Scientists find more effective drug to prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation patients
While Canadian and international pharmacies sell many of the medications needed to battle chronic illness, scientific research continues to develop novel treatments that these businesses may also sell one day.
While Canadian and international pharmacies sell many of the medications needed to battle chronic illness, scientific research continues to develop novel treatments that these businesses may also sell one day. One such medication, apixaban, is proving to be more effective at preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients than the standard warfarin, as suggested by an international study.
AF is the most common heart arrhythmia, affecting one-third of people hospitalized for abnormal heart rhythm. It also increases one's risk for a stroke by up to five times, medical experts said.
A team of scientists conducted a clinical trial involving more than 18,000 AF patients from 39 countries. Subjects had at least one other risk factor for stroke, such as high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. They were assigned to treatment groups receiving apixaban, warfarin or warfarin placebo.
Results showed that those taking apixaban were 21 percent less likely to have a stroke or systemic embolism, and 31 percent less likely to endure major bleeding. The overall risk of death was cut by 11 percent, as presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2011.
"[The current anticoagulant] is associated with a risk of bleeding and needs very close monitoring, whereas this new drug is taken twice a day and does not require monitoring," said researcher Justin Ezekowitz. "Our trial also shows it is not just equivalent, but better than warfarin for preventing strokes."
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