Dabigatran etexilate in people with atrial fibrillation: Has some benefits over warfarin, but evidence on long term efficacy and safety is lacking.

The authors consider the findings of randomized controlled trials on the benefits of dabigatran etexilate, an oral prodrug, in patients with atrial fibrillation. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in Great Britain is briefly cited. Particular reference is given to the 2009 Randomized Evaluation of Long Term Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY) trial. Identified side effects of dabigatran etexilate at increased dosage included gastrointestinal bleeding and myocardial infarction. The authors argue that the question of safety and efficacy is still unanswered.