Novel Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Rupal Patel Mansukhani^1,2, Lucio R. Volino^1,3

¹Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, USA.
²Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, USA.
³The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, Kenilworth, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/pp.2014.511116                

Abstract

Objective: To review the literature for the emerging oral anticoagulants, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban currently available in the United States. Data Source: A literature review was performed in MEDLINE (1947–July 2014) using the keywords atrial fibrillation AND dabigatran OR rivaroxaban OR apixaban. The references identified from the literature review were then evaluated. All of the literature retrieved from MEDLINE that was published as an original clinical trial was included in this review. Other pertinent articles published related to the original clinical trials were also considered. The references included in this review were limited to studies conducted in humans and written in the English language. Conclusion: The new oral anticoagulant agents have demonstrated benefit over warfarin. The pharmacologic profiles of the newer agents are predictable, with rapid onsets of action. The newer agents are also more convenient for patients since they do not require regular INR monitoring. Although there are many advantages to the newer agents, a patient evaluation must be considered prior to initiating them.

Keywords

Atrial Fibrillation, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Apixiaban

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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