When I choose apixaban – a cardiologist’s perspective Review article
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Published:
May 31, 2026
Keywords:
anticoagulation, DOAC, apixaban, atrial fibrillation, venous thrombo-embolism
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Abstract
Apixaban is a direct oral anticoagulant used in the prevention and treatment of thrombo-embolic events. The drug exhibits predictable pharmacokinetics, a low potential for drug interactions, and no need for routine coagulation monitoring. Clinical studies confirm its high efficacy in stroke prevention, treatment of venous thromboembolism and its prevention following orthopedic surgery. It may also be successfully used in selected patients with subclinical atrial fibrillation or atrial high rate episodes detected by implantable devices. Particular benefits are observed in patient populations with comorbidities, including impaired renal function or an increased risk of bleeding.
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How to Cite
Skwarek, A., & Ozierański, K. (2026). When I choose apixaban – a cardiologist’s perspective. Medycyna Faktow (J EBM), 19(1(70), 71-75. https://doi.org/10.24292/01.MF.0126.9
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References
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9. Uziębło-Życzkowska B, Kapłon-Cieślicka A, Gawałko M et al. Risk factors for left atrial thrombus in younger patients (aged < 65 years) with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter: Data from the multicenter left atrial thrombus on transesophageal echocardiography (LATTEE) registry. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022; 9: 973043.
10. Granger CB, Alexander JH, McMurray JV et al. Apixaban versus Warfarin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2011; 365(11): 981-92.
2. Van Gelder IC, Rienstra M, Bunting KV et al. 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS): Developed by the task force for the management of atrial fibrillation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), with the special contribution of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC. Endorsed by the European Stroke Organisation (ESO). Eur Heart J. 2024; 45(36): 3314-414.
3. Agnelli G, Buller HR, Cohen A et al. Oral Apixaban for the Treatment of Acute Venous Thromboembolism. N Engl J Med. 2013; 369(9): 799-808.
4. Lassen MR, Gallus A, Raskob GE et al. Apixaban versus enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis after hip replacement. N Engl J Med. 2010; 363(26): 2487-98.
5. Lassen MR, Raskob GE, Gallus A et al. Apixaban versus enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis after knee replacement (ADVANCE-2): a randomised double-blind trial. Lancet. 2010; 375(9717): 807-15.
6. Raskob GE, Gallus AS, Pineo GF et al. Apixaban versus enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis after hip or knee replacement: pooled analysis of major venous thromboembolism and bleeding in 8464 patients from the ADVANCE-2 and ADVANCE-3 trials. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2012; 94(2): 257-64.
7. Healey JS, Lopes RD, Granger CB et al. Apixaban for Stroke Prevention in Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2024; 390(2): 107-17.
8. Lau WCY, Torre CO, Man KKC et al. Comparative Effectiveness and Safety Between Apixaban, Dabigatran, Edoxaban, and Rivaroxaban Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. Ann Intern Med. 2022; 175(11): 1515-24.
9. Uziębło-Życzkowska B, Kapłon-Cieślicka A, Gawałko M et al. Risk factors for left atrial thrombus in younger patients (aged < 65 years) with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter: Data from the multicenter left atrial thrombus on transesophageal echocardiography (LATTEE) registry. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022; 9: 973043.
10. Granger CB, Alexander JH, McMurray JV et al. Apixaban versus Warfarin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2011; 365(11): 981-92.