New APS treatment for some

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The results from the Rivaroxaban in APS trial were published in the Lancet Haematology Journal on 3rd September 2016. 

The study was led by University College London Hospital and Dr Hannah Cohen, Lead researcher, consultant in haematology at UCLH has written the following statement for us: 

“We have shown in the RAPS trial that rivaroxaban could be an effective, safe and convenient alternative to warfarin in some patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. 

We intentionally included in RAPS only antiphospholipid syndrome patients who had venous blood clots requiring standard intensity warfarin, target INR 2.0-3.0. We caution, therefore, that the results do not apply to other groups of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and venous blood clots who need higher INRs or with blood clots in arteries such as in stroke patients, in whom further studies are required.” 

So, to be very clear, if you have had a DVT or PE and have an INR range of between 2.0-3.0, then you now have an alternative treatment to warfarin. 

Rivaroxaban is taken in tablet form daily, does not need to be monitored at all and only stays in your system around 24 hours. 

Please speak to your doctor if you meet the criteria and wish to switch your medication. 

To view the full text of the RAPS paper, please click here: http://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanhae/PIIS2352-3026(16)30079-5.pdf 

These results are a real breakthrough for some patients, rivaroxaban being the only new medication for APS in over a decade. However, we do know that there is still much work to do and are collaborating in the proposed Rivaroxaban in Stroke and APS trial. We will keep you posted!

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