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Updated: May 4, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
{blacktriangledown} Apixaban and {blacktriangledown} rivaroxaban for stroke prevention in AF
Insights
Newer oral anticoagulants like apixaban and rivaroxaban are now available for preventing stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. This review examines their evidence, considering risks like serious hemorrhage.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Dabigatran was the first novel oral anticoagulant for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF).
- Its use has increased, with apixaban and rivaroxaban also licensed for this indication.
- Drug safety alerts have noted risks of serious hemorrhage with these anticoagulants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for apixaban and rivaroxaban.
- To assess their efficacy in preventing stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular AF.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published evidence.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and safety alerts.
- Comparative assessment of new oral anticoagulants versus existing therapies.
Main Results:
- Apixaban and rivaroxaban are licensed alternatives to dabigatran for stroke prevention in AF.
- Evidence supports their use in specific patient populations.
- Risk of serious hemorrhage is a key consideration.
Conclusions:
- Apixaban and rivaroxaban represent important therapeutic options for stroke prevention in non-valvular AF.
- Careful patient selection and monitoring are crucial due to bleeding risks.
- These agents offer alternatives to warfarin and dabigatran, presenting challenges and opportunities for the NHS.
Abstract:
In October 2011, DTB reviewed the use of dabigatran, the first new oral anticoagulant licensed for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and one or more defined risk factors.1 We noted that the potential advantages of dabigatran for many patients with AF and the continuing need to provide warfarin therapy for others, provided an important challenge for the NHS. The use of dabigatran has increased significantly in the UK and two other drugs have been licensed for this indication (▾apixaban-Eliquis, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer; ▾rivaroxaban-Xarelto, Bayer plc).2-6 In addition, published drug safety alerts have highlighted the risk of serious haemorrhage associated with the use of these drugs.7-9 Here we review the evidence for apixaban and rivaroxaban for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
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