The role of edoxaban in preventing thromboembolic complications in patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Edoxaban is a selective direct factor Xa inhibitor. Edoxaban in a dose of 60 mg per day is an effective and safe option in the prevention of thromboembolic complications in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, including in combination therapy in patients after percutaneous coronary interventions. ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 is currently the most extensive study comparing direct oral anticoagulants and warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation, both in terms of number of participants and duration of observation. For edoxaban, an adequate approach to dose reduction has been developed in patients with alikely increase in plasma concentration due to renal impairment, low body weight or inter-drug interactions. Such dose reduction does notlead to an increase in the frequency of ischemic complications.Edoxaban is characterized by an optimal safety profile in patients with chronic moderate kidney disease, a small number of drug interactions and a convenient mode of administration. In patients with atrial fibrillation and concomitant ischemic heart disease, the use of Edoxaban is associated with a decrease in the frequency of myocardial infarctions, as well as strokes and episodes of systemic thromboembolism in comparison with warfarin. The drug can be successfully used as anticoagulant support for cardioversion and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.Edoxaban intake does not require routinelaboratory control. In case of unexpected situations (life-threatening bleeding, urgent surgical intervention) in patients receiving edoxaban, to assess the degree of anticoagulation should use the determination of anti-Xa activity. Clinical studies of a specific antidote of edoxaban - andexanet alfa are ongoing. Before approval of the specific antidote in severe andlife-threatening bleedings against the background of edoxaban administration, the use of prothrombin complex concentrate should be considered. Data on the effective and safe use of edoxaban in routine clinical practice have been accumulated.