Why is XARELTO^® dosed 15 mg twice daily for the first 21 days, then 20 mg once daily?

Recurrent VTE is more likely to occur in the first 3 weeks following an initial event.¹ A dose of 15 mg twice daily is given at the beginning of treatment to ensure adequate anticoagulation during the highest risk period for recurrence. After 21 days, the risk of recurrence is lower, so the dosage of XARELTO^® is reduced to 20 mg once daily. Dose selections were based on two phase 2 studies plus analysis of historical data with other anticoagulants.^2-6