Rivaroxaban: future in anticoagulation practice?

OBJECTIVE

To summarise and critically evaluate the evidence from randomised clinical trials for the effectiveness of rivaroxaban against standard anticoagulation practice.

METHODS

The implementation of a search strategy in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis and the American Heart Association. The search identified randomised, controlled trials investigating the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban against standard anticoagulation practice in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism, which were then reviewed.

RESULTS

Rivaroxaban in phase II studies has shown comparable rates of efficacy and safety with enoxaparin in the prevention of venous thromboembolism. Rivaroxaban given once or twice daily over a wide dose range was as effective and safe as standard therapy for the treatment of acute, symptomatic DVT. Preliminary data in phase III studies show rivaroxaban 10 mg administered once daily is superior to enoxaparin in the prevention of venous thromboembolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from phase II trials and current on-going research demonstrates that rivaroxaban has the potential to replace standard anticoagulation practice for the prevention of venous thromboembolism.