Briefing Note: rivaroxaban (Xarelto) DVT

SMC accepted rivaroxaban for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and prevention of recurrent DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) following an acute DVT in adults.

• A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) develops when a blood clot forms in a vein in the lower limbs. Blood flow can be restricted around the clot and may cause pain and swelling. There is a risk that all or part of the clot breaks off and is transported through the venous system to become lodged in the lungs where it forms a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be fatal.
• Rivaroxaban is a blood-thinning medicine used to prevent harmful blood clots forming. It works by blocking Factor Xa, which is an important component of blood clotting. It is given as a tablet.
• Rivaroxaban has previously been accepted by SMC for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adults undergoing hip and knee surgery. It has now also been licensed for use in the treatment and prevention of DVT and PE.
• A study showed that rivaroxaban worked as well as standard therapy for the treatment and prevention of DVT.
• A side effect of all blood-thinning drugs can be unwanted bleeding. The risk of unwanted bleeding in patients taking rivaroxaban appears to be similar to that in patients taking a low molecular weight heparin.
• SMC accepted rivaroxaban for the treatment of DVT, and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE following an acute DVT, because it offers value for money.

21 February 2012