Aspirin Plus Clopidogrel vs Aspirin Alone for Preventing Cardiovascular Events Among Patients at High Risk for Cardiovascular Events

Journal of the American Medical Association

Based on a Cochrane review of 15 trials it is concluded that for every 1000 patients treated for about 10 months with the combination instead of aspirin alone there will be 13 and 23 fewer cases of MI and stroke respectively but 9 additional cases of major bleeding.

Variation in anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation between English clinical commissioning groups: an observational study

British Journal of General Practice

Analysis of data from the national Quality and Outcomes Framework showed that the percentage of patients prescribed anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation increased from 65.1% to 77.9% between 2012/13 and 2015/16 but 9 out of 10 CCGs still do not achieve 90% anticoagulation.

Revised SPC: Revolade (eltrombopag) tablets

electronic Medicines compendium

Eltrombopag is highly coloured and so has the potential to interfere with some laboratory tests eg total bilirubin and creatinine testing. If the laboratory results and clinical observations are inconsistent, re-testing using another method is advised.

Patent foramen ovale closure, antiplatelet therapy or anticoagulation therapy alone for management of cryptogenic stroke?

British Medical Journal

Review (7 RCTs; n=3913) found that patent foramen ovale closure prevents recurrent stroke relative to antiplatelet therapy, but not anticoagulants, and is associated with procedural complications and persistent atrial fibrillation in adults aged <60 years with cryptogenic stroke.

Continued vs. interrupted direct oral anticoagulants at the time of device surgery, in patients with moderate to high risk of arterial thrombo-embolic events (BRUISE CONTROL-2)

European Heart Journal

RCT (n=662) found that either continued or interrupted direct oral anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban) was a reasonable management strategy at the time of device surgery (primary outcome of clinically significant haematoma occurred in 2.1% of both arms; p=0.97).

Andexxa—An Antidote for Apixaban and Rivaroxaban

Journal of the American Medical Association

This Medical Letter review discusses the mechanism of action, adverse effects, and cost associated with coagulation factor Xa that was approved by the FDA for reversal of the anticoagulant effect of apixaban and rivaroxaban.

The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:

http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services