Vaskulárna medicína 1/2014

Apixaban – a new oral anticoagulant

Apixaban is a new oral inhibitor of factor Xa, which could be indicated in prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrilation (NVAF) or in prevention of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery. Apixaban in comparison to warfarin significantly decreases the onset of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with NVAF and exhibits significantly better safety profile. Routine laboratory monitoring of anticoagulation effect of apixaban is not necessary. However assesment of anticoagulation is highly recommended in some situations. At present there are not the specific tests for apixaban in ordinary clinical praxis. In this moment also the specific antidotum is not available. This contribution discusses about the main pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug and about the appropriate therapeutic steps in particular clinical situations.

Keywords: apixaban, factor Xa, stroke, systemic embolism, prevention.