Apixaban for preventing stroke and systemic embolism in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Apixaban is recommended as an option for preventing stroke and systemic embolism within its marketing authorisation, that is, in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with 1 or more risk factors such as:

• prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack

• age 75 years or older

• hypertension

• diabetes mellitus

• symptomatic heart failure.

Decide whether to start treatment with apixaban after an informed discussion with the person about its risks and benefits compared with warfarin, dabigatran etexilate, edoxaban and rivaroxaban. For people taking warfarin, consider the potential risks and benefits of switching to apixaban taking into account their level of international normalised ratio (INR) control.