| Summary: | Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia,1,2 characterized by disorganized, rapid, and irregular activity of the atria (i.e., the upper chambers of the heart).3 AF is recognized as a chronic, progressive disorder associated with increased morbidity and mortality.4-6 The Heart and Stroke Foundation estimates that approximately 350,000 Canadians are affected by AF.7 In all types of AF, embolization of atrial thrombi poses a significant risk of arterial thromboembolism, transient ischemic attack, and stroke, which are associated with high recurrence and substantial debilitating impact.4,5 Edoxaban is a direct factor Xa inhibitor. Inhibition of factor Xa in the coagulation cascade leads to an anticoagulant effect. Edoxaban is administered orally, at a dosage of 60 mg once daily, and its current proposed indication is for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with AF. Edoxaban has a Health Canada indication for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolic events (SEEs) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).8 We performed a systematic review of the beneficial and harmful effects of edoxaban 60 mg (30 mg dose reduced) once daily for the prevention of stroke and SEEs in patients with NVAF.
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