Dabigatran etexilate for preventing stroke and systemic embolism in atrial fibrillation

Compared with warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, dabigatran at a dose of 150 mg twice daily is more effective for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism with a similar risk of major bleeding, and at a dose of 110 mg twice daily has similar effectiveness with less major bleeding. The TGA recommends use of the higher dose except in patients aged over 75 years or with a high bleeding risk or with moderate renal impairment, where they suggest the lower dose should be used.