Edoxaban (Lixiana®) is a novel factor Xa-inhibiting oral anticoagulant that has recently been validated both for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and for the prevention of arterial thrombotic events associated with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This article aims at reviewing the results of the two large studies (HOKUSAI-VTE and ENGAGE-AF) that validated this new anticoagulant in these two indications.
These clinical studies clearly demonstrated the efficacy and tolerability of this new oral anticoagulant in both indications as compared to conventional anticoagulants. They especially established the role of a standard dose of 60 mg edoxaban administered once daily and demonstrated the value and effectiveness of a dose reduction to 30 mg daily in some patients at risk of accumulation. This article also summarizes the main properties of edoxaban, which should establish itself as a promising anticoagulant for patients with VTE or NVAF.
Key Words
Oral anticoagulants, edoxaban, venous thromboembolic disease, venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation