Atrial fibrillation - dabigatran etexilate - NICE TAG TA249

1.1 Dabigatran etexilate is recommended as an option for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism within its licensed indication, that is, in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with one or more of the following risk factors:

• previous stroke, transient ischaemic attack or systemic embolism

• left ventricular ejection fraction below 40%

• symptomatic heart failure of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 2 or above

• age 75 years or older

• age 65 years or older with one of the following: diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease or hypertension.

1.2 The decision about whether to start treatment with dabigatran etexilate should be made after an informed discussion between the clinician and the person about the risks and benefits of dabigatran etexilate compared with warfarin. For people who are taking warfarin, the potential risks and benefits of switching to dabigatran etexilate should be considered in light of their level of international normalised ratio (INR) control.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/TA249