The newest AF treatment for stroke prevention — Dabigatran — is quickly gaining ground over other medications, including the extremely popular Warfarin. In fact, by the end of 2011, Dabigatran had taken over a fifth of the action in the United States alone in terms of sales.

To put things in better perspective, Dabigatran is now the preferred medication prescribed to AF patients in about 19 percent of the doctor’s offices around the country. While the longstanding Warfarin is still leading the pack with 81 percent, Dabigatran looks to be overcoming other drugs in terms of prescriptions. These statistics were conducted in the September 2012 Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. Dabigatran has been approved by the FDA since 2010 and quickly rose past its rival drug Rivaroxaban — which wasn’t approved to treat AF until 2011.

Even though Dabigatran is doing well in the market, it is not doing as well as was first expected since the drug is still not being used as much as Warfarin. A recent analysis on the drug’s use conducted by Dr. G. Caleb Alexander shows that treatment rates are still low and many patients are using Dabigatran in its off-label capacities, such as to treat venous thromboembolism.

“One would expect to see decreasing rates of undertreatment of atrial fibrillation,” Alexander says.

Warfarin is the leading stroke prevention AF treatment on the market today, but newer treatments like Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran and Apixaban have managed to give new hope for a safer alternative. Each of these medications is said to be safer and just as effective as Warfarin. One drug that is not viewed as being safe or effective is Multaq. Research has shown that Multaq causes liver failure and a worsening of the heart condition for some patients. Multaq has been recommended for use only should all other medications fail to work.

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.