The FDA has approved apixaban (Eliquis – Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer), an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor, for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. It is the third new oral anticoagulant to be approved for this indication as an alternative to warfarin.1,2

STANDARD TREATMENT — Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of thromboembolic stroke. Anticoagulation can reduce this risk and is recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation and one or more of the following: heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes, or prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (CHADS₂ score ≥1).3 For many years, the vitamin K antagonist warfarin (Coumadin, and generics) has been the oral anticoagulant of choice for prevention of thromboembolic stroke in patients ... more      

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