Apixaban a newer anticoagulant approved by NICE

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NICE has recommended the use of Eliquis (apixaban) as a treatment option for the NHS for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in some people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) in final guidance.

NICE recommends that apixaban can be used as an option for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular AF and one or more risk factors.

NICE said apixaban is more effective than warfarin and removes the need for regular INR checks and dose adjustments. Apixaban also causes fewer bleeds than warfarin, it said.

It is estimated that the treatment will costs £803 a year per patient and would be a cost-effective use of NHS funds, NICE said.

'Apixaban, like rivaroxaban and dabigatran etexilate, which NICE recently approved as options for this indication, has potential benefits for people with AF in these circumstances because it doesn’t require such regular monitoring and dose adjustments.'

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