Practical Management of Rivaroxaban for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism

Traditional anticoagulants, such as low-molecular-weight heparin and vitamin K antagonists, have been the mainstay for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the hospital setting and after discharge. These anticoagulants are effective but are associated with some limitations that may lead to their underuse. Based on the results of the EINSTEIN clinical trial program, the oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban is approved for the treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and for the prevention of recurrent VTE. The single-drug approach with rivaroxaban is now available in both the hospital and the outpatient settings and may overcome some of the limitations of traditional agents. This review provides hospital physicians with an overview of the practical management of rivaroxaban and a critical evaluation of its use for the treatment of DVT and PE, including in specific clinical settings and special patient populations.