New oral blood thinners can decrease stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients without frequent monitoring

In continuation of my update on dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis) and edoxaban (Savaysa).

A new generation of blood thinners can reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, without requiring frequent monitoring and dietary restrictions.

But special attention must be given to the patient's age, kidney function and other factors before prescribing the new medications, according to a review article by neurologists at Loyola Medicine and Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

The report by Rochelle Sweis, DO and José Biller, MD, is published in the journal Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, and the prevalence is increasing as the population ages. In AFib, electrical signals that regulate the heartbeat become erratic. Instead of beating regularly, the upper chambers of the heart quiver and blood doesn't flow well. Blood clots can form, migrate to the brain and cause strokes. AFib is associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of stroke.

Blood thinning medications decrease the stroke risk by approximately 70 percent. For 60 years physicians have prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) and other blood thinners known as vitamin K antagonists. These medications have been proven to be effective in reducing the risk of blood clots and strokes. But they require continual monitoring and dose adjustments to ensure the drugs thin the blood enough to prevent clots, but not enough to increase the risk of major bleeding. Patients also must restrict their consumption of foods rich in vitamin K, such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, parsley and green tea.

 

Warfarin

The new blood thinners include dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis) and edoxaban (Savaysa). In the right patient population, the new drugs are a safe and effective option for treating atrial fibrillation, Drs. Sweis and Biller write.

Dabigatran         Rivaroxaban (BAY 59-7939)

Apixaban Edoxaban

New oral blood thinners can decrease stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients without frequent monitoring: A new generation of blood thinners can reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, without requiring frequent monitoring and dietary restrictions.

FDA Approves Eliquis (apixaban) for the Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

In continuation of my update on Apixaban (BMS-562247-01, tradename Eliquis)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Pfizer Inc.  announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Eliquis for the treatment of DVT and PE, and for the reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy. Combined, DVT and PE are known as VTE. It is estimated that every year, approximately 900,000 Americans are affected by DVT and PE.

FDA Approves Eliquis (apixaban) for the Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

New Blood Thinner May Help Prevent Leg Clots, Study Finds - Drugs.com MedNews

In continuation of my update on apixaban....

We know that, Apixaban (BMS-562247-01, tradename Eliquis) is an anticoagulant for the prevention of venous thromboembolism and venous thromboembolic events. It is a direct factor Xa inhibitor. Apixaban has been available in Europe since May 2012 and was approved for preventing venous thromboembolism after elective hip or knee replacement.^[1] An FDA decision on apixaban for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation was expected on June 28, 2012, but was delayed. It is being developed in a joint venture by Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

New Blood Thinner May Help Prevent Leg Clots, Study Finds - Drugs.com MedNews

Eliquis Receives Positive Opinion from CHMP | News | Drug Discovery and Development Magazine

In continuation of my update on Apixaban
Eliquis Receives Positive Opinion from CHMP | News | Drug Discovery and Development Magazine

Experimental Drug-apixaban (Eliquis) : Might Beat Aspirin in Preventing Repeat Strokes: Study

An investigational drug called apixaban (Eliquis) appears to be better than aspirin at preventing blood clots in certain patients who have already suffered a stroke or so-called "mini-stroke" due to an abnormal heart rhythm, according to the results of a new study.

For patients with the dangerous irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation who can't tolerate the standard drug treatment, daily apixaban seems to be more effective at warding off a stroke or blood clot than aspirin, the study found.

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