Edoxaban in venous thromboembolism and stroke prevention: an appraisal

Marco Proietti,1,2 Gregory YH Lip1,3 1University of Birmingham Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK; 2Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy; 3Aalborg Thrombosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark Abstract: Oral anticoagulation is the therapeutic cornerstone in preventing thromboembolic risk in both atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). After decades of the sole therapeutic oral anticoagulation option being warfarin, the introduction of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants has heralded a new era. Edoxaban is the latest addition to these available for clinical use. Edoxaban was as effective and safer than warfarin in preventing thromboembolic risk in AF patients. Similarly, edoxaban effectiveness and safety was evident when treating VTE patients to prevent recurrent VTE or VTE-related death. Therefore, edoxaban represents a valuable alternative in treating thromboembolic risk for AF and VTE patients. Keywords: atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, stroke, anticoagulation, edoxaba