SN educated patient and caregiver on Xarelto. Increased risk of bleeding. Xarelto can cause bleeding which can be serious, and may lead to death. This is because Xarelto is a blood thinner medicine (anticoagulant) that lowers blood clotting. During treatment with Xarelto you are likely to bruise more easily, and it may take longer for bleeding to stop. You may be at higher risk of bleeding if you take Xarelto and have certain other medical problems.