According to the results from the ARISTOTLE trial, Apixaban works better than Warfarin at preventing strokes in AF patients no matter if the AF is permanent, persistent or paroxysmal.
The results stem from secondary analysis of the trial which is also showing that Apixaban actually decreases the patients’ risks of bleeding complications better than Warfarin as well. These study results were presented by Dr. Sana Al-Khatib of Duke Clinical Research Institute at Duke University in Durham, N.C., at the Heart Rhythm Society 2012 Scientific Sessions. The research showed that there was a difference in embolic risk that depended on the of AF the patients had regardless of what treatment they were taking for it. Al-Khatib told heartwire that the study results suggest that “the outcomes of patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal atrial fib are similar with respect to stroke or systemic embolism. Our results actually challenge that view, because they clearly show that people with persistent or permanent AF have a higher risk of stroke or systemic embolism, and that was the case even when we adjusted for possible confounders.”
This study does indicate that if Apixaban is being seriously considered as an alternative treatment to the Warfarin in AF patients, Apixaban’s benefits don’t have to be determined by the type of AF the patients has.
“Although in our study we show that patients with paroxysmal atrial fib are at a lower risk of stroke or systemic embolism, given all the favorable effects of Apixaban, especially on the safety end points,” Al-Khatib said, “it may be a good idea to put people on Apixaban regardless of the type of atrial fib, if they have at least one other risk factor for stroke or system embolism.”
AF can be a deadly condition that is treated with various different drugs like Apixaban, Warfarin and Multaq. However, of the three, Multaq has been proven to be extremely dangerous. By taking Multaq, patients often develop liver failure and a worsening of their heart conditions, which is why the drug is no longer being prescribed unless all other medications prove useless.
If you or a loved one have developed liver failure or a worsening of your heart condition after using Multaq, contact attorney 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.