Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Rapid Point-of-Care Assay of Enoxaparin Anticoagulant Efficacy in Whole Blood
Published on: October 12, 2012
Probable Rivaroxaban-Induced Full Body Rash: A Case Report
Evan Sasson1, Marian James1, Mark Russell2
11 Department of Pharmacy, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, NY, USA.
Introduction:
Rivaroxaban is a novel oral anticoagulant with several indications, one of which is for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We present a case of probable rivaroxaban-induced rash.
Case Summary:
A 79-year-old female with a medical history of atrial fibrillation experienced a stroke, after which she was prescribed rivaroxaban 20 mg. After several days, she developed a rash requiring admission to the emergency department and several days of treatment. The rash resolved and she was switched from rivaroxaban to apixaban and did not experience any adverse drug events.
Discussion:
Onset of symptoms occurred within days of rivaroxaban initiation. The patient had no allergy history and never reported a similar reaction while on concurrent home medication regimen. The resolution of rash and toleration of apixaban suggest a rivaroxaban-specific reaction. The mechanism of this rash is currently unclear.
Conclusion:
We report one of the first cases of probable rivaroxaban-induced rash, whereas the patient tolerated apixaban. Further investigation is warranted, but prescribers should be cognizant of this potential issue when choosing a factor Xa inhibitor for anticoagulation.
Related Concept Videos
Drug toxicity: Idiosyncratic Reactions
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

