Another great example of the generic drug name being so difficult to pronounce you have no choice but to say - Xarelto. The drug touts ease of use and no need for hematologic monitoring like Pradaxa. This drug has the same indication for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. It also is being used in DVT prophylaxis in hip and knee surgeries.
Differences:
- Selective Factor Xa inhibitor unlike Pradaxa which is a competetive direct thrombin inhibitor
- Once a day dosing instead of twice a day for Pradaxa
Same concerns:
- No real reversal but can use FFP in a pinch
- Recommend waiting 24 hrs DC med to perform surgical procedure - this includes LP. I am personally waiting for the first case report of LP performed in ED on a patient taking either Xarelto or Pradaxa with subsequent epidural hematoma. Someone is bound to miss this on the med list. Be careful.
Even if your hospital has not added it to its formulary, you will see patients on this drug in the ED.
