Experimental Canada Drug Prevents Recurring Strokes

An experimental Canada drug known as apixaban (Eliquis) seems to be more effective than aspirin at avoiding blood clots in particular patients who have already undergone a stroke or so-called "mini-stroke" because of abnormal heart rhythm. 

Commenting on the findings, Dr. Anthony Comerota, director of the Jobst Vascular Institute, Toledo Hospital in Toledo, Ohio, noted that the study results were not surprising, but added that it is important to understand exactly which patients might benefit from apixaban. 

"Because aspirin does not have a major beneficial effect on the blood-clotting system, this is a result that I would expect among those with atrial fibrillation. But this is the point that needs to be made clear: strokes resulting from atrial fibrillation are different from those that result from disease going to the main arteries in the brain," explained Comerota, who was not connected to the study. 

"Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal rhythm in the heart, in which the atria -- the top chambers of the heart -- do not contract. They just sort of fibrillate [quiver]. And, therefore, the blood does not empty completely from the atrium. And if it doesn't empty it sits there, and if it sits there stagnant, there's tendency for the blood to clot," he continued. It is always best to start at the root – buy Diovan to treat hypertension which could lead to strokes.

"So what this study did," Comerota noted, "was compare the benefits of aspirin versus apixaban to reduce the likelihood of this kind of clotting. Clotting in the atrium. Because if fewer clots form in the heart there's less of a likelihood any will break off and go to the brain and cause a stroke." 

Comerota pointed out that "the benefit of using this new anticoagulant to reduce this risk is that it comes from a new class of drugs that has much less interaction than warfarin with other kinds of medications." 

Apixaban does not require the same kind of monitoring as warfarin, which demands frequent blood tests and also interacts with many common types of food. "Warfarin is a good drug, but it needs to be carefully monitored and, unfortunately, has many problematic interactions. And for those who can't take it, this study suggests apixaban is a good alternative," Comerota concluded.  Both these drugs are readily available in various Canadian pharmacies, so no matter which your preference is you are surely served.