Apixaban for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after total hip or knee replacement

• apixaban is an anticoagulant that affects the blood coagulation cascade by directly inhibiting activated factor X (factor Xa), so inhibiting thrombin formation and the development of thrombi
  
  
• apixaban has a marketing authorisation for the 'prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in adult patients who have undergone elective hip or knee replacement surgery'
  
  
• according to the summary of product characteristics, 11% of patients treated with apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily in clinical trials experienced adverse reactions. As with other anticoagulants, bleeding may occur during apixaban therapy in patients with risk factors such as lesions liable to bleed. Common adverse reactions are anaemia, haemorrhage, contusion and nausea. For full details of side effects and contraindications, see the summary of product characteristics

NICE have stated that "..Apixaban is recommended as an option for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in adults after elective hip or knee replacement surgery.."

Reference:

• 1) NICE (January 2012). Apixaban for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after total hip or knee replacement in adults