NICE approves dabigatran in atrial fibrillation

Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa), is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as an option to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular AF who have ≥1 of the following risk factors:

• Previous stroke, transient ischaemic attack or systemic embolism
• Left ventricular ejection fraction <40%
• Symptomatic heart failure (NYHA class II or above)
• Age ≥75 years
• Age ≥65 years with one of the following: diabetes, coronary artery disease or hypertension.

The thrombin inhibitor is also approved by NICE for the prevention of venous thromboembolic events in adults who have undergone elective total hip or knee replacement surgery.

Further details

NICE guidance on dabigatran for stroke prevention in AF

NICE guidance on dabigatran for VTE prevention