5)

I had a blood clot in 2011 and found out I have Factor 5 Leiden. And, I got the mutant gene from both parents so I at high risk for a clot. Had been on Warfarin for the past 12 years and and no problems at all. A couple months ago, my doctor retired and my new doctor wanted me to start taking Xarelto. Started Xarelto about a month ago and have gained 10 pounds and I'm constantly fatigued. I'm ready to go back to Warfarin. Also, my d-dimer test is now out of range at .74 and it was in range at .39 when I was on Warfarin. I see my doctor in a few days and I'm insisting I want to go back to Warfarin.

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Re: Diane (# 26)

So sorry Diane! It is a nightmare, and sadly doctors don’t take it seriously when one brings it up. I flat out refuse to take it again.

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Listen to me. I have gained over 25 lbs. since taking Xeralto prescribed for bloodclots in leg after total hip replacement. FAT CELLS seem to grow rapidly on hips and stomach even on limited diet. I have been small petite person all my life UNTIL NOW AFTER TAKING XERALTO.
WHO WILL LISTEN AND HELP ME AND OTHER XERALTO MISERABLES?

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Re: ShawR (# 24)

So sorry to hear how it has been a domino effect of issues for you.
Have you tried taking apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning to help are/balance and heal some of the issues? It seems to have a long list of benefits for the body of you research it.
Really hope you find some breakthrough, the weight gain can be very frustrating.

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Re: gracie (# 20)

Dear Gracy,

Thanks for your response. I had pneumonia in 2016 and was given BIAXIN to get rid of the pneumonia. Well unfortunately I entered the 1% of all by acting users of BIAXIN’s side effects to develop a blood clot which turned into a pulmonary embolism; double saddle. From then on I took Xarelto for six months and all my blood work came back OK (on every blood level at six months) but, I had the same problem and gained 30 pounds. Now 2021. I am an avid exercise person as I was in 2016 but still cannot drop the weight. I have done gut cleanse, prescription for fluconazole (which worked for a short period of time and dropping 13 pounds ), ketoconazole, intraconazole, diet change and a number of different things to actually try to relieve a condition called candidas (which also promotes weight retention) that I acquired after the Xarelto was prescribed….but the candida is not gone and neither is the weight. The Candida was identified through IGA blood work (outside of final hematology Xarelto screening) which was/is three times the normal human limit and please keep in mind that losing my spleen more than 10 years before this all started could make me an exceptional type of comparative for all this conversation. With the lack of a spleen, I never have had any big immuno compromised problems with the exception of poison oak’s quick affects in the bloodstream and difficulty to get rid of due to no spleen(kenalog how to be prescribed). if you don’t have your spleen you’ve lost your body’s oil filter for blood.

Pnemonia to Biaxin to blood clot(to which I had no historical background before);so has this weight retention from Xarelto really responsible for my body promoting a Candida staying problem alive as well — or — was Biaxin the start of it all.

Regardless, my scalp has been a mess for four years, I have had my first throat thrush last month which I never had before, and the weight retention is so unusual because my entire life I could modify anything in diet, change lifestyle or chamge exercise to lose weight. I am in the weight room 4 to 5 days per week and still cannot reduce the weight. And along with all of this, I’ve started having some adrenal hormonal balance problems in the past year.

As when a gallbladder fails signaling a liver to produce bilirubins; what signals or mishaps are happening in my system which promote this weird thing with the scalp, the weight and other IGA-based sinus infections? And if we identify Biaxin or Xarelto as a culprit; then what are the pathways to solve what these have introduced which created this dilemma?

You don’t want to have a high IGA level in your blood for too long in your life because it will produce other things such as multiple myeloma.

Any input is appreciated.

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Re: gracie (# 22)

Thks for your answer. I stopped it and gained 5 kg after 3 weeks and my body is swollen. My tummy looks like I am the pregnant and I am 50 years old. Going to the homeopath and endocrinologist for help. He suggested dandelion and I think that makes me feel less swollen. Good luck with your pregnancy soo excited for you.

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