Is there a role for novel oral anticoagulants in  patients with an acute coronary syndrome?  A review of the clinical trials.
The novel oral anticoagulant drugs, comprising dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban, have emerged as compelling alternatives to vitamin K antagonists for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, and low‑molecular‑weight heparin for thromboprophylaxis following hip and knee arthroplasty. Rivaroxaban has also been approved for treatment of venous thromboembolism. However, the role of these drugs for the management of patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is less certain. The purpose of this review was to summarize the randomized trials evaluating novel oral anticoagulants in patients with an ACS and consider the reasons why these drugs have not been incorporated into routine clinical practice. In addition, the situation involving rivaroxaban, which has been approved for use in patients with an acute coronary syndrome in Europe but not in North America, is discussed.
Aaron
A
Liew
Saeed
S
Darvish-Kazem
James D
JD
Douketis
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000069604:Dabigatran; D006801:Humans; D009025:Morpholines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011728:Pyridones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000069552:Rivaroxaban; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015091:beta-Alanine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives
D000925:Anticoagulants; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D009025:Morpholines; D011720:Pyrazoles; D011728:Pyridones; D013876:Thiophenes; D015091:beta-Alanine; C522181:apixaban; D000069552:Rivaroxaban; D000069604:Dabigatran