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Xarelto (rivaroxaban), an anti-clotting medication, has beenapproved by the FDA for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation to reduce stroke risk. Xarelto , a Factor Xa inhibitor, acts at a crucial point in theblood-clotting process and stops the formation of blood clots. Itsprincipal advantage over other anti-clotting medications(anticoagulants) is that it does not need such close monitoring ordosage adjustments. Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. has the rights to market rivaroxabanin the USA while Bayer Healthcare holds the rights to market itelsewhere in the world. Janssen belongs to Johnson & Johnson. Atrial fibrillation, one of the most common kinds of abnormal heartrhythm, affects over 2 million people in the USA. The human hearthas two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles).The atria consist of a right and left atrium, and the ventriclesconsist of the left and right ventricles. If the atria contract to0quickly or irregularly, the individual has atrial fibrillation. Itis caused by a disorder in the electrical system of the heart. Arrhythmia means an irregular heartbeat. Patients with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of blood clotsforming in the atria. The clot can become dislodged, make its wayto the bloodstream and end up in the brain, where it can cause astroke. Strokes can result in brain damage, and serious behavioraland physical problems, and even death. Atrial fibrillation patients have a five times higher risk ofdeveloping a stroke compared to other people. According to the NIH(National Institutes of Health), approximately one third ofpatients with atrial fibrillation (AT) have a stroke. If a person has non-valvular atrial fibrillation, it means they do not have serious problems intheir heart valves. Director of the Division of Cardiovascular and Renal Products inthe FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, NormanStockbridge, M.D., Ph.D., said: "Atrial fibrillation can lead to the formation of blood clots,which can travel to the brain, blocking blood flow and causing adisabling stroke. This approval gives doctors and patients anothertreatment option for a condition that must be managed carefully." When a stroke occurs, the blood flow to a part of the brain isblocked. If brain cells are subsequently damaged or destroyed,other parts of the body can be affected. The patient can experiencenumbness in the legs, arms or face, they may have problems speakingor understanding what people say, there may be vision problems,difficulties with coordination, incontinence , mobility, etc. The FDA assessed a clinical trial involving over 14,000 patients.The study compared Xarelto against warfarin , another anticoagulant. Xarelto was found to be just as effectiveas warfarin in preventing stroke. However, with warfarin doctorshave to regularly measure its levels in the patient's bloodstream.This is not the case with Xarelto. On the other hand, warfarin ismuch cheaper than Xarelto. Atrial fibrillation patients should take Xarelto once a day duringtheir evening meal so that it can be totally absorbed. Xarelto, like other anticoagulants, may cause bleeding that can(rarely) result in death. The most common adverse event reported bypatients on Xarelto during the trial was bleeding. Risk of bleedingwas found to be similar to that of warfarin. Xarelto caused morebleeding in the stomach and less in the brain. Discontinuing the drug without checking with a doctor can raise therisk of stroke. In a boxed warning, patients and doctors areinformed about this. When patients or caregivers pick up their Xarelto prescription theywill be given a Medication guide; this is an FDA-requirement. Theguide explains the risks as well as possible adverse events. In July this year Xarelto was approved by the FDA for use afterknee or hip replacement surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots,DVT ( deep vein thrombosis ), and pulmonary embolism . Rivaroxaban's molecular formula is C 19 H 18 ClN 3 O 5 S. It is well absorbed in the gut. Maximum factor Xa inhibitionoccurs four hours after taking it, and its effects last between 8to 12 hours. However, factor Xa activity is not fully restored for24 hours, making a once-daily dosing possible. Written by Christian Nordqvist. The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as China Aerospace Forging , Heavy Steel Forgings Manufacturer, and more. For more , please visit Forged Steel Shaft today!
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