According to a new ARISTOTLE study which delved deep into the risk-to-benefits ratio of the new anticoagulant medication Apixaban, the drug is better than Warfarin at preventing strokes or systemic embolism in AF patients —even in the presence of renal function problems.
Another thing that researchers found was that AF patients that had kidney disease were also seeing better results with reducing bleeding with Apixaban. While Warfarin has long been viewed by many as the best treatment for reducing strokes and bleeding risks in AF patients, Apixaban is quickly gaining ground on it thanks to the risk-to-benefit ratio.
Renal problems are a huge concern for AF patients when it comes to their anticoagulant treatment because it often adds to the risk for both thromboembolic and bleeding events. Now that this new study is claiming that Apixaban might be better and safer at preventing strokes in AF patients with renal dysfunctions, Warfarin may soon be out to pasture for some AF patients. This report was published online on August 29, 2012 in the European Heart Journal.
Of the report, Dr. Jan Steffel of the University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, and Dr. Gerhard Hindricks of the University of Leipzig–Heart Center, Germany both agree that “This new substudy of ARISTOTLE provides solid evidence for the superiority of Apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease. In the light of these data, apixaban appears to be a very appealing option for these individuals.”
One warning that the researchers do give in their commentary about the report is that the results of the study don’t necessarily apply to patients who have severe renal disease. Dr. Keith Fox of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland says, “In my view, ARISTOTLE provides a treatment option and advantages over Warfarin in patients with moderate renal dysfunction, a group that is currently suboptimally treated.”
Apixaban has moved along quickly in the list of anticoagulant medications that are used to treat patients with AF. Another medication used to treat AF patients is Multaq, which is made by Sanofi-Aventis. Multaq has been linked to liver failure and worsening of the heart condition, and because of this, the drug is only recommended for use if other medications for AF fail.
If you or a loved one has suffered from liver failure or a worsening heart condition after being treated with Multaq, contact the attorneys at Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Multaq lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your injuries.