New Study: Xarelto No Better Than Aspirin At Preventing Blood Clots

A new medical trial comparing low-dose aspirin with expensive Xarelto found that aspirin was just as effective at controlling proximal deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Johnson and Johnson is facing Xarelto lawsuits for uncontrolled bleeding following Xarelto administration, resulting in hypovolemic shocks, injury and death.

The trial compared aspirin and rivaroxaban (brand name Xarelto) among 3,400 patients undergoing a total hip replacement or a total knee replacement. The trial was quadruple blind with patients, doctors, and reviewers not knowing which medication was prescribed. The trial found Xarelto patients were diagnosed with post surgical pulmonary embolism (PE) at 0.35%, vs just 0.29% for aspirin.  Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) was diagnosed at identical rates: 0.23%. Xarelto failed to prevent more PE and DVT events than aspirin.

Xarelto can cost over $400 per month while aspirin is a low-cost generic medication available over the counter. An in-depth analysis of the study results can be seen here at the American College of Cardiology’s website.

Related Links:

• Reuters Article: Aspirin as Good as Xarelto
• College of Cardiology: EPCAT II Study