New drug to prevent strokes released

Rivaroxaban, a new oral anti-coagulant drug, was released by the Bayer Healthcare during the 3rd Annual Emirates Cardiac Society Congress that was recently held in Dubai The new formula potentially prevents strokes and overcomes the limitations of current treatments that have been prescribed since the 1950s The new anticoagulant, which is now available in 110 countries, has been developed to prevent and treat dangerous blood clots, and holds promise for millions of patients around the world with, or at threat from venous or arterial blood clots. It is also approved by leading international medical agencies such as the Food and Drug Association in the US(FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA). In his keynote address to the congress, Dr. Wael Abdulrahman Al Mahmeed, Consultant Cardiologist, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, explained: “Since the 1950s, the standard of care for stroke prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism has involved VKAs including warfarin. Though effective, warfarin can lead to unpredictable levels of anticoagulation and requires the need for frequent blood monitoring and dose adjustments, not to mention drug interactions and dietary restrictions.” Dr.Frank Sonntag, Consultant (Cardiology) and Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Heart Foundation, said: “The new drug – Rivaroxaban —  simplifies protection with a simple fixed once daily dosing, rapid onset of action without the need for routine coagulation monitoring or frequent dose adjustment, low risk of drug-drug interactions and limited potential of dietary restrictions.” The 3rd Annual Emirates Cardiac Society Congress in Dubai was attended by leading medical experts in the field of cardiology and stroke prevention. For the third consecutive year, the Congress is hosted by the Emirates Cardiac Society. The Emirates Cardiac Society is a network of cardiologists in the UAE that work under the umbrella of the Emirates Medical Association. The society’s mission is to educate the public and health care professionals.