Rivaroxaban vs. warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and a CHADS2 score of 2 points or more should be placed on warfarin anticoagulation. If they do not meet the CHADS2 criteria for warfarin, then they should receive therapy with aspirin. If a patient's condition is well-controlled on warfarin, this study does not support transitioning him or her to rivaroxaban, the more expensive alternative. Home monitoring of INR should be considered for patients who are capable and motivated to perform self-monitoring. Rivaroxaban has no reversal agent and has significant drug interactions (P-glycoprotein inducers and CYP3A4 inhibitors increase the risk of bleeding; P-glycoprotein inducers reduce effectiveness).