The US FDA has just announced that on September 8, 2011, the FDA Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee will meet to review whether to recommend approval of rivaroxaban (brand name Xarelto), an alternative to warfarin, for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
In this recent video interview, Dr. Elaine Hylek, a leading anticoagulant authority, discussed the new novel anticoagulants that overcome many of the problems of the current blood thinner, warfarin (Coumadin). She reviewed the ROCKET AF clinical trial results for rivaroxaban and the RE-LY clinical trial results for the currently-approved dabigatran (brand name Pradaxa). She also spoke briefly about the ARISTOTLE trial for apixaban and the trial for edoxaban, both of which may also become alternatives to warfarin.
Watch the video or read the transcript at:
Dr. Elaine Hylek Reviews New Novel Anticoagulants for Atrial Fibrillation Stroke Prevention — Video
Now that Pradaxa (dibigatran) is available I’m seeing a few patients on it who are really relieved to avoid the frequent blood tests. The BID dosing is a drag, but overall a big plus for patient autonomy and convenience.
I would be happy to switch to PRADAXA if it will work for me in my situation. I have afib due to the malfuction of closing correctly on one side of my heart. I am on coumdun but really do not want to be if I can get something else that will work o.k. I will talk to my Dr. soon and ask.Thanks , Wanda pengelly
I would be glad to change from warfarin to Pradaxa but the price of the drug is way to high for a person on a fixed income. I really don’t think it is going to change for drug company’s are only in it to make profits not help people.
Hi Jo-Ann, medications can be pricey, but there may also be assistance out there that could help. You may be interested in looking through StopAfib’s Resources page under Patient Assistance to see if any of those resources would be helpful for you. Depending on income, drugs can be free. In addition, Patient Advocate Foundation helps those who are uninsured. Good luck!
Melissa
i am currently on xarelto and the cost is 75.00 per 90 days last year i went in the donut hole and was to pay 397.31 for 90 days which i cannot do.. iwanted something less expensivebut there is not a generic that is available as yet.. Now i am on sprivia which is also expensive and no alternative for it either… what is a person to do on a fixed income?? thank you
Ida, You may be interested in looking through the Patient Assistance section of our Patient Resources page. Also, you may find something useful among the Industry Atrial Fibrillation Patient Resources on the same resource page. I hope that helps.
I’m in the exact same situation. I don’t know wat to do. I wish I could cure this AFib
Weren’t there lawsuits being brought against xarelto and pradaxa due to dangerous side effects, of which could not be reversed? Also, I read about a safety issue in regard to a bleeding problem connected to eliquis(sp). I am wondering why this is not being reported here. I believe the “cons” should be divulged to the public so they can be allowed to make wise decisions regarding their health.
Because this was posted with a phony email address, it was almost deleted as spam. But we cannot let these comments go. It’s important to reiterate that the risks from Pradaxa and Xarelto are still less than the risks from warfarin (Coumadin). There is a myth that you can reverse warfarin, but as Dr. Hylek says, “We’re only fooling ourselves if we think we can reliably reverse warfarin; we can’t!” (A close friend of mine lost her husband to a warfarin bleed.) Reversal agents for Pradaxa and Xarelto will be available fairly soon.
Mellanie
On Pardaxa at present and experiencing sever digestive problems. Unbelievable heartburn. Looking for alternative without going back to warfrin.
Greg, You may be interested in posing your question on our patient discussion forum. Here’s information on how to sign up.
Melissa