In reply to jon:
> (In reply to PeteH and KA R36)
>
> What do you know about Xarelto?
I am a pharmacist, and I specialise in anticoagulation, treatment of DVTs, etc.
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) doesn't need the blood tests that warfarin does and it's a fixed dose. BUT there isn't a reversal agent yet. If you're a climber and you need anticoagulating, I'd stick with warfarin. At least if you bang your head or have some other injury, they can give you vitamin K (plus prothrombin complex if it's critical).
As PeteH said above, oral vitamin K won't work fast enough if your injuries are critical. We don't give people any "standby" supplies of vitamin K: just tell them to make sure that healthcare staff know they're on warfarin. That's why you get a credit-card sized card to put in your wallet. If you're on warfarin long term then a Medic-alert is a sensible idea.
Becky