Summary

Warfarin is widely used for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) but novel oral anticoagulants have been developed that may be just as effective [Dogliotti A et al. Clin Cardiol 2013]. Edoxaban is a direct oral factor Xa inhibitor administered once daily with a rapid onset of action. Warfarin and two doses of edoxaban were compared in the Anticoagulation With Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation — Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 48 study [ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48; Giugliano RP et al. N Engl J Med 2013].