The UK-based National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recently decided to recommend the drug rivaroxaban (Xarelto) as a treatment option for patients with atrial fibrillation. Rivaroxaban is used to help patients prevent strokes and systemic embolisms.

The guidance, issued on March 30 by NICE, states that the patients who are currently taking Warfarin for this purpose may want to switch to the rivaroxaban because the drug is considered a safer and more effective drug when considering their INR level. One thing that NICE did add, however, was that the rivaroxaban is not going to be reimbursed by the National Health Service (NHS) until the guidance is actually published, which will be in a few months.

In a press release for NICE, Dr. Carole Longson, Health Technology Evaluation Centre director of NICE, said that “older people with AF and comorbidities are more likely to have poorly-controlled clotting and may be at an increased risk of stroke or bleeding. Rivaroxaban, like dabigatran etexilate, which NICE recently approved as an option for this indication, can benefit people with AF in these circumstances, because it doesn’t require such regular monitoring and dose adjustments.

“We are pleased to say that the additional information and analysis received from the manufacturer following our initial draft guidance has enabled us to recommend rivaroxaban as a cost-effective option for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in people with atrial fibrillation,” she added.

Multaq is another drug that is used to treat AF patients. However, the rivaroxaban has been viewed lately as a safer alternative to both Multaq and Warfarin. Multaq is made by Sanofi-Aventis and has been linked to serious side effects like liver failure and a worsening of the heart condition. Some deaths even occurred during one PALLAS study that forced the trial to be halted. The PALLAS study was meant to see if Multaq could be used as a treatment for permanent AF.

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.