Apixaban (tradename: Eliquis) is a novel anticoagulant for the prevention of stroke and other thromboembolic events that is awaiting FDA approval.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb ( BMY) and Pfizer ( PFE) announced over the weekend positive results in a Phase 3 trial that compared Elquis to warfarin for the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and at least one risk factor for stroke.

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Lord Warner said examples of products where restrictions are likely to be lifted include 75mg aspirin tablets for secondary prevention of heart attack or stroke, and the use of products containing calcium and vitamin D by patients with osteoporosis.

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Coordinated efforts are needed to face the increasing challenge of optimal stroke prevention and rhythm management in patients with atrial fibrillation.

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Now, however, there are data showing some sign of heart risk for every Cox-2 inhibitor ever approved in the U.S. Vioxx doubled the risk of heart attack and stroke in one cancer prevention study, and now the same is true for Celebrex.

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Rivaroxaban is currently indicated in the US for stroke reduction in patients with atrial fibrillation, for the treatment and prevention of recurrence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and for DVT prophylaxis after orthopedic surgery.

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