Rivaroxaban is currently indicated in the US for stroke reduction in patients with atrial fibrillation, for the treatment and prevention of recurrence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and for DVT prophylaxis after orthopedic surgery.

FORBES: Xarelto Effective In Medically Ill Patients But At High Bleeding Cost

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today expanded the approved use of Xarelto (rivaroxaban) to include treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), and to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial treatment.

FORBES: Rivaroxaban Gains FDA Indications For The Treatment And Prevention Of DVT And PE

"One of the commoner causes of sudden death is a pulmonary embolism that may occur a week to ten days later after a thrombosis formed, " Lord says.

CNN: Deep vein thrombosis explained