Summary

Rivaroxaban, a direct, specific, competitive factor Xa inhibitor that inhibits thrombin generation, is an effective treatment for venous thromboembolism. The Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor Rivaroxaban in Patients With Acute Symptomatic Deep-Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism trial [EINSTEIN PE; Buller HR et al. N Engl J Med 2012] reported data that showed that rivaroxaban was noninferior to standard therapy but had a superior bleeding profile in patients with pulmonary embolism.