A new oral anticoagulant to reduce AF-related stroke

[AFAssociation1]

The European Commission has approved a new oral anticoagulant; apixaban.

Numerous trials were conducted to test the new drug against warfarin, aspirin, dabigatran and rivaroxaban. Apixaban was found to be effective at reducing major bleeding and AF-related stroke.

The drug has been approved for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) with one or more risk factors, such as aged 75 years or over, hypertension, diabetes, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) or symptomatic heart failure.

Moreover, unlike warfarin, new oral anticoagulants (apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban) do not require international normalised ratio (INR) monitoring. The trials did not demonstrate any known dietary restrictions either.

The drug is being considered for approval in the USA.

[nannygoat]

would one need a blood test after starting on this tablet every 6 weeks or so or how would it be monitored as warfarin is .

[squirrel21 in reply to nannygoat]

what about side effects in comparison with rivaroxaban?

[AFAssociation1]

INR checks are not necessary with any of the three new oral anticoagulants, and there have been reportedly fewer side-effects. There is no dietary restriction either, as is the case with warfarin.

[jessie_78 in reply to AFAssociation1]

I was on Dabigatran for 9 weeks, wasn't told of side effects or incidents of bleeds admitted to hospital with bleed and told they would have to wait for it to stop on it's own. I had endoscopy which revealed I had an erosion. I was told this is one of the side effects Dabigatran can cause. I have paroxysmal AF and am now waiting to see a GP with special interest in Cardiology to consult with colleagues to see if I am at higher risk with just 5mg Bisopropol and risk of stroke or Dabigatran, 5mg Bisopropol and internal bleed.

[RobertELee]

Internal bleed is not nice Jessie of course but it doesn't begin to compare with a full blown stroke. AF without any anticoagulation is like stepping to the edge of a very high cliff..... I can't believe your GP with a special interest in cardiology would consider such a step.

[annfitz09]

Sounds great. Hope it's successful.

[Sicandtired17]

does this blood thinner have a reversal??