Rivaroxaban vs. Warfarin in CVT Treatment

Rivaroxaban (Rovaltro®) is a novel oral anticoagulant that acts selectively, reversibly, and potently on activated Factor X (Factor Xa) inhibiting a critical point on the coagulation cascade. Rivaroxaban has excellent bioavailability, rapid onset of peak anticoagulation effect, and predictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties making routine laboratory monitoring and dose adjustments almost unnecessary (11). Rivaroxaban is an extensively studied drug and has received approvals for anticoagulation in several preventive and therapeutic indications (11). Now medical literature has some solid evidence that Rivaroxaban is comparable with other anticoagulants in terms of efficacy. Several studies imply that Rivaroxaban may have a lower risk of major bleeding (11). Several reports and small case-series (12,13) suggest that rivaroxaban may be beneficial as Warfarin in the treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) with less or no major complications.

Warfarin (Orfarin®) is the most popular vitamin K antagonist and is considered the standard of care in many venous and arterial anticoagulation indications with extensive clinical experience regarding its use. This inexpensive and effective drug has a narrow therapeutic window that is affected by diet changing and many drug interactions, making frequent monitoring with prothrombin time (PT)/international normalized ratio (INR) highly important.(14)