Oral Anticoagulant Switch Scheme
Switching from Edoxaban
This page is for patients taking Edoxaban. Thank you for taking the time to read this page. We want to have a telephone conversation with you in the near future about changing from this medication and it would be helpful if you have read this information in preparation for that call.
Why are we asking for your assistance?
It will come as no surprise that NHS resources are tighter than ever and everyone working within the NHS must do all we can to make the best use of them. One of your medicines, Edoxaban, has been prescribed for your Atrial Fibrillation (AF) to reduce your risk of stroke.
NHS England and Herefordshire & Worcestershire ICB guidelines now recommend Apixaban or Rivaroxaban as first-line options. These medicines are in the same class as Edoxaban, work in the same way and are just as safe and effective. However, their recent reduction in price means they help the NHS provide care more efficiently.
Edoxaban
£49.00
Cost per month:
Apixaban
£1.18
Rivaroxaban
£1.59
Please be assured that our local cardiologists are fully aware of this change and support it. Any transition will be carefully managed to ensure your safety and ongoing care.
Why are we switching back from Edoxaban?
When Edoxaban was introduced a few years ago it represented the best value for the NHS at the time. This is no longer the case, and alternative preparations could represent as much as a 90% cost saving.
Additionally, although serious bleeding is uncommon, we generally prefer these alternatives because there is a licensed treatment that can reverse their effect quickly if needed. This can help hospital teams manage emergencies more easily. Edoxaban does not currently have an approved reversal treatment.
What does this mean in real terms?
To put this into context for you, it could mean saving as much as £2 MILLION across Herefordshire and Worcestershire alone.
That’s funding that could be redeployed across YOUR part of the country to help to fund essential medical care, treatment and support.
How would I switch?
The switch is easy.
You can change to either Apixaban or Rivaroxaban.
Apixaban is taken twice a day, about 12 hours apart. It doesn’t need to be taken with food, so it can easily fit around your routine.
Rivaroxaban is taken once a day, but it must be taken with a full meal to make sure it works properly.
To make the switch, just finish your last Edoxaban tablet on your chosen day and start the new medication the next day. You can also use up any remaining Edoxaban tablets first to avoid waste.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, both new medicines can be crushed and mixed with a little water or apple sauce.
How do I let you know if I am happy to switch?
If you are receiving a text for this, there should be a booking link to book an appointment with one of our clinicians to discuss this. If not, please contact our practice to make an appointment with our Clinical Pharmacist.
What if I have further questions?
Please contact our practice to make an appointment with our Clinical Pharmacist.
I’d like to read up on the medicine options beforehand…
The links to each patient leaflet are here:
What if I’m not happy to switch?
We hope we’ve given you reassurance here that the switch really is easy, and you’d be happy to help with our efforts to support your local NHS, but if you are absolutely against the change, you can let us know in writing either through post or email, addressing to Clinical Pharmacist Team.