() is one of the new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) that help to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
How () Works
directly inhibits the coagulation factor Xa, which is one of the factors that contribute to blood clot formation. In this matter, helps to prevent blood clots from forming. Unlike , does not require active monitoring.
comes with a lower risk of bleeding in comparison to . However, it does have a slightly higher risk of minor bleeding when compared to aspirin.
When taken with antiplatelet agents, fibrinolytic drugs, , aspirin, or chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may also increase the risk of bleeding.
At this moment in time, there is no way to reverse the anticoagulation effects caused by .
The likelihood of stroke is lower in patients who take than those taking aspirin as their blood thinner. The risk of a systemic embolism is also lowered when taking in comparison to aspirin.
When compared to , is similarly effective in preventing stroke.
is more costly than . However, it doesn’t have the added laboratory monitoring costs that will have. A one-month supply of costs around $287 USD.
is taken orally twice a day. The normal dosage is 5 mg. In patients who are 80 years of age or older, weigh less than 133 lb (60 kg), or who have a serum creatinine level of 1.5 mg per dL (133 μmol per L) or more will likely need to have their dosage of reduced to 2.5 mg.
In most patients, is well-tolerated. Clinical trials showed that nausea occurs in about 7% of patients taking . The clinical trials also showed that only about 6.3% of patients discontinued use of . Those that discontinued typically did so because of bleeding.
Unless serious bleeding occurs, patients should not discontinue use of because this will put them at a greater risk of thrombotic events leading to stroke. Instead of discontinuation, patients should be prescribed a different anticoagulant.
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Posted on March 24, 2023