A 60-year-old man on rivaroxaban 15 mg for DVT asks how to take it. What is the correct regimen?

• A. Take with food
• B. Take the tablet at the same time each day with food
• C. Take with water on an empty stomach
• D. Take only when symptoms occur

Answer: (B)

Rivaroxaban absorption is better when the medication is taken with food, and keeping a consistent dosing time each day helps maintain steady drug levels for effective anticoagulation. For DVT treatment, the plan starts with 15 mg taken twice daily with meals for about three weeks, then 20 mg once daily with meals. So the best statement is that you should take the tablet at roughly the same time each day with food, to ensure reliable absorption and predictable effect.

Taking it with food is important, but the timing aspect is also key for steady levels; taking it with water on an empty stomach would reduce absorption; taking it only when symptoms occur is inappropriate because this therapy is for ongoing prevention, not rescue.