New blood thinner outperforms warfarin in study

(CBS) Warfarin may be the usual drug for preventing strokes in people with the heart rhythm problem known as atrial fibrillation, but a new study shows that an experimental blood thinner called apixaban works way better.

In addition to being 21 percent less likely to have a stroke, people who took apixaban (Eliquis) were 31 less likely to experience bleeding problems and had a 11 percent reduction in mortality, the study’s lead author, Duke University’s Dr. Christopher B. Granger, said in a written statement.

The study, which involved more than 18,000 patients in 39 countries, also showed that apixaban works safely without the regular blood tests that are essential for people taking warfarin (Coumadin). And apixaban has fewer interactions between foods and other drugs. Read Full Article