#111 A pill for the second clot I do not want
CLINICAL QUESTION
Are novel anti-coagulants as effective as warfarin in treating acute venous thromboembolism (VTE)?
BOTTOM LINE
Studies show novel anti-coagulants are non-inferior to warfarin in the treatment of VTE and generally have less major bleeding. Regulatory approval, patient values, and drug costs should help in deciding which therapy to use.
Reading Tools for Practice Article can earn you MainPro+ Credits
Join NowAlready a CFPCLearn Member? Log in
EVIDENCE
Five large, industry-funded, non-inferiority randomized clinical trials compared available novel oral anticoagulants to warfarin. Patients’ mean age 55-58 years, ~60% men, ~20% with previous VTE, significant renal impairment excluded.
- Rivaroxaban: 15mg bid x three weeks, then 20mg qd for three, six, or 12 months for 3,449 deep vein thrombosis (DVT)1 and 4,832 pulmonary embolism (PE)2 patients had:
- Similar rates of: recurrent VTE (2-3%), major or clinically significant bleeding (8-11%), and death (2-3%).
- Dabigatran: 150mg bid for six months in 5,107 DVT or PE patients3,4 had:
- Similar rates of recurrent VTE: ~2-2.5%.
- Statistically significantly less major or clinically relevant bleeding: 5.3% vs. 8.5%, Number Needed to Treat (NNT) 32.
- More acute coronary syndromes (9 vs. 5) but statistics not reported.
- Apixaban: 10mg bid x seven days, then 5mg bid x six months in 5,395 DVT or PE patients5 had:
- Similar rates of recurrent VTE or VTE-related death: 2.2% vs. 2.6%.
- Statistically significantly less major or clinically significant bleeding: 4.3% vs. 9.7%, NNT 19.
- Non-inferiority margins set higher than clinically important differences:
- Rivaroxaban considered non-inferior to warfarin if had ≤twice the number of recurrent VTEs. Dabigatran margins set higher, apixaban lower.
- Warfarin time in therapeutic range ~60%, lower earlier in studies.1-5
- Compared to placebo, extending novel oral anticoagulant therapy decreases VTE recurrence which is partially offset by increased bleeding.1,6,7
- Extending treatment with aspirin also decreases VTE recurrence.8
- LMWH is recommended for treating VTEs in cancer patients.9
- Only rivaroxaban is currently approved in Canada for VTE treatment.10
- Drug costs, six months (Alberta): rivaroxaban ~$625, warfarin ~$40.11
Latest Tools for Practice
#364 Facing the Evidence in Acne, Part II: Oral Antibiotics
How effective are oral antibiotics in treating acne of at least mild-moderate severity?
#363 Making a difference in indifference? Medications for apathy in dementia
In patients with dementia, how safe and effective are stimulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics for treating apathy?
#362 Facing the Evidence in Acne, Part I: Oral contraceptives and spironolactone in females
How effective are combined oral contraceptives (COC) and spironolactone for treating acne of at least mild-moderate severity in females?
