Thromboembolic and bleeding events with rivaroxaban in clinical practice in Spain: impact of inappropriate doses (the EMIR study)

J Comp Eff Res. 2021 May;10(7):583-593. doi: 10.2217/cer-2020-0286. Epub 2021 Mar 31.

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the frequency and variables related to inappropriate rivaroxaban dosage in clinical practice and its impact on outcomes after 2 years. Materials & methods: Postauthorization, observational, multicenter study, in which atrial fibrillation patients, treated with rivaroxaban ≥6 months were included. Results: A total of 1421 patients (74.2 ± 9.7 years, CHA2DS2-VASc 3.5 ± 1.6) were included. Overall, 22.9% received rivaroxaban 15 mg. The proper dose of rivaroxaban was taken by 83.3% (9.7% underdosed, 7.0% overdosed). Older age and renal insufficiency were associated with inadequate rivaroxaban dosage. There was a trend toward higher all-cause mortality among underdosed patients (adjusted hazard ratio 1.39; 95% CI 0.75-2.58), and more bleedings in overdosed patients (2.29 vs 0.80 events/100 patient-years; p = 0.14). Conclusion: In clinical practice, rivaroxaban is properly dosed in most patients.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation; dosage; major bleeding; overdosage; rivaroxaban; stroke; underdosage.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / drug therapy
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / epidemiology
  • Factor Xa Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Hemorrhage / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Rivaroxaban / adverse effects
  • Spain / epidemiology
  • Stroke*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Factor Xa Inhibitors
  • Rivaroxaban