Introduction: Until recently, only vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were used for long-term anticoagulation. New oral anticoagulants, with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics different to VKAs, are now available for some indications. Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®) is an oral Factor Xa inhibitor approved in many countries for long-term treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism. This article is addressed to all professionals involved in the management of treated patients to highlight the characteristics of rivaroxaban and provide practical guidance on management of treated patients.
Areas covered: This article is based on a consensus of specialists involved in the management of anticoagulant treatment, including thrombosis experts, cardiologists, neurologists, emergency medicine specialists, and general practitioners. The authors performed a nonsystematic review of the literature, and expressed guidance statements based on the results of the review as well as personal experience.
Expert opinion: Availability of new anticoagulant drugs, including rivaroxaban, is an important step forward to allow easier, more effective, and safer long-term anticoagulation in patients in whom adequate anticoagulation is currently denied due to the limitations of VKAs. However, given their totally new properties, associated risks, and expected broad clinical use, expert professionals and manufacturers must urgently tackle a series of issues.