Rivaroxaban for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in people with atrial fibrillation

Rivaroxaban is recommended as an option for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism within its licensed indication, that is, in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with 1 or more risk factors such as:

• congestive heart failure

• hypertension

• age 75 years or older

• diabetes mellitus

• prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

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