Apixaban Safer Than Rivaroxaban for Blood Clot Treatment, Major Trial Finds

HealthDay News — Patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) experience a significantly lower risk of clinically relevant bleeding when treated with apixaban compared to rivaroxaban, according to findings published in the Fresh England Journal of Medicine. [1]

What is Venous Thromboembolism?

Venous thromboembolism occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein, most commonly in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism). It is a serious condition and the third leading cause of cardiovascular death after heart attack and stroke. [2] It is also the most common preventable cause of death in hospitalized patients.

The COBRRA Trial: A Head-to-Head Comparison

The COBRRA trial, led by researchers at The Ottawa Hospital in Canada, directly compared the two commonly used anticoagulant medications. [4] The prospective, randomized trial enrolled 2,760 participants from 32 sites across Canada, Australia, and Ireland. [4] Participants with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism or proximal deep vein thrombosis were randomized to receive either apixaban or rivaroxaban for three months.

Key Findings: Bleeding Risk Significantly Lower with Apixaban

Results showed a significant difference in bleeding risk between the two drugs. Clinically relevant bleeding occurred in 3.3% of patients treated with apixaban, compared to 7.1% of those treated with rivaroxaban – more than double the risk. [3] Major bleeding events were also more frequent with rivaroxaban (2.4%) than with apixaban (0.4%). [4]

There was no significant difference observed in the risk of recurrent blood clots between the two groups. [2] Death from any cause was also rare, occurring in 0.1% of the apixaban group and 0.3% of the rivaroxaban group. [3]

What Do the Researchers Say?

“These results clearly show that apixaban is the safer option for treating venous thrombosis,” said lead author Dr. Lana A. Castellucci, from the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute at the University of Ottawa. [4] “This trial provides highly anticipated evidence for physicians and should bring real peace of mind to venous thrombosis patients, who often live with the dual fear of blood clot recurrence and bleeding.” [4]

Dosage Information

In the COBRRA trial, apixaban was administered at a dose of 10 mg twice daily for the first 7 days, followed by 5 mg twice daily. Rivaroxaban was given at 15 mg twice daily for 21 days, then 20 mg daily. [4]

Disclaimer: This article provides general medical information and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.